Final answer:
Option D most clearly reveals the regulations' purpose, which is to ensure fairness for consumers, aligned with the historical context of airline regulation and deregulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evidence from the text that best reveals the purpose of the regulations announced in the press release is option D: “These actions will enable passengers… treat consumers fairly.” This choice directly addresses the intent behind the regulations, which is to ensure fair treatment for consumers in the aviation industry. The context given in the various text excerpts indicates a history of regulation within the airline industry, from the control of airfares and routes by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to the deregulation efforts under President Jimmy Carter, which aimed at increasing competition and removing regulatory barriers. Additionally, the mention of the DOT's new regulations regarding service animals and the statement that these regulations do not discriminate against persons with disabilities underscore the purpose of fairness and non-discrimination in the regulatory process.