This request, which was made as part of a draft report to Congress on the costs and benefits of regulation, notes that the manufacturing sector bears higher regulatory costs than other sectors of the economy. However, it ignores the clear reason for this: The manufacturing sector accounts for much of the country’s pollution as well as workplace deaths and injuries. The only way to significantly reduce the regulatory burden on manufacturers, which OIRA says is essential, is to scale back crucial health, safety and environmental protections.
Given the track record, this appears to be the direction the administration is headed. OIRA conducted similar exercises in 2001 and 2002, both of which were followed by a series of rollbacks. In fact, OIRA is still following through on the nearly 300 regulatory recommendations it received in 2002.
Nonetheless, this year’s request stands apart for its audacity. Previously, OIRA sought recommendations on any regulation, for any purpose, including strengthening it (even if such recommendations were ultimately ignored). This year, following the advice of a recent Commerce Department report, OIRA makes no secret of its agenda. It is chiefly concerned with costs to industry, not the health and safety of the American public.