Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Pushes the Reset Button on America’s Energy Regulations

4/9/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Zero-Based Regulation: Executive Order mandates automatic rescission of outdated energy regulations, requiring a one‐year expiration date for existing rules set to expire no later than September 30, 2026, unless extended if they affirmatively serve American interests.
Modernization of Energy Policy: Aimed at ending reliance on outdated regulations from the 1970s and Carter Administration to unlock American energy innovation and production.
Future Regulation Framework: Future energy regulations will include a five‐year expiration date unless they are expressly deregulatory, ensuring periodic review and update in line with modern technology and needs, with permitting regimes exempted for long-term projects.
Bureaucratic Rewiring: The Order leverages zero-based regulation to force agencies to reexamine and justify every regulation for current relevance, thereby promoting deregulation, free markets, and accountability to the American people.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s focus on deregulation could lead to significant changes in the energy sector, potentially impacting research and development initiatives at Vanderbilt University that rely on current regulatory frameworks.
There is a risk that the automatic expiration of energy regulations could create uncertainty in the energy market, affecting partnerships and collaborations with energy companies and research institutions.
The emphasis on deregulation may lead to environmental concerns, which could impact Vanderbilt’s sustainability initiatives and its reputation as a leader in environmental research.
Vanderbilt may need to adapt its research focus to align with the new regulatory landscape, potentially shifting resources towards innovation in energy production and technology.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may need to adjust its research priorities to focus on energy innovation and technology development in response to the deregulation of the energy sector.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could see changes in funding opportunities and research directions, as the regulatory landscape shifts towards deregulation and innovation.
Environmental Science and Policy Programs at Vanderbilt may need to address the potential environmental impacts of deregulation, providing expertise and research to inform policy decisions.
The Office of Research might need to explore new partnerships and funding sources to support energy-related research in a deregulated environment.

Financial Impact

The deregulation of the energy sector could lead to changes in funding opportunities for energy research, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
Vanderbilt University may experience shifts in its research funding landscape, particularly if federal grants prioritize energy innovation and deregulation.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in energy technology and innovation, particularly through collaborations with industry partners and federal agencies.
The potential environmental impacts of deregulation could affect Vanderbilt’s sustainability initiatives, potentially requiring additional resources to address these challenges.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Energy and Environmental Policy Program should closely monitor the changes in energy regulations and assess how these might impact research funding and partnerships. By staying informed, the program can adapt its research focus to align with new regulatory landscapes and potentially secure new funding opportunities.
The Office of Federal Relations should engage with federal agencies to understand the implications of the zero-based regulation approach. This engagement can help Vanderbilt anticipate changes and position itself to influence policy discussions, ensuring that the university’s interests are represented.
Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center should explore opportunities to collaborate with energy companies and startups that may benefit from deregulation. By fostering partnerships, the center can enhance its role in driving energy innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the broader impacts of deregulation on energy policy and innovation. This research can provide valuable insights into how these changes affect the energy sector and inform Vanderbilt’s strategic planning.
Vanderbilt’s Sustainability and Environmental Management Office should evaluate the potential environmental impacts of deregulation and develop strategies to mitigate any negative effects. This proactive approach will ensure that the university remains committed to sustainability while navigating regulatory changes.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Engineering School to expand its research and development in energy technologies. By leveraging its expertise, the school can contribute to the advancement of innovative energy solutions and potentially influence national energy policy.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the deregulation focus by developing new programs and partnerships with energy companies. This could include joint research initiatives, student internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the energy sector.
The emphasis on modernizing energy regulations offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the school can influence how these regulations are shaped and implemented.
The order’s focus on innovation aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to research and development. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for energy startups, enhancing their growth and success.
By engaging with the broader energy community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on energy reform. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of energy deregulation can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative energy thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on energy research and partnerships.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

Existing Energy Regulations: Agencies must insert a one-year expiration date into current regulations, with the directive stating that if not extended, these regulations will automatically expire no later than September 30, 2026.
Future Energy Regulations: Agencies are required to include a five-year expiration date in any new regulation unless the regulation is explicitly deregulatory; otherwise, the regulation expires five years after enactment.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Energy Regulatory Agencies and Their Subagencies: The Executive Order directs ten agencies and their subagencies, which are responsible for the creation, implementation, and revision of energy regulations, to incorporate one-year and five-year expiration dates on both existing and future energy regulations.

Relevance Score: 3 (Six to ten agencies are directly affected by this action.)

Responsible Officials

Heads of the Designated Agencies and Subagencies – These agency leaders are responsible for inserting one-year expiration dates into existing energy regulations and incorporating five-year expiration dates in future energy regulations, as mandated by the Executive Order.

Relevance Score: 4 (This order directs agency heads, ensuring top-level leadership oversight in implementing critical regulatory adjustments.)