Trump restricts agencies’ authority – Environmental and Energy News by a political publication
President Donald Trump has unveiled a bold move to increase White House control over independent agencies, sparking concerns from critics who see this as an alarming power grab. The president signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at reining in independent regulatory agencies, stating that these agencies wield significant executive authority without adequate accountability to the President.
The executive order appears to target independent agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, which were initially designed to operate with more independence than Cabinet-level departments. The White House articulated its concerns about the lack of presidential oversight for these agencies in an issued fact sheet.
The impact of this order will extend beyond just a few agencies, potentially shaking up the power structure within the executive branch and placing more authority within the White House and alongside the Justice Department led by Attorney General Pam Bondi. All executive departments and agencies, including those categorized as “independent agencies,” are now required to submit proposed and final regulations to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review before publication.
Furthermore, Trump instructed the head of the White House budget office to establish performance standards for the leaders of independent agencies and to conduct regular spending reviews to ensure alignment with White House priorities. The order also mandates the establishment of a “White House liaison” position within independent regulatory agencies to enhance communication.
According to the White House, this move will empower voters and the President to hold all federal agencies accountable for their decisions as stipulated by the Constitution. By consolidating regulatory power in the White House, significant implications are expected for energy and environmental policies handled by independent agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Critics, such as Dan Farber, the faculty director of the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment at the University of California, Berkeley, suggest that the order effectively gives the White House veto power over agency actions. This unprecedented step challenges the traditional independence of regulatory agencies, raising concerns among experts like Jenny Mattingly from the Partnership for Public Service.
Public Citizen Co-President Robert Weissman strongly criticized the order, labeling it a “Trumpian power grab.” Weissman cautioned that the newfound dependence of independent agencies on the White House and corporate interests could compromise their ability to fulfill their duties without undue political influence.
In summary, Trump’s executive order to tighten control over independent agencies has drawn both support and criticism, promising to reshape the regulatory landscape within the federal government. The implications of this move are far-reaching and have sparked a debate about the balance between agency independence and presidential oversight.
