As the nation transitions to a new administration under President Trump, the regulatory landscape is undergoing immediate changes.
Executive order: Regulatory freeze
On his first day in office, President Trump signed an Executive Order halting the issuance, publication, and implementation of new or pending rules across executive departments and agencies. This freeze ensures that any new regulations are reviewed and approved by presidentially appointed or designated leaders, with exceptions for emergencies and statutory or judicial deadlines. The order also permits a 60-day postponement of recently published rules to allow for a thorough review of questions of fact, law, and policy under the oversight of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
This action mirrors ACCA’s earlier request to the Biden administration following the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision, where we urged a comprehensive review of pending regulations to address inconsistencies and ensure alignment with industry realities.
Executive order: Consumer choice
In addition to the regulatory freeze, President Trump issued the Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, setting a clear policy direction for federal agencies. This order emphasizes safeguarding the American people’s freedom to choose from a wide variety of goods and appliances, including lightbulbs, dishwashers, washing machines, gas stoves, water heaters, toilets, and showerheads. It directs all agency heads to review existing regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, settlements, consent orders, and any other actions inconsistent with this policy, explicitly including restrictions on consumer choice for vehicles and appliances.
Inauguration signals potential new rollbacks to come
These directives represent a significant departure from the restrictive regulatory environment of recent years, offering potential relief to contractors and consumers facing burdensome product standards. For HVACR professionals, the newfound emphasis on consumer choice aligns with ACCA’s long-standing advocacy for practical, performance-based standards that do not limit market innovation or accessibility.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has already withdrawn its proposed consumer boiler rule and fan and blower rule, which would have raised the price and limited the availability of important system components. These withdrawals occurred before the inauguration and subsequent issuance of executive orders. Both withdrawals explicitly cite the incoming administration as a primary reason.
Regulations will not be halted immediately. For instance, a recently finalized rule banning non-condensing instantaneous gas water heaters remains in effect for now. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) has introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to block the rule, with a Senate version expected soon. ACCA will issue an action alert urging members to contact their legislators to support this effort.
While the inauguration marks the beginning of new leadership, it also signals the possibility of regulatory rollbacks or reforms. ACCA is monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that reflect contractors’ operational realities and best interests.
ACCA continues advancing contractor interests
Stay tuned for updates as the regulatory landscape evolves. ACCA remains committed to keeping contractors informed and ensuring their voices are heard. If you have feedback or concerns about current or proposed regulations, now is the time to engage. You can contact ACCA’s government relations team at govt@acca.org for guidance on how you can participate in shaping the policies that impact your business.
You can also join us for ACCA’s Town Hall during ACCA 2025 at Kalahari Resort in Greater Austin, TX, on March 27, from 7:30-9:30 AM, where we will provide contractors with a government relations update and allow members to weigh in to help shape our priorities for the 119th Congress. Click here to register.
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