Regulatory Review (E.O. 13563)

Summary

Orders government agencies to make sure rules protect people and the economy, are based on science, and are easy to understand and follow.

What problem does this solve?

Some government rules can be old, confusing, or too costly for people and businesses. This order makes agencies review their rules to ensure they are helpful, not harmful, and are created with public input.

What does this order do?

Requires review of old regulations

Directs agencies to regularly review their existing rules to see if they are outdated, ineffective, or too burdensome. Agencies must create a plan to modify, streamline, or remove these rules.

Mandates public participation

Requires agencies to give the public a meaningful chance to comment on proposed rules online. The comment period should generally be at least 60 days.

Reaffirms cost-benefit principles

Confirms that agencies must only adopt a rule if they determine its benefits are greater than its costs. They must choose the approach that creates the most overall good for society.

Promotes coordination between agencies

Instructs agencies to work together to reduce rules that are redundant, inconsistent, or overlapping. This helps to simplify regulations for industries that face many requirements.

Ensures use of objective science

Requires that any scientific or technical information used to support a regulation must be objective and reliable.

Encourages flexible regulatory approaches

Tells agencies to consider alternatives to strict rules, such as warnings, disclosure requirements, or providing clear information to the public to help them make choices.

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies
Businesses and Industries
The General Public

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes a more efficient and business-friendly government

Requires agencies to reduce rules that are redundant, inconsistent, or overlapping. This can lower costs for businesses and make it easier for them to operate, which may help the economy grow.

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Increases public transparency and involvement

Ensures the public has a chance to comment on new rules, usually for at least 60 days. This makes the rulemaking process more open and allows people who will be affected to share their views.

When does this start?

This order became effective on January 18, 2011, and includes a specific deadline for agencies.

Agency plan for reviewing old rules

Within 120 days of January 18, 2011, each agency must submit a preliminary plan for how it will periodically review its existing significant regulations.