Summary

Summary of Executive Order: Regulatory Freeze Pending Review

Purpose

The executive order institutes a temporary freeze on the proposal and issuance of new rules by executive departments and agencies. Its aim is to ensure that all rules are reviewed and approved by leadership appointed after January 20, 2025.

Actions Taken

1. Rule Proposal Suspension: No new rules may be proposed or issued until review and approval from a new department or agency head.
2. Withdrawal of Unpublished Rules: Any rules sent to the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) but not yet published will be withdrawn for review.
3. Postponement of Effective Dates: The effective dates of published rules may be postponed for 60 days to reassess their implications. During this period, a comment period may be opened for public input.
4. Further Review Process: Following the 60-day delay, rules that raise substantial questions will be subject to further action and consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director.
5. Compliance with Existing Orders: Agencies must comply with pre-existing executive orders regarding regulatory management.

Expected Impact

• The order is designed to ensure thorough evaluation of regulations to address potential concerns regarding their legal, factual, and policy implications.
• It seeks to enhance the accountability of regulatory processes by involving new leadership in decision-making.
• The OMB Director will oversee implementation and may modify the order as necessary to address prior actions that conflict with its objectives.

This approach aims to streamline regulatory processes and ensure that new policies align with the current administration's priorities.