Cutting Red Tape with Modern Science and Ensuring American Energy Competitiveness: CRF Weekly Update

The Center for Regulatory Freedom (CRF) took decisive action this week to ensure federal agencies are held accountable and that the United States maintains its competitive edge in the global economy. Through comments submitted to three federal agencies, the Center challenged regulators to abandon outdated assumptions in favor of policies that prioritize scientific integrity, fiscal discipline, and energy independence. These targeted filings underscore CRF’s dedication to dismantling barriers and securing a future where regulation serves as a catalyst for, rather than an obstacle to, American prosperity.

Comments filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding revisions to the HFC phasedown program argued that adjusting compliance deadlines alone leaves fundamental flaws unaddressed. The current framework remains tethered to the 2009 Endangerment Finding and static global-warming-potential metrics that no longer align with contemporary science or national priorities. The filing urged the EPA to conduct a comprehensive overhaul, producing rules that are scientifically updated, legally sound, and designed to avoid unnecessary harm to domestic manufacturing and consumer affordability.

The Center expressed strong support to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for its proposed adoption of zero-based regulatory budgeting. This proposal—a rare and welcome commitment to require every existing rule to justify its continued existence—promises to eliminate obsolete requirements that clog the system. By clearing away this regulatory sediment, the Commission can strengthen energy grid reliability, enhance market efficiency, and reduce costs for producers and consumers. This approach also makes room for technological advancement, restoring the transparency and accountability the American public deserves.

In response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) request for information on accelerating grid capacity, the filing emphasized the unprecedented increase in electricity demand driven by AI data centers, electric-vehicle infrastructure, industrial reshoring, and population growth. Aging infrastructure, protracted permitting timelines, and regulatory bias against dispatchable generation now jeopardize both economic growth and energy security. The comments called for prioritization of high-impact transmission and generation projects, streamlined yet rigorous reviews, market-aligned incentives, and meaningful respect for property rights and host communities.

The comments to the EPA, FERC, and DOE this week carry a unified message that the federal bureaucracy must answer to the American people through measurable results and fidelity to the law. By fighting for a regulatory environment that balances environmental stewardship with the economic reality, the Center for Regulatory Freedom is working to secure an environment where American industry can compete and win. CRF remains steadfast in its commitment to holding these federal agencies accountable, replacing reflexive government overreach with the reasoned, transparent governance necessary to sustain our nation’s energy abundance and economic competitiveness.