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Manhattan Institute Issues Commentary to New York Post: Mamdani's AC Warning Revealed That N.Y.'s Power Grid Is in Big Trouble - and It's a Problem He Helped Cause
NEW YORK, July 9 -- The Manhattan Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 8, 2026, by fellow Ken Girardin to the New York Post:
* * *
Mamdani's AC Warning Revealed That N.Y.'s Power Grid Is in Big Trouble - and It's a Problem He Helped Cause
As temperatures hit 100 degrees last week, New York City's unconventional mayor did something pretty conventional: He urged people to use less electricity.
But when Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees (a past practice of both Democrats and Republicans alike), he revealed something far ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, July 9 -- The Manhattan Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 8, 2026, by fellow Ken Girardin to the New York Post: * * * Mamdani's AC Warning Revealed That N.Y.'s Power Grid Is in Big Trouble - and It's a Problem He Helped Cause As temperatures hit 100 degrees last week, New York City's unconventional mayor did something pretty conventional: He urged people to use less electricity. But when Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees (a past practice of both Democrats and Republicans alike), he revealed something farmore harmful than the heat index: how much Albany's policies have driven New York City's power grid to the point of collapse.
Several factors are at play every summer.
About 90% of homes today have air conditioning; as recently as the 1980s, most didn't.
Portions of the electric system are extremely old by national standards, and the sheer physics of generating and distributing the appropriate voltage and amperage to every corner of such a dense and diverse cityscape borders on the miraculous.
Continue reading the entire piece here at the New York Post (https://nypost.com/2026/07/08/opinion/mamdanis-ac-warning-accidentally-revealed-a-problem-he-helped-cause)
* * *
Ken Girardin is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute.
* * *
Original text here: https://manhattan.institute/article/mamdanis-ac-warning-revealed-that-nys-power-grid-is-in-big-trouble-and-its-a-problem-he-helped-cause
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Mamdani's AC Warning Revealed That N.Y.'s Power Grid Is in Big Trouble - and It's a Problem He Helped Cause
As temperatures hit 100 degrees last week, New York City's unconventional mayor did something pretty conventional: He urged people to use less electricity.
But when Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees (a past practice of both Democrats and Republicans alike), he revealed something far ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, July 9 -- The Manhattan Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 8, 2026, by fellow Ken Girardin to the New York Post: * * * Mamdani's AC Warning Revealed That N.Y.'s Power Grid Is in Big Trouble - and It's a Problem He Helped Cause As temperatures hit 100 degrees last week, New York City's unconventional mayor did something pretty conventional: He urged people to use less electricity. But when Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees (a past practice of both Democrats and Republicans alike), he revealed something farmore harmful than the heat index: how much Albany's policies have driven New York City's power grid to the point of collapse.
Several factors are at play every summer.
About 90% of homes today have air conditioning; as recently as the 1980s, most didn't.
Portions of the electric system are extremely old by national standards, and the sheer physics of generating and distributing the appropriate voltage and amperage to every corner of such a dense and diverse cityscape borders on the miraculous.
Continue reading the entire piece here at the New York Post (https://nypost.com/2026/07/08/opinion/mamdanis-ac-warning-accidentally-revealed-a-problem-he-helped-cause)
* * *
Ken Girardin is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute.
* * *
Original text here: https://manhattan.institute/article/mamdanis-ac-warning-revealed-that-nys-power-grid-is-in-big-trouble-and-its-a-problem-he-helped-cause
[Category: ThinkTank]
Manhattan Institute Issues Commentary to Bloomberg Opinion: Private Equity for Everyone Is Getting Out of Hand
NEW YORK, July 9 -- The Manhattan Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 7, 2026, by senior fellow Allison Schrager to Bloomberg Opinion:
* * *
Private Equity for Everyone Is Getting Out of Hand
Private equity may be our No. 1 economic boogeyman. It is blamed for rising real estate prices, poor medical care, and ruining many of the businesses we used to love. And yet it is also being mainstreamed as an asset class, with most everyone seemingly wanting a piece of the $7 trillion or so market that touches many of the goods and services we consume. The lure only grew stronger ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, July 9 -- The Manhattan Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 7, 2026, by senior fellow Allison Schrager to Bloomberg Opinion: * * * Private Equity for Everyone Is Getting Out of Hand Private equity may be our No. 1 economic boogeyman. It is blamed for rising real estate prices, poor medical care, and ruining many of the businesses we used to love. And yet it is also being mainstreamed as an asset class, with most everyone seemingly wanting a piece of the $7 trillion or so market that touches many of the goods and services we consume. The lure only grew strongerduring the initial public offering of SpaceX, which valued the company at $1.8 trillion and handed unimaginable wealth to private equity investors.
Although it's been said before, it's worth repeating: None of that means private equity should touch our portfolios despite the government's increasing efforts to add so-called alternative investments to the retirement accounts of Americans.
Private equity, which pools capital from institutions and wealthy individuals and deploys the money in non-public companies, plays an important role in the economy. It can be an invaluable source of financing for smaller firms looking to grow and bring better management practices to those that are troubled. It can even help make housing more affordable.
Continue reading the entire piece here at Bloomberg Opinion (https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-07-07/private-equity-is-still-too-risky-for-mainstream-investors?srnd=undefined)
* * *
Allison Schrager is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal.
* * *
Original text here: https://manhattan.institute/article/private-equity-for-everyone-is-getting-out-of-hand
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Private Equity for Everyone Is Getting Out of Hand
Private equity may be our No. 1 economic boogeyman. It is blamed for rising real estate prices, poor medical care, and ruining many of the businesses we used to love. And yet it is also being mainstreamed as an asset class, with most everyone seemingly wanting a piece of the $7 trillion or so market that touches many of the goods and services we consume. The lure only grew stronger ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, July 9 -- The Manhattan Institute issued the following excerpts of a commentary on July 7, 2026, by senior fellow Allison Schrager to Bloomberg Opinion: * * * Private Equity for Everyone Is Getting Out of Hand Private equity may be our No. 1 economic boogeyman. It is blamed for rising real estate prices, poor medical care, and ruining many of the businesses we used to love. And yet it is also being mainstreamed as an asset class, with most everyone seemingly wanting a piece of the $7 trillion or so market that touches many of the goods and services we consume. The lure only grew strongerduring the initial public offering of SpaceX, which valued the company at $1.8 trillion and handed unimaginable wealth to private equity investors.
Although it's been said before, it's worth repeating: None of that means private equity should touch our portfolios despite the government's increasing efforts to add so-called alternative investments to the retirement accounts of Americans.
Private equity, which pools capital from institutions and wealthy individuals and deploys the money in non-public companies, plays an important role in the economy. It can be an invaluable source of financing for smaller firms looking to grow and bring better management practices to those that are troubled. It can even help make housing more affordable.
Continue reading the entire piece here at Bloomberg Opinion (https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-07-07/private-equity-is-still-too-risky-for-mainstream-investors?srnd=undefined)
* * *
Allison Schrager is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal.
* * *
Original text here: https://manhattan.institute/article/private-equity-for-everyone-is-getting-out-of-hand
[Category: ThinkTank]
Ifo Institute: German Government Shifts Investments Between Debt Funds
MUNICH, Germany, July 9 -- ifo Institute issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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German Government Shifts Investments Between Debt Funds
The German government is shifting investments from the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK) to debt-financed spending under the sectoral exemption for defense spending.
Without this shift, the 10 percent investment ratio would not be met. That's according to an initial analysis of the federal budget presented by the Federal Ministry of Finance. "Overall, the government is not doing enough to cut back on non-priority ... Show Full Article MUNICH, Germany, July 9 -- ifo Institute issued the following news release on July 8, 2026: * * * German Government Shifts Investments Between Debt Funds The German government is shifting investments from the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK) to debt-financed spending under the sectoral exemption for defense spending. Without this shift, the 10 percent investment ratio would not be met. That's according to an initial analysis of the federal budget presented by the Federal Ministry of Finance. "Overall, the government is not doing enough to cut back on non-priorityspending and increase investment, which is why it has to resort to accounting tricks," says ifo President Clemens Fuest.
What is particularly striking for the ifo experts is the EUR 4.2 billion that were previously earmarked from the SVIK for road and rail construction. These funds are now being allocated to the budget for the Ministry of Defense. According to the draft budget, that means they fall under the "sectoral exemption for defense spending" and can therefore also be financed through debt.
The rationale given is that these are "defense-related transport investments." According to calculations by the ifo Institute, without this reclassification, the federal budget's investment ratio would be 9.9%, not 10.8% - as stated in the draft budget. "It is only thanks to these measures that the required investment ratio of 10% is being met in the core budget," says ifo researcher Emilie Hoslinger. "We therefore see other shifts that are intended to mask the fact that overall infrastructure investment is too low." The 10% investment ratio in the core budget is necessary to ensure that new debt is lawful under the SVIK.
ifo expert Max Lay explains why such shifts are possible in the first place: They stem from the way in which the federal government calculates the investment rate.
Normally, all investments are divided by all expenditure from the core budget. "However, that works differently for investments under the sectoral exemption: Although they are included in the investments, they do not appear in the total expenditure. This makes the ratio appear higher than it actually is - and makes it easier to reach the 10 percent target."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ifo.de/en/press-release/2026-07-08/german-government-shifts-investments-between-debt-funds
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
German Government Shifts Investments Between Debt Funds
The German government is shifting investments from the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK) to debt-financed spending under the sectoral exemption for defense spending.
Without this shift, the 10 percent investment ratio would not be met. That's according to an initial analysis of the federal budget presented by the Federal Ministry of Finance. "Overall, the government is not doing enough to cut back on non-priority ... Show Full Article MUNICH, Germany, July 9 -- ifo Institute issued the following news release on July 8, 2026: * * * German Government Shifts Investments Between Debt Funds The German government is shifting investments from the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK) to debt-financed spending under the sectoral exemption for defense spending. Without this shift, the 10 percent investment ratio would not be met. That's according to an initial analysis of the federal budget presented by the Federal Ministry of Finance. "Overall, the government is not doing enough to cut back on non-priorityspending and increase investment, which is why it has to resort to accounting tricks," says ifo President Clemens Fuest.
What is particularly striking for the ifo experts is the EUR 4.2 billion that were previously earmarked from the SVIK for road and rail construction. These funds are now being allocated to the budget for the Ministry of Defense. According to the draft budget, that means they fall under the "sectoral exemption for defense spending" and can therefore also be financed through debt.
