This week, I'll be providing examples of past regulations that would have fallen under H.R. 10, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS), a bill expected to move quickly through the House this year. The REINS Act would require Congressional approval for all major rules – a terrible move that could delay or kill new environmental, health, and safety protections.

In its first two years, the Obama administration stepped up the enforcement of rules meant to protect the environment, workers, and consumers, according to a new OMB Watch report. This activity is a welcome development after years of regulatory negligence that likely played a part in the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history and the most fatal coal mine disaster in 40 years.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is proposing to cut in half the exposure limit for coal dust, the cause of black lung disease. MSHA estimates the new standard will prevent thousands of illnesses and hundreds of deaths over the lifetimes of miners.