A legally binding directive issued by a federal agency to implement, interpret, or enforce laws passed by Congress. Rules go through a formal rulemaking process, including public notice and comment, before taking effect.
Who It Impacts: Businesses, organizations, and individuals subject to federal agency oversight. For example, a new environmental regulation could impact manufacturing companies, or a healthcare rule could affect providers and insurers.
Who Is Not Impacted: People or entities not subject to the agency’s jurisdiction. For example, a rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulating industrial emissions would not directly impact a restaurant owner unless they operate in an affected industry.