The rationale given is that these are "defense-related transport investments." According to calculations by the ifo Institute, without this reclassification, the federal budget's investment ratio would be 9.9%, not 10.8% - as stated in the draft budget. "It is only thanks to these measures that the required investment ratio of 10% is being met in the core budget," says ifo researcher Emilie Hoslinger. "We therefore see other shifts that are intended to mask the fact that overall infrastructure investment is too low." The 10% investment ratio in the core budget is necessary to ensure that new debt is lawful under the SVIK.
ifo expert Max Lay explains why such shifts are possible in the first place: They stem from the way in which the federal government calculates the investment rate.
Normally, all investments are divided by all expenditure from the core budget. "However, that works differently for investments under the sectoral exemption: Although they are included in the investments, they do not appear in the total expenditure. This makes the ratio appear higher than it actually is - and makes it easier to reach the 10 percent target."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ifo.de/en/press-release/2026-07-08/german-government-shifts-investments-between-debt-funds
[Category: ThinkTank]
Hudson Institute Issues Commentary: Ukraine Military Situation Report on July 8, 2026
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Hudson Institute, a research organization that says it promotes leadership for a secure, free and prosperous future, issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by nonresident senior fellow Can Kasapoglu:
* * *
Ukraine Military Situation Report | July 8
Executive Summary
* Battlefield assessment. Ukraine's deep-strike campaign progressed after an attack on Russia's largest oil refinery that highlighted Kyiv's growing ability to reach strategic targets deep inside Russia.
* Ukrainian drones. Russia began placing anti-drone cages on its improved Kilo-class submarines, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Hudson Institute, a research organization that says it promotes leadership for a secure, free and prosperous future, issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by nonresident senior fellow Can Kasapoglu: * * * Ukraine Military Situation Report | July 8 Executive Summary * Battlefield assessment. Ukraine's deep-strike campaign progressed after an attack on Russia's largest oil refinery that highlighted Kyiv's growing ability to reach strategic targets deep inside Russia. * Ukrainian drones. Russia began placing anti-drone cages on its improved Kilo-class submarines,reflecting mounting pressure from Ukrainian naval drones and first-person view (FPV) launch platforms.
* Ukraine's missile-defense challenges. Russia maintained its offensive footing while exploiting critical gaps in Ukraine's ballistic-missile defenses, as Kyiv expressed a need for air-defense systems and interceptor missiles.
-
1. Battlefield Assessment
Ukraine's deep strikes reached a new level on July 6. Ukrainian long-range drones struck the Omsk oil refinery, the largest in Russia, in what Kyiv described as one of the farthest-reaching attacks of the war.
Ukraine's General Staff said the attack triggered a fire at the facility, located roughly 1,700 miles from Ukrainian-held territory near Russia's border with Kazakhstan. Fire Point, the Ukrainian defense technology company, stated that its upgraded FP-1 drones carried out the raid and described the attack as a record-setting strike for unmanned systems.
The growing reach of Ukraine's robotic-warfare capabilities is also reshaping the conflict's naval-warfare dimension. Imagery declassified and released by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence indicates that Russia has fitted the improved Kilo-class submarines of its Black Sea Fleet with anti-drone cages. These Kalibr cruise missile-capable submarines form the backbone of the fleet's long-range strike capacity in the Black Sea theater. The modification underscores how seriously Moscow views Ukraine's expanding drone warfare capabilities, particularly against high-value naval assets.
Ukraine has also adapted its signature naval drone, the Sea Baby. Kyiv has transformed the unmanned strike vessel, which helped push Russia's fleet out of the western Black Sea, into a maritime launch platform for FPV attack drones. These modifications extend Kyiv's strike options beyond the Black Sea littoral.
Built and operated by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Sea Baby can now carry six to eight FPV drones in side compartments that open during an attack. The modified vessel can also carry thermobaric Shmel rockets. Ukrainian officials are leveraging the craft's ability to operate closer to Russian military positions than land-based launchers. The concept reflects Ukraine's broader effort to adapt multiple platforms into FPV launch systems.
Despite these innovations, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation maintained an offensive footing in land warfare last week. Both Russia and Ukraine experienced elevated combat activity, even compared with the fierce fighting of recent weeks. The Ukrainian General Staff reported fighting as many as 300 tactical engagements in a single day for the first time in months.
Yet no major changes to the battlefield geometry occurred, and Sloviansk, Pokrovsk, Huliaipole, and Kostiantynivka remained the most prominent flashpoints. Additionally, Kupiansk, Kramatorsk, and Orikhiv saw fighting that warrants continued monitoring. Moscow also advanced claims, thus far exaggerated, that the Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka had fallen.
2. Ukraine's Struggles Deepen Against Russian Ballistic Missiles
Last week, Russia launched a strike package that exposed critical gaps in Ukraine's air defenses, especially against ballistic missiles. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, during the night of July 5-6, Russia launched 419 aerial weapons against Ukraine, including 68 missiles and 351 drones. The drone and missile salvo included 23 Iskander ballistic missiles, S-400 interceptors modified for quasi-ballistic missile roles, six Zircon/Onyx anti-ship missiles, 33 Kh-101 cruise missiles, and six Kalibr cruise missiles, alongside Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and decoy drones.
The city of Kyiv was the primary target of Russia's strikes. Ukraine's air defenses performed effectively against the lower and medium tiers of the attack, including cruise missiles and drones. However, Ukraine did not stop or intercept any ballistic missiles or anti-ship missiles launched in the attack.
Russia is increasingly shaping its deep-strike campaign around the segment of Ukraine's air-defense architecture with the thinnest margin for error: Patriot-class ballistic-missile interception. After Russia's attack on July 5-6, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesman stated that Ukraine lacked sufficient Patriot launchers and a steady supply of interceptors. The spokesman's words illustrate how Russia is exploiting a serious shortage both in Ukraine and across the allied inventory.
Last week's attack also highlighted a growing asymmetry between Ukraine's ability to defeat drones and cruise missiles and its ability to defeat ballistic and high-speed strike systems. Without sustained Patriot interceptor deliveries, Kyiv remains vulnerable to Russia's fastest and most destructive munitions.
Available data indicates that in 2024 Russia produced between 720 to 840 9M723 Iskander ballistic missiles and between 120 and 180 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. Ukrainian intelligence reporting suggests that Russia has scaled up production of both systems, which are among its most expensive ballistic missiles. Moscow has also converted increasing quantities of air-defense missiles for ground-attack use.
Ukrainian reporting identifies these converted systems as RM-48U variants. The Ukrainian Air Force classifies these projectiles as ballistic missiles because they follow a ballistic trajectory and travel at high speeds. The primary operational value of these modified missiles is likely their ability to saturate opposing defenses.
Whatever their use, the proliferation of low-cost, modified ballistic missiles marks a serious missile-defense dilemma for Kyiv. Even relatively inaccurate converted missiles can threaten cities and infrastructure. Defeating these projectiles requires the same high-end interceptors Ukraine has used against Russia's most dangerous ballistic missiles.
At his press conference before the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit this week in Ankara, Turkey, Secretary General Mark Rutte urged allies to sustain and expand their air-defense assistance to Ukraine. Rutte warned that Russia's continuing missile and drone campaigns have made interceptor supply a central test of allied resolve. He also further stressed that air defense remains Ukraine's most urgent military requirement, noting that Russia continues to launch drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities, including another major overnight strike on the eve of the summit.
The timing of this latest Russian strike reinforced the message that Ukrainian leaders have been trying to convey to NATO: Ukraine needs additional air-defense systems and a more reliable, deeper supply of interceptor missiles.
3. What to Look for in the Coming Weeks
NATO's 2026 summit, which convenes this week, is expected to focus on defense-industrial issues, with the alliance likely to announce new initiatives to sustain and expand military support for Ukraine. In the coming weeks, it will be important to monitor whether these announcements translate into concrete capability packages, particularly in areas where Kyiv has faced persistent shortfalls. Potential developments could include new arrangements related to Patriot interceptor transfers as well as movement on other high-end systems that Ukraine has long sought but not yet received.
* * *
At A Glance:
Can Kasapoglu is a nonresident senior fellow at Hudson Institute. His work at Hudson focuses on political-military affairs in the Middle East, North Africa, and former Soviet regions.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.hudson.org/national-security-defense/ukraine-military-situation-report-july-8-can-kasapoglu
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Ukraine Military Situation Report | July 8
Executive Summary
* Battlefield assessment. Ukraine's deep-strike campaign progressed after an attack on Russia's largest oil refinery that highlighted Kyiv's growing ability to reach strategic targets deep inside Russia.
* Ukrainian drones. Russia began placing anti-drone cages on its improved Kilo-class submarines, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Hudson Institute, a research organization that says it promotes leadership for a secure, free and prosperous future, issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by nonresident senior fellow Can Kasapoglu: * * * Ukraine Military Situation Report | July 8 Executive Summary * Battlefield assessment. Ukraine's deep-strike campaign progressed after an attack on Russia's largest oil refinery that highlighted Kyiv's growing ability to reach strategic targets deep inside Russia. * Ukrainian drones. Russia began placing anti-drone cages on its improved Kilo-class submarines,reflecting mounting pressure from Ukrainian naval drones and first-person view (FPV) launch platforms.
* Ukraine's missile-defense challenges. Russia maintained its offensive footing while exploiting critical gaps in Ukraine's ballistic-missile defenses, as Kyiv expressed a need for air-defense systems and interceptor missiles.
-
1. Battlefield Assessment
Ukraine's deep strikes reached a new level on July 6. Ukrainian long-range drones struck the Omsk oil refinery, the largest in Russia, in what Kyiv described as one of the farthest-reaching attacks of the war.
Ukraine's General Staff said the attack triggered a fire at the facility, located roughly 1,700 miles from Ukrainian-held territory near Russia's border with Kazakhstan. Fire Point, the Ukrainian defense technology company, stated that its upgraded FP-1 drones carried out the raid and described the attack as a record-setting strike for unmanned systems.
The growing reach of Ukraine's robotic-warfare capabilities is also reshaping the conflict's naval-warfare dimension. Imagery declassified and released by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence indicates that Russia has fitted the improved Kilo-class submarines of its Black Sea Fleet with anti-drone cages. These Kalibr cruise missile-capable submarines form the backbone of the fleet's long-range strike capacity in the Black Sea theater. The modification underscores how seriously Moscow views Ukraine's expanding drone warfare capabilities, particularly against high-value naval assets.
