Are Independent Regulatory Agencies entirely independent?

Independent Regulatory Agencies are not entirely independent of influence, particularly from industries that fall within their regulatory scope. While these agencies are designed to operate independently from the executive branch of the government and are intended to be free from political pressure to ensure unbiased regulation, they can still face lobbying and advocacy efforts from the industries they regulate. This means companies and interest groups might attempt to sway the decision-making process through lobbying, influencing rule-making, or other forms of persuasion. This interaction highlights the complexities of regulatory processes and the reality that independence does not equate to total detachment from external influences or industry pressures.

In contrast, the other options present misleading perspectives on the nature of these agencies. They are not completely independent from all external influences, nor do they function under strict government control. Additionally, the assertion that they work solely for political interests contradicts their foundational purpose of being impartial regulators.