Improving Regulatory Systems

Improving Regulatory Systems

Issue Summary:

     The federal regulatory system affects every aspect of our society.
At its best, it gets credited for saving thousands of lives each year.
At its worst, it gets blamed for imposing incredible complexities and
constraints on individuals, businesses, and state, local, and tribal
governments. Today, the regulatory system is refocusing its efforts on
providing the protection and services we expect while eliminating
unnecessary and overbearing regulations that drive up the costs of
government.

For meaningful reform to continue, the Executive, the Congress and the
Regulatory Agencies must continue their cooperation. The Executive and
Congress need to become more selective in proposing and the Congress in
passing regulatory legislation. When a new regulation is truly
necessary, all concerned should opt for performance-based, market
oriented approaches to reach their goal. Regulators need to become
thoroughly familiar with the legislation so they can advise affected
parties on the best compliance alternative for a particular situation.
Regulators also need to communicate more information about the
legislation, based on scientific data.  Finally, regulators need to
explore alternatives that allow for a more open and participatory
process.

The National Performance Review is implementing ten recommendations
designed to streamline the regulatory process, reduce costs, and develop
a results-driven approach to regulation. Over the past year, working
together, we have made progress. Last September, the President signed
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, which spells out
the Administration's regulatory principles. The order created an
interagency working group that has implemented most of NPR's
recommendations. The President also directed agencies to experiment with
negotiated rule-making. Nearly 75% report they are now conducting such
experiments. OMB has also responded by starting a regulatory training
and exchange program to help regulators achieve the goals of the
President s executive order.

Your participation in this Electronic Open Meeting will go a long way
toward energizing, refining, and implementing NPR Recommendations
affecting regulatory systems. During the next two weeks you'll be able
to connect, engage, and network with participants across the federal
workforce. By sharing experiences and ideas on government reinvention,
this Electronic Open Meeting will help forge the enterprising and
pragmatic solutions.