Ukraine has also adapted its signature naval drone, the Sea Baby. Kyiv has transformed the unmanned strike vessel, which helped push Russia's fleet out of the western Black Sea, into a maritime launch platform for FPV attack drones. These modifications extend Kyiv's strike options beyond the Black Sea littoral.
Built and operated by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Sea Baby can now carry six to eight FPV drones in side compartments that open during an attack. The modified vessel can also carry thermobaric Shmel rockets. Ukrainian officials are leveraging the craft's ability to operate closer to Russian military positions than land-based launchers. The concept reflects Ukraine's broader effort to adapt multiple platforms into FPV launch systems.
Despite these innovations, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation maintained an offensive footing in land warfare last week. Both Russia and Ukraine experienced elevated combat activity, even compared with the fierce fighting of recent weeks. The Ukrainian General Staff reported fighting as many as 300 tactical engagements in a single day for the first time in months.
Yet no major changes to the battlefield geometry occurred, and Sloviansk, Pokrovsk, Huliaipole, and Kostiantynivka remained the most prominent flashpoints. Additionally, Kupiansk, Kramatorsk, and Orikhiv saw fighting that warrants continued monitoring. Moscow also advanced claims, thus far exaggerated, that the Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka had fallen.
2. Ukraine's Struggles Deepen Against Russian Ballistic Missiles
Last week, Russia launched a strike package that exposed critical gaps in Ukraine's air defenses, especially against ballistic missiles. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, during the night of July 5-6, Russia launched 419 aerial weapons against Ukraine, including 68 missiles and 351 drones. The drone and missile salvo included 23 Iskander ballistic missiles, S-400 interceptors modified for quasi-ballistic missile roles, six Zircon/Onyx anti-ship missiles, 33 Kh-101 cruise missiles, and six Kalibr cruise missiles, alongside Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and decoy drones.
The city of Kyiv was the primary target of Russia's strikes. Ukraine's air defenses performed effectively against the lower and medium tiers of the attack, including cruise missiles and drones. However, Ukraine did not stop or intercept any ballistic missiles or anti-ship missiles launched in the attack.
Russia is increasingly shaping its deep-strike campaign around the segment of Ukraine's air-defense architecture with the thinnest margin for error: Patriot-class ballistic-missile interception. After Russia's attack on July 5-6, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesman stated that Ukraine lacked sufficient Patriot launchers and a steady supply of interceptors. The spokesman's words illustrate how Russia is exploiting a serious shortage both in Ukraine and across the allied inventory.
Last week's attack also highlighted a growing asymmetry between Ukraine's ability to defeat drones and cruise missiles and its ability to defeat ballistic and high-speed strike systems. Without sustained Patriot interceptor deliveries, Kyiv remains vulnerable to Russia's fastest and most destructive munitions.
Available data indicates that in 2024 Russia produced between 720 to 840 9M723 Iskander ballistic missiles and between 120 and 180 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. Ukrainian intelligence reporting suggests that Russia has scaled up production of both systems, which are among its most expensive ballistic missiles. Moscow has also converted increasing quantities of air-defense missiles for ground-attack use.
Ukrainian reporting identifies these converted systems as RM-48U variants. The Ukrainian Air Force classifies these projectiles as ballistic missiles because they follow a ballistic trajectory and travel at high speeds. The primary operational value of these modified missiles is likely their ability to saturate opposing defenses.
Whatever their use, the proliferation of low-cost, modified ballistic missiles marks a serious missile-defense dilemma for Kyiv. Even relatively inaccurate converted missiles can threaten cities and infrastructure. Defeating these projectiles requires the same high-end interceptors Ukraine has used against Russia's most dangerous ballistic missiles.
At his press conference before the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit this week in Ankara, Turkey, Secretary General Mark Rutte urged allies to sustain and expand their air-defense assistance to Ukraine. Rutte warned that Russia's continuing missile and drone campaigns have made interceptor supply a central test of allied resolve. He also further stressed that air defense remains Ukraine's most urgent military requirement, noting that Russia continues to launch drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities, including another major overnight strike on the eve of the summit.
The timing of this latest Russian strike reinforced the message that Ukrainian leaders have been trying to convey to NATO: Ukraine needs additional air-defense systems and a more reliable, deeper supply of interceptor missiles.
3. What to Look for in the Coming Weeks
NATO's 2026 summit, which convenes this week, is expected to focus on defense-industrial issues, with the alliance likely to announce new initiatives to sustain and expand military support for Ukraine. In the coming weeks, it will be important to monitor whether these announcements translate into concrete capability packages, particularly in areas where Kyiv has faced persistent shortfalls. Potential developments could include new arrangements related to Patriot interceptor transfers as well as movement on other high-end systems that Ukraine has long sought but not yet received.
* * *
At A Glance:
Can Kasapoglu is a nonresident senior fellow at Hudson Institute. His work at Hudson focuses on political-military affairs in the Middle East, North Africa, and former Soviet regions.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.hudson.org/national-security-defense/ukraine-military-situation-report-july-8-can-kasapoglu
[Category: ThinkTank]
Capital Research Center Issues Commentary: Enemies of Energy - Fred Taylor/Sequoia Climate Foundation
WASHINGTON, July 9 (TNSrpt) -- The Capital Research Center issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by Managing Editor and Director of Content Ken Braun:
* * *
Enemies of Energy: Fred Taylor/Sequoia Climate Foundation
One of America's biggest anti-energy donors is a billionaire virtually nobody has ever heard of. And he seems to like it that way.
Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from Enemies of Energy, a research report created for the Capital Research Center.
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Donor type: direct grant maker
A February 2023 headline in Inside Philanthropy proclaimed the arrival of a "New ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 (TNSrpt) -- The Capital Research Center issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by Managing Editor and Director of Content Ken Braun: * * * Enemies of Energy: Fred Taylor/Sequoia Climate Foundation One of America's biggest anti-energy donors is a billionaire virtually nobody has ever heard of. And he seems to like it that way. Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from Enemies of Energy, a research report created for the Capital Research Center. - Donor type: direct grant maker A February 2023 headline in Inside Philanthropy proclaimed the arrival of a "NewGiant in Climate Change Philanthropy." The first IRS filing from the Sequoia Climate Foundation (covering the year through November 2021) had just become publicly available, and in it Sequoia reported $126.3 million in grantmaking. The "new giant" grew swiftly, reporting larger and larger totals for each of the next three years: $173.7 million for 2022, $257.4 million for 2023, and $305.4 million for 2024. [i] [ii]
The cumulative total for those first four years is $862.8 million. And those big annual increases make it easy to assume that when Sequoia's fifth IRS filing becomes publicly available it will show that the "new giant" has eclipsed $1 billion in total "climate change" grantmaking. [iii]
Where is the money coming from?
Inside Philanthropy explained:
While Sequoia doesn't share who its donor or donors are, multiple partners and grantees said the foundation is an offshoot of Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, a human rights and social justice backer launched by three secretive hedge fund founders. A Sequoia representative confirmed that it "spun out" from Wellspring, originally using its back office.
That trio of donors (one of whom has since passed away) includes C. Frederick Taylor, who was listed as Sequoia's board chair in 2021. In 2014, Bloomberg revealed Taylor as one of the donors behind the hundreds of millions of dollars that flow through the entities now known as Wellspring. He is presumably Sequoia's benefactor, or one of them, but it's not certain; the foundation's funding to date has flown through an anonymous LLC, with an apparent pay-as-you-go approach. [iv]
The original name of the Wellspring Philanthropic Foundation was the Matan B' Seter Foundation. In the Jewish tradition, the latter phrase means to give anonymously, and Wellspring's presumed benefactors were initially exceptional at hiding their involvement. By the time a Bloomberg Businessweek reporter unraveled the mystery in May 2014, the foundation that became Wellspring had already topped $16.9 billion in net assets and its total cumulative grantmaking had already exceeded $13 billion. [v] [vi] [vii]
Since the division, the Sequoia Climate Foundation (presumably funded by Taylor) has focused a lot of its grantmaking on anti-energy groups outside of the United States. A September 2025 report from the Capital Research Center regarding Taylor explained: [viii]
Sequoia granted at least $252 million to CO2-phobic causes just for the year ending December 2023. At least $143 million of this total, including the $9 million for Sunrise Australia, was shipped overseas. [ix]
This international focus was still prevalent in Sequoia's most recent publicly available IRS filing, covering the year through November 2024. As one of many examples, that annual filing shows six total grants totaling $29.3 million for the Netherlands-based European Climate Foundation. Perhaps not coincidentally, the president of the American-based Sequoia Climate Foundation is listed as one of fifteen members of the European Climate Foundation's governing board. [x] [xi]
Through the year ending November 2024, according to the IRS filing, Sequoia sent almost $33 million in cumulative grants to six of the fifteen anti-energy NGO's profiled in this report: [xii]
* World Resources Institute: $10.9 million
* Natural Resources Defense Council: $8.1 million
* Rocky Mountain Institute: $6.3 million
* Environmental Defense Fund: $4.1 million
* League of Conservation Voters Education Fund: $3 million
* Sierra Club Foundation: $500,000
That IRS filing also shows grants totaling $24.2 million from Sequoia to three of the pass-through donors profiled on this list: [xiii]
* S. Energy Foundation: $11.6 million
* Climateworks Foundation: $10.8 million
* Windward Fund (Arabella Advisors / Sunflower Services): $1.8 million
The combined total for the ten annual grants listed above was $57.2 million. [xiv]
* * *
[i] Kavante, Michael. "There's a New Giant in Climate Change Philanthropy. Here's Everything We Know So Far." Inside Philanthropy. February 9, 2023. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2022-2-9-theres-a-new-giant-in-climate-change-philanthropy-heres-everything-we-know-so-far
[ii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2020 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2021). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202232879349101003/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2022). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202342879349100304/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2022 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2023). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202422899349101117/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2024). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[iii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2020 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2021). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202232879349101003/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2022). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202342879349100304/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2022 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2023). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202422899349101117/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2024). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[iv] Kavante, Michael. "There's a New Giant in Climate Change Philanthropy. Here's Everything We Know So Far." Inside Philanthropy. February 9, 2023. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2022-2-9-theres-a-new-giant-in-climate-change-philanthropy-heres-everything-we-know-so-far
[v] Mider, Zachary R. "The $13 Billion Mystery Angels." Bloomberg Businessweek. May 8, 2014. Accessed April 2, 2026. http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-05-08/three-mysterious-philanthropists-fund-fourth-largest-u-dot-s-dot-charity
[vi] Wellspring Philantropic Fund Inc. (EIN: 22-3692921). Propublica Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/223692921
[vii] "Why Anonymous Giving Is the Most Meaningful Kind in Jewish Philanthropy." Colel Chabad. June 25, 2024. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://colelchabad.org/the-great-value-of-giving-charity-anonymously/
[viii] Braun, Ken. "Fred Taylor's world war against energy." Capital Research Center. September 30, 2025. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://capitalresearch.org/article/fred-taylors-world-war-against-energy/
[ix] Braun, Ken. "Fred Taylor's world war against energy." Capital Research Center. September 30, 2025. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://capitalresearch.org/article/fred-taylors-world-war-against-energy/
[x] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[xi] "Governance." European Climate Foundation. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://europeanclimate.org/governance/
[xii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[xiii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[xiv] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
* * *
Ken Braun
As managing editor and director of content of CRC, Ken Braun edits Capital Research magazine. He also conducts investigative research and drafts profiles for InfluenceWatch.org.
