John Thune on Republican Efforts to Roll Back Biden-Era Environmental Regulations

Reversing Biden's Environmental Policies

• 🎯 Republican majorities in Congress are actively working to provide relief from what they describe as "burdensome" regulations imposed during the Biden administration, particularly concerning energy.
• ⚡ The EPA has announced 31 significant deregulatory actions, including addressing the "Good Neighbor Rule" and "Clean Power Plan 2.0," which were seen as forcing the closure of fossil fuel power plants.
• 💧 Efforts are underway to revise the Obama-era "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule, which would have given the federal government broad jurisdiction over private property water features, with a commitment to consulting stakeholders.

Electric Vehicle Mandate and Energy Security

• 🚗 The Biden administration's electric vehicle mandate is being terminated, as it was viewed as unwelcome, unworkable, and unaffordable, threatening to strain the existing power grid.
• 💡 The elimination of this mandate is seen as welcome news, especially for residents in areas like South Dakota, concerned about choice and the suitability of EVs for long distances and cold climates.
• 📉 The administration's previous actions, such as restricting oil and gas development and threatening power plant closures, are criticized for putting energy security on a dangerous trajectory.

Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolutions

• 📜 Republican majorities in the House and Senate are using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to rescind energy regulations.
• 🚢 President Trump has signed two CRA resolutions into law, one targeting a marine archaeology rule affecting offshore energy development and another stopping a tax on natural gas.
• 🧊 The Senate passed a CRA resolution to block a Biden-era regulation on walk-in freezers and coolers, which would have imposed additional costs on small businesses.
• ♨️ Another upcoming Senate vote is expected on a resolution to block a rule that would phase out certain gas water heaters by 2029, potentially increasing costs for homeowners and impacting manufacturing jobs.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

• 🏭 The impact of these regulations is felt across industries, affecting American workers, manufacturers, small business owners, farmers, and ranchers.
• 📈 Regulatory burdens can force smaller businesses to sell or close, and those that remain may need to raise prices, ultimately leading to higher costs for consumers through utility bills and everyday goods.
• ✅ Republicans are committed to continuing efforts to eliminate these and other regulatory burdens to deliver regulatory relief for the American people.