A Last Push To Deregulate

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Seeking to avoid falling victim to partisan tactics, White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten in May imposed a Nov 1 government-wide deadline to finish major new regulations, "except in extraordinary circumstances." That gives officials just a few more weeks to meet an effective Nov. 20 deadline for the publication of economically significant rules, which take legal effect only after a 60-day congressional comment period. Less important rules take effect after a 30-day period, creating a second deadline of Dec. 20. The White House is working to enact a wide array of federal regulations, many of which would weaken government rules aimed at protecting consumers and the environment, before President Bush leaves office in January. The new rules would be among the most controversial deregulatory steps of the Bush era and could be difficult for his successor to undo.


A Last Push To Deregulate