* * *
REPORT: https://capitalresearch.org/app/uploads/FINAL-PDF_CRC_EnemiesofEnergy.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://capitalresearch.org/article/enemies-of-energy-fred-taylor-sequoia-climate-foundation/
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Enemies of Energy: Fred Taylor/Sequoia Climate Foundation
One of America's biggest anti-energy donors is a billionaire virtually nobody has ever heard of. And he seems to like it that way.
Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from Enemies of Energy, a research report created for the Capital Research Center.
-
Donor type: direct grant maker
A February 2023 headline in Inside Philanthropy proclaimed the arrival of a "New ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 (TNSrpt) -- The Capital Research Center issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by Managing Editor and Director of Content Ken Braun: * * * Enemies of Energy: Fred Taylor/Sequoia Climate Foundation One of America's biggest anti-energy donors is a billionaire virtually nobody has ever heard of. And he seems to like it that way. Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from Enemies of Energy, a research report created for the Capital Research Center. - Donor type: direct grant maker A February 2023 headline in Inside Philanthropy proclaimed the arrival of a "NewGiant in Climate Change Philanthropy." The first IRS filing from the Sequoia Climate Foundation (covering the year through November 2021) had just become publicly available, and in it Sequoia reported $126.3 million in grantmaking. The "new giant" grew swiftly, reporting larger and larger totals for each of the next three years: $173.7 million for 2022, $257.4 million for 2023, and $305.4 million for 2024. [i] [ii]
The cumulative total for those first four years is $862.8 million. And those big annual increases make it easy to assume that when Sequoia's fifth IRS filing becomes publicly available it will show that the "new giant" has eclipsed $1 billion in total "climate change" grantmaking. [iii]
Where is the money coming from?
Inside Philanthropy explained:
While Sequoia doesn't share who its donor or donors are, multiple partners and grantees said the foundation is an offshoot of Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, a human rights and social justice backer launched by three secretive hedge fund founders. A Sequoia representative confirmed that it "spun out" from Wellspring, originally using its back office.
That trio of donors (one of whom has since passed away) includes C. Frederick Taylor, who was listed as Sequoia's board chair in 2021. In 2014, Bloomberg revealed Taylor as one of the donors behind the hundreds of millions of dollars that flow through the entities now known as Wellspring. He is presumably Sequoia's benefactor, or one of them, but it's not certain; the foundation's funding to date has flown through an anonymous LLC, with an apparent pay-as-you-go approach. [iv]
The original name of the Wellspring Philanthropic Foundation was the Matan B' Seter Foundation. In the Jewish tradition, the latter phrase means to give anonymously, and Wellspring's presumed benefactors were initially exceptional at hiding their involvement. By the time a Bloomberg Businessweek reporter unraveled the mystery in May 2014, the foundation that became Wellspring had already topped $16.9 billion in net assets and its total cumulative grantmaking had already exceeded $13 billion. [v] [vi] [vii]
Since the division, the Sequoia Climate Foundation (presumably funded by Taylor) has focused a lot of its grantmaking on anti-energy groups outside of the United States. A September 2025 report from the Capital Research Center regarding Taylor explained: [viii]
Sequoia granted at least $252 million to CO2-phobic causes just for the year ending December 2023. At least $143 million of this total, including the $9 million for Sunrise Australia, was shipped overseas. [ix]
This international focus was still prevalent in Sequoia's most recent publicly available IRS filing, covering the year through November 2024. As one of many examples, that annual filing shows six total grants totaling $29.3 million for the Netherlands-based European Climate Foundation. Perhaps not coincidentally, the president of the American-based Sequoia Climate Foundation is listed as one of fifteen members of the European Climate Foundation's governing board. [x] [xi]
Through the year ending November 2024, according to the IRS filing, Sequoia sent almost $33 million in cumulative grants to six of the fifteen anti-energy NGO's profiled in this report: [xii]
* World Resources Institute: $10.9 million
* Natural Resources Defense Council: $8.1 million
* Rocky Mountain Institute: $6.3 million
* Environmental Defense Fund: $4.1 million
* League of Conservation Voters Education Fund: $3 million
* Sierra Club Foundation: $500,000
That IRS filing also shows grants totaling $24.2 million from Sequoia to three of the pass-through donors profiled on this list: [xiii]
* S. Energy Foundation: $11.6 million
* Climateworks Foundation: $10.8 million
* Windward Fund (Arabella Advisors / Sunflower Services): $1.8 million
The combined total for the ten annual grants listed above was $57.2 million. [xiv]
* * *
[i] Kavante, Michael. "There's a New Giant in Climate Change Philanthropy. Here's Everything We Know So Far." Inside Philanthropy. February 9, 2023. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2022-2-9-theres-a-new-giant-in-climate-change-philanthropy-heres-everything-we-know-so-far
[ii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2020 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2021). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202232879349101003/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2022). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202342879349100304/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2022 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2023). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202422899349101117/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2024). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[iii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2020 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2021). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202232879349101003/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2022). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202342879349100304/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2022 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2023). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202422899349101117/full
Sequoia Climate Foundation. (85-4095972). 2021 IRS Form 990 (Covering the year through November 2024). Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[iv] Kavante, Michael. "There's a New Giant in Climate Change Philanthropy. Here's Everything We Know So Far." Inside Philanthropy. February 9, 2023. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2022-2-9-theres-a-new-giant-in-climate-change-philanthropy-heres-everything-we-know-so-far
[v] Mider, Zachary R. "The $13 Billion Mystery Angels." Bloomberg Businessweek. May 8, 2014. Accessed April 2, 2026. http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-05-08/three-mysterious-philanthropists-fund-fourth-largest-u-dot-s-dot-charity
[vi] Wellspring Philantropic Fund Inc. (EIN: 22-3692921). Propublica Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/223692921
[vii] "Why Anonymous Giving Is the Most Meaningful Kind in Jewish Philanthropy." Colel Chabad. June 25, 2024. Accessed April 2, 2026. https://colelchabad.org/the-great-value-of-giving-charity-anonymously/
[viii] Braun, Ken. "Fred Taylor's world war against energy." Capital Research Center. September 30, 2025. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://capitalresearch.org/article/fred-taylors-world-war-against-energy/
[ix] Braun, Ken. "Fred Taylor's world war against energy." Capital Research Center. September 30, 2025. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://capitalresearch.org/article/fred-taylors-world-war-against-energy/
[x] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[xi] "Governance." European Climate Foundation. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://europeanclimate.org/governance/
[xii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[xiii] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
[xiv] Sequoia Climate Foundation. (EIN: 85-4095972). 2023 IRS Form 990 (covers the year through November 2024). Accessed April 6, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854095972/202542869349100134/full
* * *
Ken Braun
As managing editor and director of content of CRC, Ken Braun edits Capital Research magazine. He also conducts investigative research and drafts profiles for InfluenceWatch.org.
* * *
REPORT: https://capitalresearch.org/app/uploads/FINAL-PDF_CRC_EnemiesofEnergy.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://capitalresearch.org/article/enemies-of-energy-fred-taylor-sequoia-climate-foundation/
[Category: ThinkTank]
CSIS Issues States Weekly News Wrap Up on July 8, 2026
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following States Weekly news wrap up on July 8, 2026, by Aryan D'Rozario, associate fellow for the Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics:
* * *
Big News: Chhattisgarh notifies the draft CSERC Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (JIIPP) 2026; Tamil Nadu releases a Guidelines for Registration of Contractors 2026; West Bengal passes the West Bengal ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following States Weekly news wrap up on July 8, 2026, by Aryan D'Rozario, associate fellow for the Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics: * * * Big News: Chhattisgarh notifies the draft CSERC Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (JIIPP) 2026; Tamil Nadu releases a Guidelines for Registration of Contractors 2026; West Bengal passes the West BengalPublic Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026; Andhra Pradesh raises the age of superannuation from 60 to 62 years; and more.
Health Health
Gujarat launches a Health Passport Scheme. The Health Passport, eligible for children up to the age of 18, will serve as a complete record of a child's health journey from birth through adolescence.
Source: NDTV
Tamil Nadu raises health insurance cover for government employees. The revised New Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) raises the base insurance cover from $5,249 to $7,870 (INR 5 lakh to INR 7.5 lakh) for each beneficiary over a five-year policy period.
Source: Business World
In detail: Government order
Goa increases health insurance coverage under the 'Deendayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY)' (Deendayal Health Service Scheme). Under the revised coverage, families with three or fewer members will now be eligible for medical insurance coverage of $4200 (INR 4 lakh) per annum, up from the earlier $2620 (INR 2.50 lakh). For families with four or more members, the annual insurance cover has been increased to $6,300 (INR 6 lakh), compared to the previous limit of $4200 (INR 4 lakh).
Source: Prudent Media
In detail: Deendayal Swasthya Seva Yojana Notification
Climate Change and Energy
Assam publishes draft AERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2017 (Eighth Amendment), Regulation, 2026. The draft regulations, issued by the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC), aim to make the electricity connection process faster, simpler, and more consumer friendly.
