Cato Podcast

Adi Dynar, an attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, dives into the complexities of delegating authority within state executive agencies. He unpacks the major questions doctrine from the Supreme Court and its implications for state-level governance. Dynar discusses a riveting Arizona case concerning corrections officer compensation, illustrating the conflict between legislative power and agency control. He also analyzes how state decisions intertwine with federal governance, shedding light on the constitutional rights at play and the challenges posed by relinquishing legislative authority.

Ian Vasquez, lead author of the Human Freedom Index, discusses a decade of tracking global human freedom. He reveals troubling trends, including a significant decline in freedoms since 2007, especially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vasquez highlights a drop in the U.S. ranking and its implications for innovation and growth. He also analyzes recent shifts in countries like Nicaragua and Argentina, where emerging leaders may rejuvenate economic freedoms. Dive into the intricate links between personal and economic freedoms and their global impact.

Niklas Kleinworth, who directs policy at the Idaho Freedom Foundation, dives into the potential impact of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) on state sovereignty and individual freedoms. He discusses how states might resist these federal initiatives, emphasizing the need for alternative financial options like cryptocurrencies. Kleinworth highlights Idaho's legislative moves to reject federal CBDC participation, advocating for financial independence against government surveillance and control. It's a thought-provoking look at the intersection of state power and digital finance.

Joe Luppino-Esposito, Deputy Legal Policy Director at the Pacific Legal Foundation, discusses the significant shift in the legal landscape following the dismantling of the Chevron Doctrine. He explains how federal courts will be less deferential to agencies, compelling Congress to draft more precise legislation. Luppino-Esposito delves into the challenges of creating effective environmental laws and emphasizes the importance of legislative clarity to avoid misinterpretation. He also highlights the need for Congress to enhance its expertise and accountability in policy oversight.

Join Alex Nowrasteh, a report editor at the Cato Institute specializing in immigration policy, and Ryan Bourne, an expert in economics and public policy. They dive into the Department of Government Efficiency's ambitious mission to identify spending cuts. The conversation highlights a proposed $2 trillion reduction, focusing on areas like federal aid and healthcare. They discuss the legacy of regulatory reforms that have driven innovation and emphasize the moment for libertarians to advocate for substantial government efficiency reforms in today's political climate.

Jaimie Cavanaugh, a researcher at the Pacific Legal Foundation, dives into the shortcomings of certificate of need laws during the pandemic. She highlights how these regulations hindered healthcare facilities, resulting in higher mortality rates in affected states. Cavanaugh also discusses South Carolina's recent repeal of such laws, aimed at improving access to essential health services. Additionally, she emphasizes women's autonomy in childbirth and the barriers restrictive licensure laws pose to midwives, shedding light on the urgent need for reform in maternal care.

Jeff Singer, a Cato scholar and co-author of a pivotal paper, dives into the contentious topic of licensing for lactation consultants. He argues that while breastfeeding offers significant health benefits, government regulation may reduce access to essential support services. The discussion highlights the dubious influence of lobbying groups pushing for exclusive certifications and questions whether such measures really improve breastfeeding outcomes. Singer advocates for less governmental intervention to ensure that women have more options in lactation care.

Ed Timmons, Director of the NEE Regulatory Research Center, dives into the world of state-level occupational licensing. He reveals that a staggering one in three jobs requires a license, creating barriers to workforce mobility. Timmons questions the effectiveness of medical licensing and highlights the impact of excessive regulations on economic progress. He advocates for universal license recognition to ease transitions between states and discusses recent reforms in Ohio to improve board impartiality. The discussion underscores the need to streamline licensing to boost workforce participation.

Jason Hayes, who directs energy and environmental policy at the Mackinac Center, shares his expertise on the complexities of decarbonizing energy markets. He argues that the push for clean energy needs to seriously consider nuclear power, cautioning about the personal costs to consumers. The discussion dives into the challenges of renewable energy implementation, the importance of electricity storage, and personal energy management tools. Hayes also critiques renewable energy subsidies, advocating for a balanced energy market that embraces innovative solutions.

Paul Matzko, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, and Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the same institute, delve into the intricate powers of the FCC over speech regulation. They discuss the potential risks posed by a politically motivated FCC suppressing dissenting voices and the bipartisan concerns regarding its impact on free speech. The conversation highlights how changes to Section 230 could reshape online discourse, examining case studies where regulations have stifled political messages and drawing disturbing parallels to oppressive regimes.