President Obama’s Regulatory Output: Looking Back at 2015 and Ahead to 2016
HHS leads the way in finalizing new economically significant rules
Publications
The GW Regulatory Studies Center scholars regularly conduct applied research to understand regulatory policy and practice from a public interest perspective. Our content often takes the form of public interest comments, formal testimony, working papers, policy insights, and short commentaries analyzing the most pressing issues in regulatory policy. View the rest of our material by the different types of publications listed on this page or our research areas.
What We Publish
Journal Articles & Working Papers
Long-form publications intended for academic audiences that take a deep dive into a particular aspect of regulatory policy.
Public Comments & Testimonies
Scholarly analysis of the potential effects of particular rulemakings from federal agencies, and advice to Congress on how to improve the rulemaking process.
Commentaries & Insights
Short-form publications intended for all audiences which provide easy to access analysis of regulatory policy.
Books & Reports
Formal publications, often completed with other leading organizations and individuals, providing a thorough understanding of regulations and the rulemaking process.
Newsletters
The weekly Regulation Digest contains everything you need to know about regulatory policy today, and our monthly Center Update gives you all of the latest from our team.
For accessible charts and supporting data that you can use in your own publications or presentations, visit the Reg Stats page.
Latest Publications
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?
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.
Herding Genetically Engineered Animals to Market
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
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
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
Understanding Midnight Regulatory Activity and how it's used
The public policy world is not exempt misunderstandings, and the renewed emphasis on retrospective regulatory review is a case in point.
Political Discourse Includes Regulatory Reform
This commentary provides a brief review of what the 2016 presidential candidates have to say about regulatory reform.