Source: Solar Quarter
In detail: Draft Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2017 (Eighth Amendment), Regulation, 2026
Chhattisgarh notifies the draft CSERC Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026. Issued by the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC), the code governs all "Connected Entities" within the state transmission system to facilitate coordinated planning, operation, and development of the grid.
Source: Vyqon
In detail: Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026
Chhattisgarh extends their Electricity Bill Payment Resolution Scheme by three months. Under the extension, electricity consumers can clear pending bills without paying any late payment surcharge.
Source: APAC news
Goa simplifies procedures for new Single-Phase Connections. The new rules, issued by the Goa Electricity Department, require only two documents for proof of identity and proof of ownership/occupancy of the premises.
Source: Digital Goa
In detail: Goa Electricity Connection Notification
Odisha officially extends the validity of the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 until September 30, 2026. The extension ensures that all financial incentives and subsidies for electric vehicles remain active in this period.
Source: Pragativadi
In detail: Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy Extension - Notification
Finance
Kerala passes the Kerala Finance (No. 3) Bill. The bill features lowered sales tax on low-alcohol beverages and EV vehicles, in addition to tax revisions and amnesty schemes.
Source: The Hindu
In detail: Finance Bill No. 3
Industrial Policy and Business Regulations
Andhra Pradesh issues guidelines for the grant of bar and liquor shop licenses at airports. The guidelines exclude Tirupati Airport.
Source:The Hindu
In detail: Guidelines for grant of Excise Licenses to Airports
Bihar extends the validity of the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package (BIIPP) 2025. Originally scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026, the incentive package will now remain effective until December 31, 2026.
Source: Times of India
In detail: Cabinet decisions
Rajasthan relaxes investment thresholds for semiconductor manufacturing. The minimum investment threshold under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024 for select manufacturing components will be lowered to $1.57 million (INR 15 crore).
Source: KNN
Himachal Pradesh approves an Innovation Policy for Technical Education Institutions 2026-2028. The policy aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and a startup culture across the state's technical education sector.
Source: The Tribune
In detail: Press Release
Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026. The policy aims to attract more than $105 million (INR 1,000 crore) in investment and create over 20,000 new jobs.
Source: India TV News
In detail: Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026
Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2026. The policy is designed to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, promote exports, encourage private investment, and create large-scale employment opportunities across the state.
Source: India TV News
In detail: Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (JIIPP) 2026
Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations
Punjab amends its land pooling policy. The amendments increase the residential and commercial plot entitlements for those who surrender their land.
Source: Hindustan Times
Punjab approves the legalization of illegal colonies where at least 25 percent of construction has been completed. Under the policy, the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) or the landowner will have to deposit five percent of the circle rate for residential areas, and ten percent of the circle rate for commercial areas.
Source: ETV
Infrastructure & Governance
Andhra Pradesh raises the age of superannuation from 60 to 62 years. The order applies to regular employees working in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), corporations and societies listed under Schedules IX and X of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.
Source: The Hindu
In detail: Andhra Pradesh - Enhancement of Age of Superannuation
Maharashtra amends the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Rules, 1961. The new rules offer a comprehensive framework for the functioning of housing societies across the state. The amendments cover key aspects such as registration, membership, associate and provisional members, nominations, family arrangements, governance, redevelopment, inheritance, recovery proceedings, borrowing limits, funds, levy of charges, and society management.
Source: NDTV
In detail: Maharashtra Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Rules, 2026
Tamil Nadu releases a Guidelines for Registration of Contractors 2026. The new rules introduce measures aimed at widening participation, improving transparency and creating opportunities for new entrants, women, self-help groups and unemployed engineering graduates.
Source: NDTV
West Bengal passes the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026. The bill introduces preventive detention, expands the definition of anti-social activities, makes offenses under the law cognizable and non-bailable, and gives authorities wider powers to seize property linked to such crimes.
Source: The Hindu
West Bengal amends the state's Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation laws. The legislation has removed 77 Muslim communities from the OBC list and reduced the OBC reservation quota from 17 percent to 7 percent. The changes have been brought with the passage of the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the West Bengal Commission for Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Source: India Tomorrow
In detail: Notification
Water and Sanitation
Haryana approves an increase of $22.04 (INR 2,100) in the monthly wages of rural sanitation workers. The increase results in their remuneration rising from $168 (INR 16,000) to $190 (INR 18,100) with effect from July 1, 2026.
Source: The Statesman
Center - State Relations
Nothing critical to report this week.
Any Other
Bihar approves the Road User Fee (Determination and Collection of Rates) Rules, 2026. The rules permit a new user tax on state highways.
Source: Economic Times
In detail: Cabinet Decisions
Maharashtra bans the sale of high energy drinks within a 1640-feet radius of schools.
Source: NDTV
Odisha issues a new Shrimp Policy. The policy contains a regulatory framework and operational guidelines for shrimp aquaculture, targeting a threefold increase in seafood exports to $1.57 billion (INR 15,000 crore) by 2036.
Source: The Statesman
* * *
Aryan D'Rozario is an associate fellow for the Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.csis.org/analysis/states-weekly-july-8-2026
[Category: ThinkTank]
* * *
Big News: Chhattisgarh notifies the draft CSERC Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (JIIPP) 2026; Tamil Nadu releases a Guidelines for Registration of Contractors 2026; West Bengal passes the West Bengal ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following States Weekly news wrap up on July 8, 2026, by Aryan D'Rozario, associate fellow for the Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics: * * * Big News: Chhattisgarh notifies the draft CSERC Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026; Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (JIIPP) 2026; Tamil Nadu releases a Guidelines for Registration of Contractors 2026; West Bengal passes the West BengalPublic Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026; Andhra Pradesh raises the age of superannuation from 60 to 62 years; and more.
Health Health
Gujarat launches a Health Passport Scheme. The Health Passport, eligible for children up to the age of 18, will serve as a complete record of a child's health journey from birth through adolescence.
Source: NDTV
Tamil Nadu raises health insurance cover for government employees. The revised New Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) raises the base insurance cover from $5,249 to $7,870 (INR 5 lakh to INR 7.5 lakh) for each beneficiary over a five-year policy period.
Source: Business World
In detail: Government order
Goa increases health insurance coverage under the 'Deendayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY)' (Deendayal Health Service Scheme). Under the revised coverage, families with three or fewer members will now be eligible for medical insurance coverage of $4200 (INR 4 lakh) per annum, up from the earlier $2620 (INR 2.50 lakh). For families with four or more members, the annual insurance cover has been increased to $6,300 (INR 6 lakh), compared to the previous limit of $4200 (INR 4 lakh).
Source: Prudent Media
In detail: Deendayal Swasthya Seva Yojana Notification
Climate Change and Energy
Assam publishes draft AERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2017 (Eighth Amendment), Regulation, 2026. The draft regulations, issued by the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC), aim to make the electricity connection process faster, simpler, and more consumer friendly.
Source: Solar Quarter
In detail: Draft Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2017 (Eighth Amendment), Regulation, 2026
Chhattisgarh notifies the draft CSERC Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026. Issued by the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC), the code governs all "Connected Entities" within the state transmission system to facilitate coordinated planning, operation, and development of the grid.
Source: Vyqon
In detail: Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code 2026
Chhattisgarh extends their Electricity Bill Payment Resolution Scheme by three months. Under the extension, electricity consumers can clear pending bills without paying any late payment surcharge.
Source: APAC news
Goa simplifies procedures for new Single-Phase Connections. The new rules, issued by the Goa Electricity Department, require only two documents for proof of identity and proof of ownership/occupancy of the premises.
Source: Digital Goa
In detail: Goa Electricity Connection Notification
Odisha officially extends the validity of the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 until September 30, 2026. The extension ensures that all financial incentives and subsidies for electric vehicles remain active in this period.
Source: Pragativadi
In detail: Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy Extension - Notification
Finance
Kerala passes the Kerala Finance (No. 3) Bill. The bill features lowered sales tax on low-alcohol beverages and EV vehicles, in addition to tax revisions and amnesty schemes.
Source: The Hindu
In detail: Finance Bill No. 3
Industrial Policy and Business Regulations
Andhra Pradesh issues guidelines for the grant of bar and liquor shop licenses at airports. The guidelines exclude Tirupati Airport.
Source:The Hindu
In detail: Guidelines for grant of Excise Licenses to Airports
Bihar extends the validity of the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package (BIIPP) 2025. Originally scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026, the incentive package will now remain effective until December 31, 2026.
Source: Times of India
In detail: Cabinet decisions
Rajasthan relaxes investment thresholds for semiconductor manufacturing. The minimum investment threshold under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024 for select manufacturing components will be lowered to $1.57 million (INR 15 crore).
Source: KNN
Himachal Pradesh approves an Innovation Policy for Technical Education Institutions 2026-2028. The policy aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and a startup culture across the state's technical education sector.
Source: The Tribune
In detail: Press Release
Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026. The policy aims to attract more than $105 million (INR 1,000 crore) in investment and create over 20,000 new jobs.
Source: India TV News
In detail: Jharkhand Textile, Apparel & Footwear Policy 2026
Jharkhand releases a draft Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2026. The policy is designed to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, promote exports, encourage private investment, and create large-scale employment opportunities across the state.
Source: India TV News
In detail: Jharkhand Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (JIIPP) 2026
Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations
Punjab amends its land pooling policy. The amendments increase the residential and commercial plot entitlements for those who surrender their land.
Source: Hindustan Times
Punjab approves the legalization of illegal colonies where at least 25 percent of construction has been completed. Under the policy, the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) or the landowner will have to deposit five percent of the circle rate for residential areas, and ten percent of the circle rate for commercial areas.
Source: ETV
Infrastructure & Governance
Andhra Pradesh raises the age of superannuation from 60 to 62 years. The order applies to regular employees working in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), corporations and societies listed under Schedules IX and X of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.
Source: The Hindu
In detail: Andhra Pradesh - Enhancement of Age of Superannuation
Maharashtra amends the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Rules, 1961. The new rules offer a comprehensive framework for the functioning of housing societies across the state. The amendments cover key aspects such as registration, membership, associate and provisional members, nominations, family arrangements, governance, redevelopment, inheritance, recovery proceedings, borrowing limits, funds, levy of charges, and society management.
Source: NDTV
In detail: Maharashtra Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Rules, 2026
Tamil Nadu releases a Guidelines for Registration of Contractors 2026. The new rules introduce measures aimed at widening participation, improving transparency and creating opportunities for new entrants, women, self-help groups and unemployed engineering graduates.
