The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI)

The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) is a non-profit think tank with a libertarian perspective, established by political author Fred L. Smith Jr. on March 9, 1984, in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to promote the ideas of limited government, free markets, and personal freedom. CEI addresses various regulatory issues such as business and finance, labor, technology and telecommunications, transportation, food and drug policies, as well as energy and environmental matters, where they have been known to question climate change. Currently, Kent Lassman serves as the President and CEO. In the 2017 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report from the University of Pennsylvania, CEI was ranked 59th out of 90 in the "Top Think Tanks in the United States."

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The week in regulations: FAA ethics and Postal Service justice

5 days ago | cei.org | Ryan Young

Social Security will go bust in 2033. War with Iran is a real possibility. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, as expected. It is still unclear if REINS Act-style reforms will make it into the final reconciliation bill. Agencies issued new regulations ranging from biofuel requirements to horse imports. On to the data:Agencies issued 43 final regulations last week, after 48 the previous week. That’s the equivalent of a new regulation every three hours and 54 minutes.
Fed keeps interest rates steady, uncertainty over tariffs still looms: CEI analysis

1 week ago | cei.org | Ryan Young

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates steady in its goal to lower overall inflation. While there have been fewer shakeups in the financial sector than previously expected, upcoming deadlines for tariff promises and a dubious economy are keeping the Fed in an awkward position, CEI senior economist Ryan Young says. “As expected, the Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady.
GENIUS Act needs free market fixes before it graduates to law

1 week ago | cei.org | John Berlau

Yesterday, the US Senate voted to approve a regulatory regime for stablecoins. This vote represents one of the most significant milestones for cryptocurrency since the pseudonymous author Satoshi Nakamoto penned his white paper announcing the creation of a new digital private currency called “Bitcoin” 16 years ago. By a vote of 68-30, the US Senate passed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act).
45Q tax credit could help kill off power plants and reliable electricity

1 week ago | cei.org | Daren Bakst |Ryan Smith

The 45Q tax credit serves as an incentive for power plants and industrial facilities to invest in carbon capture and sequestration/storage. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expanded the use of this credit. Sen.
The week in regulations: CAFE standards and Christmas tree promotions

1 week ago | cei.org | Ryan Young

Israel launched a military strike against Iran. US Senator Alex Padilla was detained for trying to ask a question at a Department of Homeland Security press conference. President Trump kept China tariffs at 55 percent after striking an agreement with Xi Jinping. He also spent $45 million in taxpayer funds on a military parade for his birthday that damaged local roads and disrupted commutes. Agencies issued new regulations ranging from livestock relief to mobile radio spectrum.
Courts should allow CFPB to vacate case against small mortgage firm

2 weeks ago | cei.org | John Berlau

U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama on June 12 denied a request by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to vacate a Biden-era settlement against the Chicago-based mortgage finance firm Townstone Financial. The CFPB had accused Townstone of redlining and discrimination based on the comments of Townstone associates about neighborhood crime on the firm’s radio show and podcast, raising First Amendment and weaponization concerns.
CEI's The Surge: Clean Power Plan repeal, CRA resolutions and more

2 weeks ago | cei.org | Daren Bakst |Jacob Tomasulo

If you are interested in analysis and perspective on current energy and environmental issues, then we encourage you to subscribe to this new publication and special updates. Note: This version of The Surge was released to subscribers on June 13, 2025. Some minor edits have been made.
Consumer sentiment rebounds in first reading for June: CEI analysis

2 weeks ago | cei.org | Ryan Young

University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment report showed a rebound in its first reading for June, likely due to slower-growing inflation and a calmer-than-expected month for tariffs in May, CEI senior economist Ryan Young explains. “Consumer sentiment rebounded in June’s first preliminary reading. There was almost nowhere for sentiments to go but up. April and May’s readings were tied for the second-lowest readings ever in the University of Michigan’s survey, going back to 1957.
EPA’s decision to allow California to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035 reversed after President Trump signs CRA resolution

2 weeks ago | cei.org | Daren Bakst |Marlo Lewis

California’s green light from the Environmental Protection Agency to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035 was revoked after Congress passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution and President Trump signed it into law today. Two related resolutions were also signed into law. Director of CEI’s Center for Energy and Environment Daren Bakst said:“The cars we drive make it possible to easily get to where we need to be, from visiting our family, going to work, to seeing the doctor.
CEI praises EPA Administrator for proposing the repeal of greenhouse gas rule and to amend mercury rule - Competitive Enterprise Institute

2 weeks ago | cei.org | Daren Bakst |Marlo Lewis

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin today announced the forthcoming proposed repeal of the Biden era Clean Power Plan 2.0 rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, along with a proposed repeal of amendments to the controversial 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Daren Bakst, director of CEI’s Center for Energy and Environment, praised both sensible, urgently needed reforms.