Justice Dept. and NEC Launch Review of State Laws Affecting Interstate Commerce

The U.S. Department of Justice and the White House National Economic Council on 15 August launched a joint review of state laws they say “significantly and adversely affect the national economy or interstate economic activity.” In a statement, the agencies said they will solicit public comments to identify regulations, causes of action and other state-level practices that raise nationwide costs or disrupt markets across state lines. The initiative expands President Donald Trump’s deregulatory agenda, outlined in Executive Orders 14192, 14219 and 14260, which direct federal agencies to ease burdens on businesses and consumers. Justice Department officials cited recent litigation against California over its egg and poultry standards as an example of state rules that can drive up prices beyond a single state’s borders. Interested parties have 30 days to submit comments through Regulations.gov, with the docket closing on Sept. 15. The responses will help the administration determine whether to pursue litigation, federal pre-emption or new legislation to curb state measures deemed harmful to interstate commerce.