CPSC Approves Lower Lead Limit for Children's Products, but Divided Commission Faces Hurdles
Jul 27, 2011
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently adopted a new standard that reduces the amount of lead allowed in children's products, providing a clear health benefit to American families. In voting July 13 to implement the lowest limit prescribed by statute, the 3-2 majority drew hostile objections from minority members. Such clashes are familiar to CPSC and could have implications for product safety in the future.
ExxonMobil's Pipeline Spill is a Revelation
Jul 12, 2011
On July 1, an estimated 42,000 gallons of crude oil poured out of ExxonMobil's Silvertip pipeline and into the Yellowstone River in Montana. Significant accumulations of oil have been found more than 40 miles downriver, and traces of oil have floated twice as far. While the cause of the spill has not been determined, speculation has centered on high river waters that could have exposed the pipe to damage.
Proposed Congressional Changes to the Regulatory Process Unnecessary
Jun 28, 2011
On June 23, several senators outlined proposals for revamping the regulatory system, a system they blame for the nation's economic problems despite evidence to the contrary. Cass Sunstein, administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), told the senators that the proposals were largely unnecessary and could have harmful unintended consequences.
read in fullU.S. Chamber of Commerce Advances the Attack on Regulations
Jun 14, 2011
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) continues to attack public protections and will advance the anti-regulatory community’s agenda with a series of planned public events across the country later in 2011.
Obama Administration Weighing Rules to Keep or Repeal
May 17, 2011
On May 18, the Obama administration is expected to take the next step in its process for reviewing federal regulations. Agencies and the White House sit at an important crossroads: will they defend existing regulatory safeguards or weaken rules in an attempt to appease special interests?
read in fullPush to Cut Oversight of Businesses Roils Senate
May 4, 2011
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) is pushing legislation that would make it more difficult for government agencies to set health, safety, environmental, and economic standards that protect the American people. Snowe is using the debate over her bill to reinforce untrue stereotypes about regulation's impact on the economy.
read in fullCommentary: Draft Executive Order on Contractor Disclosure of Political Contributions Is Important Accountability Tool
May 4, 2011
In late April, a draft executive order (E.O.) that had been circulating among federal agencies was leaked to the press. The draft order calls for potential federal contractors to disclose their political spending, and it has generated both support and harsh criticism.
read in fullReducing Influence Peddling in Government Contracting
Apr 27, 2011
Published April 27, 2011—In this piece, Gary Therkildsen and Gary D. Bass of OMB Watch argue that the federal government, namely the executive branch, must get serious about making public the information on any and all lobbying related to the federal procurement process. The authors use the Boeing tanker contract scandal as an illustration of the need for reform. This piece appeared as part of the "Solutions: Making Government Work" column on Truthout.
Regulations Do Not Hinder U.S. Job Market, Paper Finds
Apr 19, 2011
Regulations designed to protect consumers, workers, and the environment do not have a negative impact on the job market and, in some cases, actually spur job creation, according to new research from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The EPI paper, Regulation, Employment, and the Economy: Fears of job loss are overblown, shows that recent criticism surrounding regulations' impact on jobs is misguided and not reflective of economic data.
One Year Later, Massey Still Puts Miners at Risk
Apr 5, 2011
One year after an explosion killed 29 miners at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) continues to cite the mine's owner, Massey Energy, for significant safety and health hazards at the company's other mines.
