EPA ramps up enforcement with 1,800 cases concluded this year

In early December 2024, the Biden administration achieved a significant milestone by filling the Federal Register with 96,088 pages of regulations, surpassing the previous record of 95,894 pages set by President Barack Obama in 2016. This record-setting figure highlights an ongoing trend of regulatory expansion under the Biden administration, as it is on track to exceed 100,000 pages by the end of its term. Observers note that such page counts, while not perfect indicators of the regulatory burden, illustrate the increasing involvement of the federal government in regulatory affairs. The Competitive Enterprise Institute emphasized that the extensive volume of regulations signifies an amplified reach of federal interventions in the economy, suggesting a departure from deregulation ideals favored by previous administrations. Concurrently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported increases in enforcement actions, including settlements resulting in substantial pollution reductions and penalties against polluters. Notably, the agency highlighted an unprecedented arrest related to climate change violations, marking a shift in how environmental crimes are prosecuted. As the Biden administration approaches its conclusion, the regulatory landscape continues to evolve and reflects a broader strategy emphasizing environmental justice and compliance, contrasting sharply with the deregulatory agendas of past administrations, specifically that of Donald Trump, who had implemented policies focused on reducing regulations during his term.