Publications

Senate Shows Continuing Interest in Regulatory Reform

February 3, 2016

Regulation is one of the primary vehicles by which federal policy is formulated, and it affects every household, employee, and business in the United States. Recognizing the importance of the regulatory process, the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee recently released a report, “Direct From the Source: Understanding Regulation From the Inside Out,” which features some practical solutions for regulatory reform submitted by the GW Regulatory Studies Center and other sources.

Looking Ahead to Regulation in 2016

January 20, 2016

Although Congress will not likely enact new legislation in President Obama’s final year in office, regulatory agencies are a different matter.

President Obama’s Regulatory Output: Looking Back at 2015 and Ahead to 2016

January 12, 2016

HHS leads the way in finalizing new economically significant rules

EPA's Proposed Supplemental Finding that it is Appropriate and Necessary to Regulate Hazardous Air Pollutants from Coal- and Oil-Fired EGUs

January 11, 2016

On May 3, 2011, EPA determined that regulation of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) from coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units (EGUs) was appropriate and necessary, and proposed “mercury and air toxics standards” (MATS) pursuant to section 112 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The agency issued final MATS on February 16, 2012.

Are Chemical Risk Assessment and Benefit-Cost Analysis Compatible?

January 6, 2016

Executive Order 12866 requires benefit-cost analyses for all regulations; in many cases these economic analyses rely upon risk assessment for critical inputs. Usually this is not a problem; in principle, risk assessment and benefit-cost analysis are perfectly compatible.

Insights on South Korea’s Public-Private Partnership for Regulatory Reform

December 21, 2015

Herding Genetically Engineered Animals to Market

December 17, 2015

FDA’s decision to approve a genetically engineered salmon for human consumption bodes well for people interested in cheaper fish.

Missed Opportunity for EPA to Cut Back Renewable Fuel Standard

December 16, 2015

Congress and EPA should reevaluate whether the Renewable Fuel Standard is accomplishing its goals.

OMB's 2015 Draft Report to Congress on the Benefits and Costs of Federal Regulations

December 15, 2015

Pursuant to the Regulatory Right-to-Know Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submits to Congress each year an accounting statement and associated report providing estimates of the total annual benefits and costs of federal regulations; an analysis of impacts of Federal regulation on State, local, and tribal government, small business, wages, and economic growth; and recommendations for reform.

Midnight Rules: A Comparison of Regulatory Output Across Administrations

December 1, 2015

Understanding Midnight Regulatory Activity and how it's used