Purpose

This independent blog collects news about projects or achievements in regulatory reform / better regulation. It is edited by Charles H. Montin. All opinions expressed are given on a personal basis.
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23 May 2013

New regulatory czar nominated in Washington

We are always keen to hear about examples of supervisory or oversight authorities entrusted with the mission of curbing over-activity of regulators, or chasing bad regulation. The US, with its "regulatory czar", offers a good model, but the seat of this high function is vacant since last August. A successor may be taking over, as President Obama has some weeks ago nominated economist Howard Shelanski to serve as administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). If confirmed by the Senate, Mr Shelanski would succeed Cass Sunstein. See also other posts in "US/CND category."
Regwatch comments: "With Congress mired in gridlock on many fronts, the Obama administration has increasingly sought to accomplish its policy goals through regulatory action. The shift has added clout to the OIRA administrator role and outside groups from across the political spectrum have awaited Obama’s selection with significant interest. There are currently more than 100 federal rules, ranging from air quality protections to proposed worker protections, awaiting review at OIRA, which is housed in the White House Office of Management and Budget."
Also on the US blogsphere: under the title "Draft Bill Would Limit EPA Rulemaking Power," Regblog discusses draft legislation examined by a House subcommittee, to require the Environment Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress whenever one of its proposed regulations related to energy would cost more than $1 billion. The report would include the estimated direct and indirect costs of the proposed rule, its potential effect on energy prices, and any likely impact on employment. The regulatory reform zeal of Congress shows no sign of abating.

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