Source: NDTV
West Bengal passes the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026. The bill introduces preventive detention, expands the definition of anti-social activities, makes offenses under the law cognizable and non-bailable, and gives authorities wider powers to seize property linked to such crimes.
Source: The Hindu
West Bengal amends the state's Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation laws. The legislation has removed 77 Muslim communities from the OBC list and reduced the OBC reservation quota from 17 percent to 7 percent. The changes have been brought with the passage of the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the West Bengal Commission for Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Source: India Tomorrow
In detail: Notification
Water and Sanitation
Haryana approves an increase of $22.04 (INR 2,100) in the monthly wages of rural sanitation workers. The increase results in their remuneration rising from $168 (INR 16,000) to $190 (INR 18,100) with effect from July 1, 2026.
Source: The Statesman
Center - State Relations
Nothing critical to report this week.
Any Other
Bihar approves the Road User Fee (Determination and Collection of Rates) Rules, 2026. The rules permit a new user tax on state highways.
Source: Economic Times
In detail: Cabinet Decisions
Maharashtra bans the sale of high energy drinks within a 1640-feet radius of schools.
Source: NDTV
Odisha issues a new Shrimp Policy. The policy contains a regulatory framework and operational guidelines for shrimp aquaculture, targeting a threefold increase in seafood exports to $1.57 billion (INR 15,000 crore) by 2036.
Source: The Statesman
* * *
Aryan D'Rozario is an associate fellow for the Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.csis.org/analysis/states-weekly-july-8-2026
[Category: ThinkTank]
American Action Forum Issues Commentary: 2026 Unified Agenda - Checking In on the Trump 2.0 Deregulatory Agenda
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The American Action Forum issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by Regulatory Policy Director Dan Goldbeck:
* * *
The 2026 Unified Agenda: Checking In on the Trump 2.0 Deregulatory Agenda
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
* The Trump Administration recently published the "2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions," which contains more than 3,300 rulemaking actions it plans to undertake over the rest of the president's term - the highest such total in a decade.
* A deeper analysis of this document's overall trends confirms the ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The American Action Forum issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by Regulatory Policy Director Dan Goldbeck: * * * The 2026 Unified Agenda: Checking In on the Trump 2.0 Deregulatory Agenda EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * The Trump Administration recently published the "2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions," which contains more than 3,300 rulemaking actions it plans to undertake over the rest of the president's term - the highest such total in a decade. * A deeper analysis of this document's overall trends confirms theexpectation that, as the second year of this term unfolds, agency rulemakings are increasingly landing on the deregulatory side of the ledger with agencies such as the Departments of Transportation, Interior, and Labor each being among the most active in that regard.
* Under the administration's "regulatory budget" framework, agencies have finalized roughly $1.1 trillion in total net savings thus far in fiscal year 2026 - much of which is attributable to a single rulemaking - with this latest Unified Agenda projecting that total to rise to $1.5 trillion by the end of September.
-
INTRODUCTION
On July 3, the Trump Administration finally posted the "2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda [UA] of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions." The document, typically released twice each year, "reports on the actions administrative agencies plan to issue in the near and long term." This marks the first version of the report produced since the "Spring 2025" edition published in September 2025 - thus essentially making it the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 editions combined into one. As such, it joins the Obama Administration's December 2012 edition (also posted around a major holiday, no less) as the only other "one-year" UA release thus far. Despite these abnormal and inauspicious publication details, the contents of the report speak for themselves. The 2026 UA includes: the highest amount of planned rulemaking actions across any comparable UA over the past decade, a clear uptick in the relative share of deregulatory items, and an ambitious projected goal of $1.5 trillion in total net regulatory cost reductions for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
OVERALL UNIFIED AGENDA TRENDS
General Regulatory Volume
As with past American Action Forum (AAF) examinations of Unified Agendas, it is useful to get a sense of the overall volume of activity an administration has planned. The following table includes statistics on the volume of prospective actions included over the past decade of Spring UAs. "Active" items include those that agencies reasonably expect to act on within 12 months of the UA's publication. "Long-Term" items are those that agencies expect to act on outside of that one-year window. The "Total Prospective" category is the sum of those two. "Major" items include rulemakings that agencies expect to meet the definition of a "major rule" under the Congressional Review Act. "Significant" items include those that carry the designation of either: a) "economically significant" as established under [Executive Order] EO 12866 (and/or the relevant designation as modified under EO 14094), or b) "other significant" items that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs defines as a "rulemaking that is not economically significant but is considered significant by the agency." Further, "[t]his category includes rules that the agency anticipates will be reviewed under EO 12866 or rules that are a priority of the agency head."
* * *
Table: Trends in Rulemaking Volume Across Spring Unified Agendas
* * *
With more than 3,300 prospective items apparently on deck, this UA is the most active one produced over the past decade. The number of significant actions also takes the top spot across that span. While the number of major items is not the highest over this window, it is very much in the mix of the peak seen during the middle of the Biden Administration. All told, this suggests an ambitious agenda from the administration, both over the coming year and for the remainder of the president's term.
Direction of Rulemaking Activity
Which way does that ambitious agenda point? The "EO 14192 Designation" section of each entry includes a series of potential categories. For this analysis, the most pertinent items are those the agencies have affirmatively declared to be either "regulatory," "deregulatory," or "exempt" for the purposes of EO 14192. The following charts illustrate the relevant share of these designations across the cohorts of "Completed Actions" (those "the agency has completed or withdrawn since publishing its last agenda") and the aforementioned "Active Actions" and "Long-Term Actions."
As the data show, among rules that have an explicitly stated EO 14192 category, roughly three-quarters of completed rules and rulemakings that agencies anticipate completing over the next year carry a "deregulatory" designation. Compared to the UA published last September, this represents a relative increase in the emphasis placed on deregulatory actions. This finding is not particularly surprising and indeed mirrors a trend seen during the first Trump term with "Year Two" being the most deregulatory in terms of final rules published (2018 was the only calendar year under the first Trump term where agencies reported overall net cost reductions.) The cohort of long-term actions also tilted marginally further in the deregulatory direction (with that category moving from 32 percent to 46 percent since last year) but clearly remains more mixed than the either completed or active item cohorts. AAF's read this year is similar to last year's: "These data suggest that the administration may have some sizable contingent of regulatory actions in mind but clearly wants to make sure it gets the deregulatory items out first."
Most Active Agencies
Another aspect of EO 14192 implementation for which this UA can provide some insight is which agencies are most active in promulgating certain kinds of rulemakings. The following tables lay out the top 10 agencies in terms of UA entries categorized as "deregulatory," "regulatory," and "exempt," respectively.
* * *
Agency ... # of Deregulatory Actions
Department of Transportation (DOT) ... 230
Department of Interior (DOI) ... 171
Department of Labor (DOL) ... 102
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ... 99
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) ... 95
Department of Energy (DOE) ... 85
Department of Treasury (TREAS) ... 83
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ... 75
Department of Agriculture (USDA) ... 70
Department of Commerce (DOC) ... 64
* * *
As in the most recent previous UA, DOT retains the top spot that it also held in the previous UA in terms of the agency with the most actions tagged as "deregulatory," albeit with 55 fewer than in that prior edition. In fact, the top four here remain in the same order. USDA saw a fairly precipitous fall down to the 9th place slot and HHS climbed into 5th place in this ranking.
* * *
Agency ... # of Regulatory Actions
HHS ... 42
DOT ... 41
TREAS ... 39
EPA ... 31
USDA ... 29
DOL ... 28
DOI ... 22
Department of War (DOW) ... 16
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ... 10
VA ... 10
* * *
While HHS finds its way into the top five deregulatory agencies, it narrowly holds onto its title of most regulatory agency as well. The most significant mover of the bunch is the Department of Treasury, moving into third place with 39 such actions compared to its prior total of only 13. Of those 39 actions, 25 carry a designation of "First Time Published in The Unified Agenda." Many of these rulemakings implement aspects of the legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - such as "Trump Accounts" or the tax implication for tipped workers - that will inherently involve some kind of new administrative compliance burden.
* * *
Agency ... # of Exempt Actions
DOC ... 93
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ... 45
HHS ... 29
Department of State ... 28
DOJ ... 22
Federal Communications Commission ... 17
DOL ... 15
USDA ... 14
DOW ... 13
Department of Housing and Urban Development ... 9
* * *
Finally, there is the leaderboard for actions designated as "exempt" from EO 14192 regulatory budget consideration. Like last year's report, DOC is the surprise leader in the clubhouse. While some of that agency's actions carry a justifiable national security aspect, there are others for which the connection to any exemption laid out in the EO seems murky. This leaves open the possibility that its outlier status is largely a function of certain rulemakings carrying a mistaken designation. The second-place agency here, DHS, makes far more sense given that many of its rules can cite either national security concerns or EO 14192's unique provision exempting "regulations issued with respect to a...immigration-related function of the United States" from the EO's regulatory budget considerations.
EO 14192 IMPLEMENTATION TO-DATE
The UA does not provide much in the way of a specific update on the administration's progress in implementing EO 14192. One can expect that much like last year, a fuller accounting of the regulatory budget math will arrive sometime later this year - most likely sometime after the end of FY 2026 on September 30. Nevertheless, this UA's publication provides an occasion to reassess what kind of progress the administration has made thus far in the quantified economic impacts of its deregulatory agenda. For the entire calendar year of 2025, the administration recorded roughly $140 billion in total net savings under the auspices of EO 14192. So far into 2026, such rules have netted out to $1.1 trillion in reduced regulatory costs - putting the overall to-date total from the Trump Administration at approximately $1.2 trillion in total net savings. The fiscal year, however, cuts across portions of each calendar year. The following table includes the relevant topline figures from October 1, 2025, through the end of last week (July 2, 2026).
