The Citizens for Sensible Safeguards (CSS) coalition sent a letter to OIRA Administrator John Graham requesting an extension to the deadline for filing comments on federal agency data quality guidelines. Below is a copy of the letter. May 24, 2002 Dr. John Graham Administrator Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Office of Management Budget Old Executive Office Building 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20503 Dear Dr. Graham:

Federal agencies across the board recently released draft guidelines on data quality in response to a Fiscal Year 2001 appropriations rider. For most, the mere mention of "data quality" is likely to inspire a yawn. Yet for business interests, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, these guidelines represent an important new vehicle to challenge federal regulation, by challenging the information that supports it.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has announced that it will create a single web site where citizens can comment on proposed agency regulations, according to a May 6 memo from OMB Director Mitch Daniels to heads of agencies and executive departments.

The Bush administration is moving forward with a new rule that would allow mining companies to dump dirt and rock waste into rivers and streams, potentially clearing the way for new “mountaintop mining” -- a controversial practice that involves the removal of mountaintops to access lucrative low-sulfur coal, according to the Washington Post, and other sources.