Blog: The Fine Print / Citizen Health & Safety

Park Service Announces Yellowstone Snowmobile Policy

Nov 21, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Yesterday, the National Park Service (NPS) announced a limit on snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park. As expected, NPS will allow 540 snowmobiles per day. For at least a decade, the limit on snowmobiles in Yellowstone has been the subject of a pitched battle between conservationists and snowmobile advocates. Just before leaving office in Jan. 2001, the Clinton administration banned all snowmobile use in Yellowstone. The Bush administration was able to delay implementation until a federal court invalidated the ban in 2004 in a case brought by the snowmobile industry.

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OMB and EU Discuss Regulation and International Trade

Nov 15, 2007 by Matthew Madia

The European Commission and the White House Office of Management and Budget have released a joint draft report titled, "Review of the application of EU and US regulatory impact assessment guidelines on the analysis of impacts on international trade and investment." The report describes the system by which the European Union (EU) and the U.S. examine proposed regulations for their potential impacts on foreign parties and/or international trade.

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A Proactive NOAA Vs. a Reactive White House

Nov 14, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Yesterday, Reg•Watch blogged about a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rule which would expand protections for krill (a shrimp-like creature that serves as an important food source for larger marine animals) and how White House officials are blocking it.

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Industry Science Raises Concern over Safe Meat Packaging

Nov 14, 2007 by Matthew Madia

At a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing yesterday, members, meat industry representatives and federal regulators debated the safety of using carbon monoxide to make packaged meat appear red for longer periods of time. Critics believe using the gas to preserve the redness of the meat, even after it has potentially spoiled, is misleading to consumers. Tests into the safety of the practice revealed dubious results. According to The Washington Post:

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White House Rejects NOAA Krill Rule

Nov 13, 2007 by Matthew Madia

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has rejected a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed rule intended to protect krill. According to NOAA's proposal, "As the principal food source for many fish and non-fish species, krill are a critical component of the marine ecosystem."

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California Sues EPA over Greenhouse Gas Regulations

Nov 9, 2007 by Matthew Madia

As promised, California filed suit yesterday against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its refusal to make a decision on the state's proposal to set strict standards for vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.

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EPA Releases Findings on Exposure to Diacetyl

Nov 8, 2007 by Matthew Madia

EPA has finally released its study of the chemical exposures that occur for consumers of microwave popcorn. EPA had previously refused to release the study to the public. The study includes information on consumer exposure to diacetyl, the butter flavoring chemical known to cause lung disease. Much of the furor over diacetyl has related to those exposed during the manufacturing process, but consumers are also at risk. The Pump Handle blog has an analysis of the study: "EPA Microwave Popcorn Emissions Study Finally Published"

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EPA Official Sets the Record Straight

Nov 7, 2007 by Matthew Madia

EPA Deputy Administrator has put up an interesting post on his blog "Flow of the River." EPA is in the middle of a rulemaking which would tighten the air quality standard for ozone, a.k.a. smog. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set the standard based on public health considerations. Peacock writes, I have something to say today for the sake of those many states, cities, counties and other local entities that have been commenting on EPA's proposal to tighten the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone:

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Latest Analyses from OMB Watch

Nov 7, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Every two weeks, in OMB Watch's e-newsletter The Watcher, we analyze a few recent issues in regulatory policy. Here are the articles from the November 6 issue: Vice President Reemerging in Regulatory Review Meetings

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Will the White House Turn Over Documents? Of Course Not.

Nov 2, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has requested from the White House documents related to the Office of Management and Budget's editing of testimony on climate change given by the head of the CDC. White House Counsel Fred Fielding responded with a letter on Tuesday. Here's an excerpt:

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