Our Commentaries and Insights are short-form publications intended to distill long-form research and synthesize current policymaking activity into easily understood concepts.
A Brief History of Regulation and Deregulation
Ever since Congress created the first federal regulatory body more than 130 years ago, people have debated the proper role for what has been called the “fourth branch” of government. This essay provides a brief history of regulation and deregulation, reviewing the key milestones that have shaped regulatory practices in the United States from the mid-1900s to the presidency of Donald J. Trump.
Organizing Agencies to Promulgate Rules
Rulemaking process can use hierarchical, team-based, or outside advisor models
OMB Report on Regulatory Costs & Benefits Leaves Room for Regulatory Reform
The Office of Management and Budget released its Draft Report to Congress on the Benefits and Costs of Federal Regulations (“the Report”), which provides a window into regulatory activity conducted by federal agencies toward the end of the Obama administration in Fiscal Year 2016.
Quality, not Quantity, is Key to Effective Commenting
Fear over the impact of fake comments appears overblown
President Trump's State of the Union claim on Regulation: The 2017 Data are In
The administration is reducing regulatory actions, but to what extent?
2017 Regulatory Year in Review
This Regulatory Insight highlights ten important regulatory and deregulatory themes that garnered attention—and changed the regulatory landscape—in 2017. Regulatory policy was a focal point of 2017, and notable executive orders, rulemaking, and legislation all contributed to this theme.
Fall Unified Agenda outlines Progress of "Two-for-One" Reforms
In addition to the Unified Agenda, OIRA released a status report on implementation of President Trump’s two-for-one regulatory requirement.
Leave Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication to Innovators, Not Regulators
Nixing a plan to mandate vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology in new vehicles may be the right call for technological progress and innovation.