* * *
FY 2026 Regulatory Budget Toplines Through July 2, 2026
EO 14192 Category ... # of Rules ... Costs (+)/Savings (-) ($M)
Deregulatory ... 70 ... -1,163,123.5
Regulatory ... 11 ... 45,688.0
Exempt ... 11 ... 9,339.9
Not Applicable ... 17 ... 208.8
Net Total ... -1,107,886.8
* * *
The current net total stands at just over $1.1 trillion in savings for the fiscal year thus far. Of course, the vast majority of that comes from the $1.09 trillion in estimated savings from EPA's rule repealing the "endangerment finding" (and thus rolling back recent tailpipe emissions rules). Even if one removes that sizable portion, FY2026 still stands at roughly $18 billion on the net-savings side of the ledger. Additionally, the deregulatory-to-regulatory rule ratio currently stands at roughly 7-to-1 and thus falls short of the administration's stated 10-to-1 goal. As AAF has previously noted though:
The main discrepancy between AAF's figures here and those in the administration's announcement is likely due to AAF's analysis focusing on published rulemakings that contain some kind of measurable economic effect, whereas the administration's appears to include less formalized actions (such as ending the "shoes-off" policy for airport screening) to which it ascribes an ad hoc estimate.
MAJOR RULES COMING SOON
In the UA's introduction, the administration heralds that it will finalize "a record-setting $1.5 trillion in projected cost savings" over the course of FY 2026. With an estimated $1.1 trillion already logged thus far, it is worth looking at rules that could potentially help agencies achieve that goal over the next three months. The following table includes still-outstanding major rules that are slated - at least in their UA entry's stated timeline - to be finalized through this September (and, where applicable, the cost or savings estimate provided in the proposed rule).
* * *
RIN ... Agency ... Title ... Projected Month ... Costs (+)/Savings (-) From Proposed Rule ($ M)
0560-AI84 ... USDA ... Supplemental Disaster Assistance Programs, Marketing Assistance Loans, and Sugar Provisions ... July
0560-AI88 ... USDA ... Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers ... July
0910-AI72 ... HHS ... Use of Salt Substitutes to Reduce the Sodium Content in Standardized Foods ... July
0938-AV64 ... HHS/IRS/DOL ... Transparency in Coverage (CMS-9882) ... July ... 18.3
1615-AD06* ... DHS ... Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility ... July
1652-AA80 ... DHS/DOT ... Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations ... July ... 2.5
1653-AA95* ... DHS ... Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media ... July ... 2800
1205-AC25 ... DOL ... Rescission of Final Rule: Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States ... July ... -10.2
1218-AD36 ... DOL ... Removal of 1910 Subpart U (COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings) ... July ... -22.7
1235-AA49 ... DOL ... Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors; Rescission of Regulations ... July
1250-AA17 ... DOL ... Rescission of Executive Order 11246 Implementing Regulations ... July ... -7000
1557-AF35 ... TREAS/FDIC ... Unsafe or Unsound Practices, Matters Requiring Attention ... July
1557-AF41* ... TREAS ... Regulations on Implementing the GENIUS Act for Entities Subject to OCC Jurisdiction ... July ... -1.7
2050-AH42 ... EPA ... Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Revision of an Alternative Closure Requirement Deadline ... July ... -117.6
2060-AW55 ... EPA ... Carbon Pollution Standards Repeal ... July ... -9600
2060-AW76 ... EPA ... Reconsideration of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program ... July ... -2000
2070-AK85 ... EPA ... N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP); Regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) ... July ... 4200
2070-AL29 ... EPA ... Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation ... July ... -814.7
7100-AG96 ... TREAS/FRS/FDIC ... Regulatory Capital Rule: Modifications to the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio Standards for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies, and more. (Docket No. R-1876) ... July
0945-AA00 ... HHS ... HIPAA Privacy Rule: Changes to Support Coordinated Care and Individual Engagement and Reduce Regulatory Burdens ... August ... -8100
1205-AC21 ... DOL ... Prohibiting Illegal Discrimination in Registered Apprenticeship Programs ... August ... -738.9
2900-AQ82 ... VA ... Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Mental Disorders ... August
2900-AR10 ... VA ... Updating VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Related to Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents ... August
2900-AR75 ... VA ... Updating VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Based on Toxic Exposure ... August
1615-AC67* ... DHS ... Procedures for Credible Fear Screening and Consideration of Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection Claims by Asylum Officers ... September
1615-AC93* ... DHS ... U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule ... September ... 29.6
1670-AA04* ... DHS ... Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) Reporting Requirements ... September ... 1300
1210-AC21 ... DOL ... Exemption for Certain Automatic Portability Transactions ... September ... 8.5
2127-AM76 ... DOT ... Corporate Average Fuel Economy [CAFE] Standards Amendment ... September ... -219500
9000-AO34* ... FAR ... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-017, Cyber Threat and Incident Reporting and Information Sharing ... September ... 7200
* * *
Assuming the final version of these rulemakings largely follow their proposed versions, this cohort of rules would bring approximately $236 billion in additional net savings (exclusive of the handful that claim an exemption). Much of this total is, of course, attached to the latest rulemaking on Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards and its nearly $220 billion in projected savings. Adding this $236 billion total to that produced by agencies thus far into FY 2026 would yield a grand total of $1.34 trillion - still roughly $160 billion short of the administration's apparent goal for the fiscal year.
While that is not an insignificant deficit, it is hardly inconceivable for the administration to close it in the coming months. For instance, there are 127 rulemakings scheduled for this remaining three-month window "where the major determination has not been made." If enough of those carry savings estimates somewhere close to the billion-dollar threshold, then agencies could close the gap that way. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the administration has made clear it is willing to attribute agency actions outside of the usual rulemaking context toward its regulatory budget math. To the extent the administration can ascribe some measurable economic impact to those actions, they may factor in as well. As such, that projection of $1.5 trillion in cost reductions remains within the realm of possibility.
CONCLUSION
Despite their relative obscurity, UA reports provide a uniquely comprehensive look at a given administration's policymaking positions. The publication circumstances of this edition - both in the delayed release and its posting the day before the nation's 250th Independence Day without a major announcement by senior administration officials or the president - suggest that the Trump deregulatory agenda has taken something of a back seat as a rhetorical and political priority. The actual content of the report belies that conclusion as a policy matter, however, as this UA makes clear that agencies remain active both in terms of the scope and degree of regulatory rollbacks for the foreseeable future.
* * *
Dan Goldbeck is the Director of Regulatory Policy at the American Action Forum.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/the-2026-unified-agenda-checking-in-on-the-trump-2-0-deregulatory-agenda/
[Category: Think Tank]
* * *
The 2026 Unified Agenda: Checking In on the Trump 2.0 Deregulatory Agenda
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
* The Trump Administration recently published the "2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions," which contains more than 3,300 rulemaking actions it plans to undertake over the rest of the president's term - the highest such total in a decade.
* A deeper analysis of this document's overall trends confirms the ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The American Action Forum issued the following commentary on July 8, 2026, by Regulatory Policy Director Dan Goldbeck: * * * The 2026 Unified Agenda: Checking In on the Trump 2.0 Deregulatory Agenda EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * The Trump Administration recently published the "2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions," which contains more than 3,300 rulemaking actions it plans to undertake over the rest of the president's term - the highest such total in a decade. * A deeper analysis of this document's overall trends confirms theexpectation that, as the second year of this term unfolds, agency rulemakings are increasingly landing on the deregulatory side of the ledger with agencies such as the Departments of Transportation, Interior, and Labor each being among the most active in that regard.
* Under the administration's "regulatory budget" framework, agencies have finalized roughly $1.1 trillion in total net savings thus far in fiscal year 2026 - much of which is attributable to a single rulemaking - with this latest Unified Agenda projecting that total to rise to $1.5 trillion by the end of September.
-
INTRODUCTION
On July 3, the Trump Administration finally posted the "2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda [UA] of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions." The document, typically released twice each year, "reports on the actions administrative agencies plan to issue in the near and long term." This marks the first version of the report produced since the "Spring 2025" edition published in September 2025 - thus essentially making it the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 editions combined into one. As such, it joins the Obama Administration's December 2012 edition (also posted around a major holiday, no less) as the only other "one-year" UA release thus far. Despite these abnormal and inauspicious publication details, the contents of the report speak for themselves. The 2026 UA includes: the highest amount of planned rulemaking actions across any comparable UA over the past decade, a clear uptick in the relative share of deregulatory items, and an ambitious projected goal of $1.5 trillion in total net regulatory cost reductions for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
OVERALL UNIFIED AGENDA TRENDS
General Regulatory Volume
As with past American Action Forum (AAF) examinations of Unified Agendas, it is useful to get a sense of the overall volume of activity an administration has planned. The following table includes statistics on the volume of prospective actions included over the past decade of Spring UAs. "Active" items include those that agencies reasonably expect to act on within 12 months of the UA's publication. "Long-Term" items are those that agencies expect to act on outside of that one-year window. The "Total Prospective" category is the sum of those two. "Major" items include rulemakings that agencies expect to meet the definition of a "major rule" under the Congressional Review Act. "Significant" items include those that carry the designation of either: a) "economically significant" as established under [Executive Order] EO 12866 (and/or the relevant designation as modified under EO 14094), or b) "other significant" items that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs defines as a "rulemaking that is not economically significant but is considered significant by the agency." Further, "[t]his category includes rules that the agency anticipates will be reviewed under EO 12866 or rules that are a priority of the agency head."
* * *
Table: Trends in Rulemaking Volume Across Spring Unified Agendas
* * *
With more than 3,300 prospective items apparently on deck, this UA is the most active one produced over the past decade. The number of significant actions also takes the top spot across that span. While the number of major items is not the highest over this window, it is very much in the mix of the peak seen during the middle of the Biden Administration. All told, this suggests an ambitious agenda from the administration, both over the coming year and for the remainder of the president's term.
Direction of Rulemaking Activity
Which way does that ambitious agenda point? The "EO 14192 Designation" section of each entry includes a series of potential categories. For this analysis, the most pertinent items are those the agencies have affirmatively declared to be either "regulatory," "deregulatory," or "exempt" for the purposes of EO 14192. The following charts illustrate the relevant share of these designations across the cohorts of "Completed Actions" (those "the agency has completed or withdrawn since publishing its last agenda") and the aforementioned "Active Actions" and "Long-Term Actions."
As the data show, among rules that have an explicitly stated EO 14192 category, roughly three-quarters of completed rules and rulemakings that agencies anticipate completing over the next year carry a "deregulatory" designation. Compared to the UA published last September, this represents a relative increase in the emphasis placed on deregulatory actions. This finding is not particularly surprising and indeed mirrors a trend seen during the first Trump term with "Year Two" being the most deregulatory in terms of final rules published (2018 was the only calendar year under the first Trump term where agencies reported overall net cost reductions.) The cohort of long-term actions also tilted marginally further in the deregulatory direction (with that category moving from 32 percent to 46 percent since last year) but clearly remains more mixed than the either completed or active item cohorts. AAF's read this year is similar to last year's: "These data suggest that the administration may have some sizable contingent of regulatory actions in mind but clearly wants to make sure it gets the deregulatory items out first."
