There are lots of headlines that are enough to leave a person feeling overwhelmed about how to proceed in the current economy – Russia, Syria, healthcare, Twitter, it’s all too much to keep up with.  Similarly, regulations are changing rapidly, leaving many companies constantly reevaluating how they should go forward with their business plans.  What do the new regulations mean for you?

Some of the key areas to watch are the nation’s infrastructure policies.  From our bridges and roads to the pipeline carrying our waste, the entire system is desperately in need of a serious overhaul. Energy is another sector where we can expect to see serious changes, whether that is environmental regulations or new drilling areas.  Additionally, the President recently issued an order to establish a Regulatory Reform Task Force in each federal agency, so changes are certainly soon to come.

Still, businesses want to be proactive rather than reactive, whenever possible.  As an example, while some OSHA rules have been overturned recently, no one would argue that as a business owner, employee safety is still a top concern.  Even if environmental regulations loosen, no one wants to be responsible for polluting the community surrounding one’s business!

One way to be proactive is to examine the equipment and manufacturing processes the business currently utilizes and ask whether there is a better, more efficient way to get that job done.  How much money could you save, for example, if raw ingredients weren’t evaporating in your current heaters because you had better technology that not only captured those materials but did it at a fourth of the cost of the old heater?

Keep in mind that only a limited number of administrators have been appointed to key posts in government so far.  Will there be more regulation discussion to come?  Absolutely.  All the more reason to have your own commitments firmly defined and in place!  Having a solid vision of energy efficiency and safety for your business will outlive any rise or fall in governmental regulations.