After transitioning from software to hardware, the author highlights the staggering impact of regulatory hurdles on hardtech companies. At Charm Industrial, where they focus on carbon removal, over half of their costs stem from navigating bureaucratic red tape. Regulatory delays not only inflate operational expenses but also prevent innovative technologies from reaching the market. For instance, it took Charm five and a half years just to determine the correct permitting path for their carbon sequestration process, resulting in a $90 million loss in potential carbon removal and an estimated $300 million in public health costs due to additional air pollution. Revoy, another venture, aims to electrify long-haul trucking. Despite significant fuel efficiency gains—boosting semis from 7 mpg to 120 mpg—the company faces regulatory confusion over the classification of its electric powertrain. This lack of clarity generates unnecessary costs and delays, adding more than $25 million to their burden. The author argues that the current regulatory environment is counterproductive, stifling innovation and harming public health. They stress the need for simpler regulations, better resources for regulators, and a more streamlined permitting process to foster the development of technologies that could significantly improve air quality and climate outcomes.