Most Active Agencies
Another aspect of EO 14192 implementation for which this UA can provide some insight is which agencies are most active in promulgating certain kinds of rulemakings. The following tables lay out the top 10 agencies in terms of UA entries categorized as "deregulatory," "regulatory," and "exempt," respectively.
* * *
Agency ... # of Deregulatory Actions
Department of Transportation (DOT) ... 230
Department of Interior (DOI) ... 171
Department of Labor (DOL) ... 102
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ... 99
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) ... 95
Department of Energy (DOE) ... 85
Department of Treasury (TREAS) ... 83
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ... 75
Department of Agriculture (USDA) ... 70
Department of Commerce (DOC) ... 64
* * *
As in the most recent previous UA, DOT retains the top spot that it also held in the previous UA in terms of the agency with the most actions tagged as "deregulatory," albeit with 55 fewer than in that prior edition. In fact, the top four here remain in the same order. USDA saw a fairly precipitous fall down to the 9th place slot and HHS climbed into 5th place in this ranking.
* * *
Agency ... # of Regulatory Actions
HHS ... 42
DOT ... 41
TREAS ... 39
EPA ... 31
USDA ... 29
DOL ... 28
DOI ... 22
Department of War (DOW) ... 16
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ... 10
VA ... 10
* * *
While HHS finds its way into the top five deregulatory agencies, it narrowly holds onto its title of most regulatory agency as well. The most significant mover of the bunch is the Department of Treasury, moving into third place with 39 such actions compared to its prior total of only 13. Of those 39 actions, 25 carry a designation of "First Time Published in The Unified Agenda." Many of these rulemakings implement aspects of the legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - such as "Trump Accounts" or the tax implication for tipped workers - that will inherently involve some kind of new administrative compliance burden.
* * *
Agency ... # of Exempt Actions
DOC ... 93
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ... 45
HHS ... 29
Department of State ... 28
DOJ ... 22
Federal Communications Commission ... 17
DOL ... 15
USDA ... 14
DOW ... 13
Department of Housing and Urban Development ... 9
* * *
Finally, there is the leaderboard for actions designated as "exempt" from EO 14192 regulatory budget consideration. Like last year's report, DOC is the surprise leader in the clubhouse. While some of that agency's actions carry a justifiable national security aspect, there are others for which the connection to any exemption laid out in the EO seems murky. This leaves open the possibility that its outlier status is largely a function of certain rulemakings carrying a mistaken designation. The second-place agency here, DHS, makes far more sense given that many of its rules can cite either national security concerns or EO 14192's unique provision exempting "regulations issued with respect to a...immigration-related function of the United States" from the EO's regulatory budget considerations.
EO 14192 IMPLEMENTATION TO-DATE
The UA does not provide much in the way of a specific update on the administration's progress in implementing EO 14192. One can expect that much like last year, a fuller accounting of the regulatory budget math will arrive sometime later this year - most likely sometime after the end of FY 2026 on September 30. Nevertheless, this UA's publication provides an occasion to reassess what kind of progress the administration has made thus far in the quantified economic impacts of its deregulatory agenda. For the entire calendar year of 2025, the administration recorded roughly $140 billion in total net savings under the auspices of EO 14192. So far into 2026, such rules have netted out to $1.1 trillion in reduced regulatory costs - putting the overall to-date total from the Trump Administration at approximately $1.2 trillion in total net savings. The fiscal year, however, cuts across portions of each calendar year. The following table includes the relevant topline figures from October 1, 2025, through the end of last week (July 2, 2026).
* * *
FY 2026 Regulatory Budget Toplines Through July 2, 2026
EO 14192 Category ... # of Rules ... Costs (+)/Savings (-) ($M)
Deregulatory ... 70 ... -1,163,123.5
Regulatory ... 11 ... 45,688.0
Exempt ... 11 ... 9,339.9
Not Applicable ... 17 ... 208.8
Net Total ... -1,107,886.8
* * *
The current net total stands at just over $1.1 trillion in savings for the fiscal year thus far. Of course, the vast majority of that comes from the $1.09 trillion in estimated savings from EPA's rule repealing the "endangerment finding" (and thus rolling back recent tailpipe emissions rules). Even if one removes that sizable portion, FY2026 still stands at roughly $18 billion on the net-savings side of the ledger. Additionally, the deregulatory-to-regulatory rule ratio currently stands at roughly 7-to-1 and thus falls short of the administration's stated 10-to-1 goal. As AAF has previously noted though:
The main discrepancy between AAF's figures here and those in the administration's announcement is likely due to AAF's analysis focusing on published rulemakings that contain some kind of measurable economic effect, whereas the administration's appears to include less formalized actions (such as ending the "shoes-off" policy for airport screening) to which it ascribes an ad hoc estimate.
MAJOR RULES COMING SOON
In the UA's introduction, the administration heralds that it will finalize "a record-setting $1.5 trillion in projected cost savings" over the course of FY 2026. With an estimated $1.1 trillion already logged thus far, it is worth looking at rules that could potentially help agencies achieve that goal over the next three months. The following table includes still-outstanding major rules that are slated - at least in their UA entry's stated timeline - to be finalized through this September (and, where applicable, the cost or savings estimate provided in the proposed rule).
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RIN ... Agency ... Title ... Projected Month ... Costs (+)/Savings (-) From Proposed Rule ($ M)
0560-AI84 ... USDA ... Supplemental Disaster Assistance Programs, Marketing Assistance Loans, and Sugar Provisions ... July
0560-AI88 ... USDA ... Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers ... July
0910-AI72 ... HHS ... Use of Salt Substitutes to Reduce the Sodium Content in Standardized Foods ... July
0938-AV64 ... HHS/IRS/DOL ... Transparency in Coverage (CMS-9882) ... July ... 18.3
1615-AD06* ... DHS ... Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility ... July
1652-AA80 ... DHS/DOT ... Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations ... July ... 2.5
1653-AA95* ... DHS ... Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media ... July ... 2800
1205-AC25 ... DOL ... Rescission of Final Rule: Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States ... July ... -10.2
1218-AD36 ... DOL ... Removal of 1910 Subpart U (COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings) ... July ... -22.7
1235-AA49 ... DOL ... Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors; Rescission of Regulations ... July
1250-AA17 ... DOL ... Rescission of Executive Order 11246 Implementing Regulations ... July ... -7000
1557-AF35 ... TREAS/FDIC ... Unsafe or Unsound Practices, Matters Requiring Attention ... July
1557-AF41* ... TREAS ... Regulations on Implementing the GENIUS Act for Entities Subject to OCC Jurisdiction ... July ... -1.7
2050-AH42 ... EPA ... Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Revision of an Alternative Closure Requirement Deadline ... July ... -117.6
2060-AW55 ... EPA ... Carbon Pollution Standards Repeal ... July ... -9600
2060-AW76 ... EPA ... Reconsideration of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program ... July ... -2000
2070-AK85 ... EPA ... N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP); Regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) ... July ... 4200
2070-AL29 ... EPA ... Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation ... July ... -814.7
7100-AG96 ... TREAS/FRS/FDIC ... Regulatory Capital Rule: Modifications to the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio Standards for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies, and more. (Docket No. R-1876) ... July
0945-AA00 ... HHS ... HIPAA Privacy Rule: Changes to Support Coordinated Care and Individual Engagement and Reduce Regulatory Burdens ... August ... -8100
1205-AC21 ... DOL ... Prohibiting Illegal Discrimination in Registered Apprenticeship Programs ... August ... -738.9
2900-AQ82 ... VA ... Schedule for Rating Disabilities: Mental Disorders ... August
2900-AR10 ... VA ... Updating VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Related to Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents ... August
2900-AR75 ... VA ... Updating VA Adjudication Regulations for Disability or Death Benefit Claims Based on Toxic Exposure ... August
1615-AC67* ... DHS ... Procedures for Credible Fear Screening and Consideration of Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection Claims by Asylum Officers ... September
1615-AC93* ... DHS ... U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule ... September ... 29.6
1670-AA04* ... DHS ... Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) Reporting Requirements ... September ... 1300
1210-AC21 ... DOL ... Exemption for Certain Automatic Portability Transactions ... September ... 8.5
2127-AM76 ... DOT ... Corporate Average Fuel Economy [CAFE] Standards Amendment ... September ... -219500
9000-AO34* ... FAR ... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2021-017, Cyber Threat and Incident Reporting and Information Sharing ... September ... 7200
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Assuming the final version of these rulemakings largely follow their proposed versions, this cohort of rules would bring approximately $236 billion in additional net savings (exclusive of the handful that claim an exemption). Much of this total is, of course, attached to the latest rulemaking on Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards and its nearly $220 billion in projected savings. Adding this $236 billion total to that produced by agencies thus far into FY 2026 would yield a grand total of $1.34 trillion - still roughly $160 billion short of the administration's apparent goal for the fiscal year.
While that is not an insignificant deficit, it is hardly inconceivable for the administration to close it in the coming months. For instance, there are 127 rulemakings scheduled for this remaining three-month window "where the major determination has not been made." If enough of those carry savings estimates somewhere close to the billion-dollar threshold, then agencies could close the gap that way. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the administration has made clear it is willing to attribute agency actions outside of the usual rulemaking context toward its regulatory budget math. To the extent the administration can ascribe some measurable economic impact to those actions, they may factor in as well. As such, that projection of $1.5 trillion in cost reductions remains within the realm of possibility.
CONCLUSION
Despite their relative obscurity, UA reports provide a uniquely comprehensive look at a given administration's policymaking positions. The publication circumstances of this edition - both in the delayed release and its posting the day before the nation's 250th Independence Day without a major announcement by senior administration officials or the president - suggest that the Trump deregulatory agenda has taken something of a back seat as a rhetorical and political priority. The actual content of the report belies that conclusion as a policy matter, however, as this UA makes clear that agencies remain active both in terms of the scope and degree of regulatory rollbacks for the foreseeable future.
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Dan Goldbeck is the Director of Regulatory Policy at the American Action Forum.
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Original text here: https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/the-2026-unified-agenda-checking-in-on-the-trump-2-0-deregulatory-agenda/
[Category: Think Tank]