Ep. 196 - Tariffs, Regulation & the Future of Free Markets w/Ryan Young

Can the United States reduce regulation, strengthen its economy, and remain competitive while preserving free markets? On this episode of the Washington Signal Lunch Hour Podcast, host Andrew Langer welcomes Ryan Young, Senior Economist and Director of Publications at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), for a wide-ranging discussion on tariffs, regulatory reform, AI, energy policy, and the future of economic growth in America. Young explains how tariffs, regulatory uncertainty, and government intervention affect businesses, consumers, and long-term investment decisions. He also discusses why stable policy matters for economic growth, the importance of transparency in rulemaking, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence could reshape both innovation and government oversight. The conversation covers: Tariffs, trade policy, and the economics of protectionism Regulatory reform and limiting agency overreach Jobs, productivity, and long-term economic growth The Jones Act, LNG exports, and national security AI, regulatory compliance, and government enforcement The future of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) The discussion also explores supply chain resilience, free trade versus national security, regulatory "dark matter," David Boaz's legacy, and why thoughtful, limited government can foster innovation while protecting economic opportunity. 00:00 — Intro & Meet Ryan Young 03:26 — Agency power and regulatory reform 06:03 — Tariffs and free markets 13:14 — Jobs, productivity, and economic growth 14:48 — LNG exports and energy policy 16:06 — The Jones Act debate 20:50 — National security and free trade 23:18 — Reforming the Administrative Procedure Act 29:22 — AI, regulation, and compliance 34:26 — Regulations of the week 37:19 — Remembering David Boaz 40:37 — Where to learn more 41:14 — Closing remarks Follow us on social mediaX: @TheLunchHourPodInstagram: the_lunchhour_podLinkedIn: Lunch Hour PodcastTikTok: lunchhourpod Find more at Washington SignalYour source for policy, national security, and investigative journalism.https://washingtonsignal.com/