Worries about the economic impacts of new regulations, high-level vacancies and election-year politics have raised the review time for new rules being considered by the Obama administration to a 20-year high. Many in his own party are not pleased.
"The White House has blocked several Department of Energy regulations that would require appliances, lighting and buildings to use less energy and create less global-warming pollution, as part of a broader slowdown of new antipollution rules issued by the Obama administration," reports John M. Broder. "Regulatory review times at the White House Office of Management and Budget are now the longest in 20 years, having spiked sharply since 2011."
"With some Congressional Democrats and environmental advocates criticizing the delays, President Obama's nominee to direct the regulatory affairs offices said at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday that his first priority would be to speed the agency’s review process."
"While Republicans continue to criticize the administration for what they call regulatory overkill, environmental advocates and some Democrats outside the administration argue that Mr. Obama has not made good on his recent promises and has failed to show enough urgency about climate change."
FULL STORY: Regulatory Nominee Vows to Speed Up Energy Reviews
Opinion: Supreme Court Ruling on EPA's Mercury Rule Will Have Little Effect
When the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 against the Environmental Protection Agency on June 29, it appeared as a blow against mercury regulation by the EPA and a victory for coal power plants. David Roberts of Vox looks closer and finds that's not the case
Supreme Court Overturns EPA's Mercury Rules
In a close ruling, the Supreme Court decided the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had not properly considered the costs of new regulations limiting mercury and other emissions.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
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Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
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