#NeverNeeded Regulation Report: Lift Regulations that Make Energy More Expensive
Lower-income households spend more of their budget on energy costs than more affluent ones, which is why regulations that increase the cost of energy have a particularly harsh effect on the most vulnerable. In a new CEI report out today, senior fellow Marlo Lewis makes the case that federal and state regulations that make energy more expensive should be rescinded or, at a minimum, be suspended during the crisis.
While energy prices are very low today, Lewis points out the reason is the collapse of demand as a result of the stay at home orders issued in response to the COVID-19 crisis, rather than policies that expand energy production.
“It is critical that when America is ready to go back to work, government policies do not impose new regulatory and tax burdens on energy sources Americans rely on every day,” said Lewis. “Onerous regulations should be repealed at the federal, state and local levels to ensure the most vulnerable Americans do not face higher energy costs at a time when they can least afford it.”
Recommendations include:
- Lifting federal, state and local regulatory obstacles to energy infrastructure projects
- Do not renew or expand tax subsidies for any type of energy production or use
- End or pre-empt shale fracking bans and natural gas pipeline restrictions
- End state-level energy mandates
View the report: Lift #NeverNeeded Regulations that Make Energy More Expensive