The Obama-era net neutrality regulations governing the internet are no more. On June 11, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Restoring Internet Freedom Order took effect. The FCC’s press release stated that the order provides a framework for protecting an open internet while paving the way for better, faster and cheaper internet access for consumers. It replaces unnecessary regulations with strong consumer protections, increased transparency and common-sense rules that will promote investment and broadband deployment. Net neutrality had changed how government treated broadband service and gave the FCC increased controls over internet service providers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to announce that the agency is soliciting public input on whether and how to change the way it considers costs and benefits in making regulatory decisions.

This has the potential to provide more regulatory certainty while considering real costs and benefits to public health and the environment. It isn’t deregulation as some groups are referring to it – it is re-regulation. It is a preliminary step towards revamping how things are reviewed and regulated.

Resource: Greg Ellis at (317) 264-6881 or email: gellis@indianachamber.com