Rebuild the Regulatory System

Our regulatory systems are underfunded, and the regulators are outnumbered by those protecting the industries that have a stranglehold on consumer spending and activity. Thus, we’re left with inefficient systems protecting workers and families.

To fix this, we must reinvest in fair, efficient enforcement to prevent monopolies from suppressing innovation and competition, and instead provide security and resilience for individuals and small companies.

Amazon and Facebook, two companies on the DOJ and FTC’s beat, spent roughly $18 million and $20 million, respectively, on lobbying in 2020. Amazon has been increasing its spending in this category at a rapid pace—it’s up 460% since 2012. Amazon has more full-time lobbyists than there are sitting U.S. senators.

It’s not just Big Tech. Big Oil spends millions of dollars to slap green paint over the climate implications of its practices. BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell have collectively spent $374.7 million on federal lobbying since 2011. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement funding and head count have been in decline since 2006. We must reinvest in regulatory bodies, not least those that protect our shared environment.

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EPA Enforcement Budget and Staffing

Source: EPA.