Discussion on Regulatory Reform and the American Dream

On Thursday, business analysts gathered in Washington at the Waldorf Astoria to delve into the potential of cutting red tape to help realize the American dream. The event was hosted by Daily Caller, featuring American Commitment President Phil Kerpen and SEMA’s Senior VP of Public and Government Affairs, Karen Bailey-Chapman, alongside Ashley Brasfield from the Daily Caller.

During the discussion, Bailey-Chapman emphasized the significant role regulatory reform has played in the automotive sector, praising EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for his contributions. “What Administrator Zeldin has accomplished at the EPA has been remarkable for our industry,” she remarked. “Building a business requires certainty, not hopes or theoreticals.” She noted that recent shifts in Washington have potentially made businesses more vulnerable to enforcement pressures.

Kerpen pointed out that the landscape of regulatory reform transformed greatly when President Trump started his second term. “We shifted from a highly regulatory environment to one focused on deregulation,” he said. He noted how previous expectations regarding regulations under the Obama administration were short-lived as the Biden administration implemented even more costly regulations.

According to a 2025 report from the American Action Forum, the EPA during the Biden era added over $1.3 trillion in regulatory costs, including significant expenses from new Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards, estimated at around $870 billion. Kerpen described the EV mandate as “the single most costly regulation in world history.”

Bailey-Chapman further discussed how certain regulations can severely impact businesses within the automotive industry. “We’re seeing copycat products imported from overseas that sidestep the rigorous compliance our members must follow,” she explained. “Just one of these imitation products can lead to a loss of $12 million in revenue on just one retail platform in the U.S.”

Kerpen added that despite a longstanding agreement on the necessity for permitting reform, nothing substantial had been achieved. He voiced concerns over the tariffs from the Trump administration, which could disproportionately affect the automotive sector. While acknowledging that SEMA members understand the rationale behind the tariffs, Bailey-Chapman stressed that they require support to transition their manufacturing back to the U.S.

“They need assistance, whether that means funding for equipment or ensuring their tools aren’t subject to tariffs, which can double costs,” she elaborated, stressing that some relief in domestic steel and aluminum prices is essential.

Kerpen remarked on the importance of grasping the president’s strategic aims, suggesting that it’s key to allow some flexibility to see developments unfold. “He has secured significant concessions aimed at better policy,” he noted.

The panelists expressed a hopeful outlook regarding future deregulation. Kerpen cited optimism in the sphere of financial deregulation and mentioned that reducing regulations at the FDA could have substantial benefits, both financially and in terms of public health. Bailey-Chapman echoed this sentiment, indicating there are reasons to feel encouraged.

“America is built on ingenuity and innovation; we always find a way,” she stated. “If the government allows us the freedom to pursue that, it’s undoubtedly beneficial for our country.”

Bailey-Chapman also pointed out a disconnect within the automotive sector, noting that the American consumer ultimately influences industry decisions. “When you mandate behavior, people often resist,” she added.