Economic Policy and Regulation: A Comprehensive Look
Introduction
Economic policy and regulation play a critical role in shaping the economic landscape of a country. In this article, we will explore the role of economic policy and regulation in the United States, focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new heavy-duty tailpipe emissions rule and the City of Yes proposal to overhaul zoning regulations. We will also discuss the housing affordability crisis and the Atlanta Fed's perspective on housing policy experiments.
Economic Policy and Regulation: A Comprehensive Look
Economic Policy
Economic policy refers to the actions taken by governments to influence the economy. These actions can include fiscal policy, monetary policy, and regulatory policy. Fiscal policy involves the use of government spending and taxation to influence economic activity. Monetary policy involves the use of interest rates and other tools to influence the money supply and economic activity. Regulatory policy involves the use of laws and regulations to influence the behavior of businesses and individuals.
Economic Regulation
Economic regulation refers to the use of laws and regulations to influence the behavior of businesses and individuals. Regulations can be designed to protect consumers, the environment, or promote competition. Regulations can also be used to address market failures, such as externalities or market power.
EPA's New Heavy-Duty Tailpipe Emissions Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new heavy-duty tailpipe emissions rule is unrealistic and unfeasible, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The rule, proposed in April 2023, is part of the "Clean Trucks Plan" unveiled in 2023, which includes light-duty tailpipe and nitrogen oxide rules. The rule is part of a broader regulatory program to stem greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles such as delivery trucks, long-haulers, and buses. The NAM argues that the rule fails to reconcile with the realities of current U.S. infrastructure and that Congress must reform the broken U.S. permitting system to build the electric vehicle charging station infrastructure required to implement a rule of this magnitude.
City of Yes Proposal to Overhaul Zoning Regulations
The City of Yes proposal aims to boost business and job growth by overhauling zoning regulations. The proposal includes allowing bodegas and other businesses to open on residential corners, and barber shops, pharmacies, ad agencies, and other lines of work on the upper floors of mixed-use buildings above apartments with separate entrances. Some council members are concerned that the plan would let more illegal marijuana businesses and other rogue shops pop up, and that the city doesn't have enough staff to enforce the new rules. The proposal would also neuter the power and influence council members have over which new venues come to their neighborhoods, and would leave final say on zoning issues with the city's Planning Commission, whose members are predominantly appointed by the mayor. The proposal includes supporting NYC's nightlife by eliminating rules now prohibiting live music, dancing, and comedy acts in restaurants and other commercial venues that serve less than 200 people, allowing "clean manufacturing" businesses like breweries and 3-D printers to operate in commercial districts, and clearing red tape for life-science labs to open and expand on university and hospital campuses.
Housing Affordability Crisis and Atlanta Fed's Perspective
The housing affordability crisis has no easy solutions, according to Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic. He spoke at Tulane University in New Orleans and pointed out that housing is foundational to family well-being and security, and that good housing contributes to better outcomes in other areas such as education and employment. He also noted that racial disparities in the ability to tap housing equity are critical for any policies meant to advance economic mobility and resilience. He pointed out that the nationwide median income for a household is about $75,000 a year, and Americans must spend 41% of that amount to own a median-priced home, which costs about $359,000. In some communities, the percentage is even higher. He also mentioned that the issue takes on a different cast in rural areas. Despite the gloomy statistics, Bostic expressed some optimism when discussing housing policy experiments, pointing to efforts to relax zoning rules in Florida and Minnesota. Other hopeful signs include the promotion of manufactured and prefabricated homes to boost supply, while market forces are also boosting production. He also highlighted data that show land-use regulation overall has been getting stricter, and that could offer a clue to the housing crisis. He also mentioned that the affordability crisis is a "vexing, incredibly complex puzzle" that defies easy solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, economic policy and regulation play a critical role in shaping the economic landscape of a country. The EPA's new heavy-duty tailpipe emissions rule is unrealistic and unfeasible, according to the NAM, while the City of Yes proposal to overhaul zoning regulations aims to boost business and job growth. The housing affordability crisis has no easy solutions, according to Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, who pointed out that housing is foundational to family well-being and security. The affordability crisis is a "vexing, incredibly complex puzzle" that defies easy solutions, but there are some hopeful signs, such as efforts to relax zoning rules in Florida and Minnesota, and the promotion of manufactured and prefabricated homes to boost supply.