The American Action Forum reports that regulations imposed under the Obama administration cost the U.S. economy $181.5 billion in 2014, a year-over-year increase of nearly $70 million. Significant as that figure is, it likely pales in comparison to this year’s burden. Hundreds of new regulations have been added to the books during just the first week of 2015. The Daily Caller reports, “This year is already seeing a wave of new regulations being published in the Federal Register as the Obama administration unveils 300 new rules in the first seven days of 2015, according to federal data.” Keep in mind we’re still awaiting what is likely to be the staple of regulatory diktats: Forthcoming EPA carbon emissions rules set for release this summer. Suffice to say, overhauling the EPA is more important now than ever. (Are you listing, Republican lawmakers?) Strong, healthy economic growth comes from thoughtful deregulation, not a plethora of more ill-conceived rules. And with Democrats now the minority, it is increasingly up to the EPA to do their bidding. More…