Trump Signs Executive Orders to Reduce Regulatory Impact, Boost Economic Growth

President Donald Trump signed a trio of new executive actions on May 9, 2025, aimed at reducing the impact of regulations. These actions are part of a broader White House initiative to spur economic growth. The executive orders include a mandate for the government to list potential regulatory violations that could lead to criminal offenses, along with the associated penalties. This move is intended to prevent the criminal prosecution of individuals for unknowingly violating federal regulations. Another executive action restores commercial fishing access to thousands of square miles off the New England coast, reversing restrictions set during the Obama and Biden administrations. This change is expected to benefit Maine lobstermen, whom Trump has argued were unfairly disadvantaged. The third action addresses water pressure and efficiency standards, targeting regulations on low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Trump has long criticized these standards for reducing product efficacy. Additionally, a memo was issued to consider the repeal or revision of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.