Citizen Health & Safety

CPSC Budget Update

Jun 29, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Yesterday, the House passed an appropriations bill which would fund the Consumer Product Safety Commission at a level $3.6 million above President Bush's request, according to the National Journal (subscription required). In February, Reg•Watch derided President Bush for proposing cuts in the budget of the independent agency which regulates and forces recalls of common household items such as toys, clothes and electronics. Bush's budget request would result in the lowest staffing levels in agency history.

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No Money No Problems

Jun 28, 2007 by Matthew Madia

On Jan. 3, EPA published a proposed rule potentially allowing "major source" air pollutant emitters to be downgraded to "area source" emitters. Major sources are subject to maximum achievable control technology (MACT), which often results in a significant reduction in air pollution. Area sources are not subject to the MACT standard. Under the current rules, major sources retain that designation permanently — a policy EPA refers to as "once-in, always-in." The proposed rule would repeal the current policy.

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Latest Watcher

Jun 27, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Be sure to check out the latest issue of our biweekly newsletter, The Watcher. Regulatory policy articles this time: EPA Announces Proposed Smog Standard House Legislation Would Force Regulatory Review House Bills Address Mining Health and Safety Shortfalls

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Federal Regulations: The American Advantage

Jun 27, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Two stories today illustrate a dangerous trend which will likely get worse before it gets better: the importation of dangerous products from China. Much like America during the Industrial Revolution, China's economy is making great strides and the global economy is benefiting. But, also much like America, China's economic growth is outpacing government regulation and oversight. The difference is — because rapid globalization is eroding trade barriers — dangerous products are easily spilling onto foreign shores.

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Congress Moves to Create a Greenhouse Gas Inventory

In an effort to combat the causes of climate change, proposals to collect and publicly disclose accurate information on releases of greenhouse gases are moving forward in Congress. Two recently introduced bills seek to create an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, and during the week of June 18, the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee included a provision in its bill that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create such an inventory.

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House Bills Address Mining Health and Safety Shortfalls

Two House bills introduced June 19 address health and safety issues left out of the MINER Act passed in 2006 after coal miners died in three separate accidents in Kentucky and West Virginia. The bills also include provisions that will allow the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), often criticized for slow implementation of mining laws, to better address new and existing protections.

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House Legislation Would Force Regulatory Review

The House has approved legislation that would expand the ability of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to aid small businesses in complying with federal and state regulations. However, the bill would also allow SBA to target regulations that the small business community finds objectionable.

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EPA Announces Proposed Smog Standard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced proposed changes to the national standard for ground-level ozone, also known as smog. Scientific consensus supports a limit substantially lower than the current standard. EPA's proposal has drawn criticism for being too weak to fully protect the public from the adverse health effects of ozone. A lack of transparency in the rulemaking process has left the public in the dark as to whether EPA, the White House or industry lobbyists may be to blame.

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House Moves on FDA Reform, PDUFA Renewal

Jun 25, 2007 by Matthew Madia

Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill to reform certain drug regulation practices at FDA and renew the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). The full Senate approved a similar bill in May. (For a detailed analysis of the Senate version, click here. The Pharmalot blog has a good summary of some of the drug safety provisions in the House bill which go beyond what the Senate approved.

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More Delay on State Efforts to Regulate GHG Emissions

Jun 22, 2007 by Matthew Madia

In December 2005, California petitioned EPA to let the state develop its own program and standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. Under the Clean Air Act, the federal government holds the express right to regulate emissions but may grant waivers to states, which it often does. If EPA grants California's waiver request, 11 other states could follow suit. Yesterday, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson wrote California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stating EPA would make its decision by the end of 2007. That's two full years after the initial request.

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