Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy Act of 2026

# Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy Act of 2026 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require federal agencies to adopt "zero-based regulatory budgeting"—a system where agencies must measure the total costs their regulations impose on the economy and stay within a set budget limit for those costs. Under this approach, agencies would need to eliminate or reduce existing regulations before adding new ones, similar to how a financial budget works. The bill specifically aims to apply this framework to energy-related regulations, with the stated goal of reducing regulatory burdens on the energy sector. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect federal agencies that oversee energy production and environmental rules, as well as energy companies and industries subject to these regulations.

Businesses in oil, gas, renewable energy, and related sectors would potentially benefit from reduced regulatory requirements. Environmental and public health regulations could be subject to cost-cutting under this system, since agencies would need to weigh compliance costs against their regulatory budgets. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. This means it remains in the early stages of consideration and would require committee approval and full House and Senate votes before it could become law.