Yesterday, a reporter asked White House Press Secretary Tony Snow about President Bush’s amendments to the regulatory process. In his response, Snow reached new heights of evasiveness. Instead of just admitting the White House dislikes regulations because they are perceived to be a burden to industry, Snow talked about how much they love the environment. Speaking of climate change: But no administration in American history, and none on the face of the Earth, has been more aggressive in trying to do sound science on this than this administration. Considering the administration was recently found to be manipulating climate science, it is hard to believe Snow said this with a straight face. Is it too late to nominate Tony Snow for an Oscar?

The vote on the Vitter amendment to ease punishments for violators of information collection requirements has not yet occurred. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) — who is managing the vote on the minimum wage bill to which Vitter proposes the amendment — says that debate will continue "as far as the eye can see." For now, it appears as though the Vitter amendment will have to wait until tomorrow. Call your Senator and tell them to vote "No."

Agencies released today the Fall 2006 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which sums up the work of the last six months and sets priorities for the coming year. Unfortunately, this year's regulatory plan has a few too many familiar faces. Agencies have failed to make progress on important regulations such as reducing worker's exposure to crystalline silica or upgrading energy efficiency standards. What's even more troubling about the Bush's regulatory plan for 2007 is the return of some industry favorites that aim to rollback health, safety and environmental standards.