Excerpts of Administration’s Proposal to Relax Toxin Rules
Yesterday, we reported about a proposed Department of Labor rule that would make it harder to regulate toxins and chemicals in the workplace. As the Washington Post noted, the proposed rule did not go through the normal process: It was not publicly disclosed and was drafted by a "political deputy in Labor's office of the assistant secretary for policy."
(A Department of Labor spokesman, yesterday, defended the timing of the rule saying "the issue was ripe," and that there would be plenty of time for public comment if and when the … more…
Bush Administration Tries To Slow Workplace Toxin Rules
As the Washington Post reported this morning, the Department of Labor is trying to push through a rule that, health and safety experts … more…
FDA Failing on Food Safety, Needs Money
As the Food and Drug Administration continues its investigation on the source of salmonella-tainted tomatoes that have sickened 228 … more…
States, Enviro Orgs Sue EPA Over Ozone Rule
Over the past six months, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson has made three major controversial decisions. In … more…
Government Could Lose Billions to Oil Industry on Royalties
Oil companies may receive a $53 billion boon thanks to a royalty relief package designed to enhance the appeal of drilling in the Gulf of … more…
Waxman Grills EPA Administrator After Investigation Suggests White House Interference
In a Congressional hearing yesterday, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) grilled EPA chief Stephen Johnson about the White House's decision to … more…
Industry-Packed Federal Advisory Board Told DOE to Double U.S. Coal Consumption
Yesterday we wrote about the influence of industry-slanted advisory panels to federal agencies, as detailed by the Center for Public … more…
Federal Advisory Panels, Often Slanted Toward Industry, Influence U.S. Rulemaking
The Center for Public Integrity has just released a new report probing the federal government's 900 advisory panels. Though little-known, … more…
FCC Chairman Aide becomes Staffer for Congressional Committee Investigating FCC
In a move that has alarmed telecom industry and congressional ethics watchdogs, a top aide to Federal Communications Commission Chairman … more…
August 19, 2008
After a Recall, Risks Remain for Consumers Melanie Trottman, Wall Street Journal ($), August 19, 2008
Ten Victims of a Calif. Scammer Lost Their Homes Andrew Galvin, Orange County Register, August 19, 2008
Jalapenos Posed Problem Long Before Outbreak Garance Burke, AP, August 19, 2008
August 18, 2008
Fire at WTC Building Exposes Gov’t Lapses Amy Westfeldt, AP, August 18, 2008
Diabetes Drug Is Related to 2 Deaths Thomas Gryta, Wall Street Journal ($), August 18, 2008
FDA Weighs Training to Dispense Narcotics Barry Meier, New York Times, August 18, 2008
August 15, 2008
FAA Plans to Fine American Airlines $7.1 Million Paulo Prada and Andy Pasztor, Wall Street Journal ($), August 15, 2008
Feds: Bus Company Involved in Texas Crash is Public Hazard AP, August 15, 2008
USDA Expands Its Recall of Beef AP, August 15, 2008
August 14, 2008
Greenspan Blasts Fannie, Freddie Fix David Wessel, Wall Street Journal ($), August 14, 2008