Huge Bush Deregulation Push Before Jan. 20

White House will relax rules on environment, consumer protection

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2008 8:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – George W. Bush is president for 11 more weeks, and the White House is plotting to use that time to modify federal regulations to weaken protections for consumers and the environment. The deregulatory initiatives would be some of the most controversial of the Bush era, reports the Washington Post, lifting constraints on such things as drinking water, gas pipelines, power plant emissions, and commercial fishing.

Lobbyists representing everything from the scallop industry to kidney dialysis companies have been swarming the White House to plead for quick action, fearing a less industry-friendly administration after Jan. 20. Up to 90 new regulations are being planned, although it's unclear if the administration will finish them all in time; the Post notes that many of the Clinton administration's last-minute rules changes missed the deadline, and were overturned by incoming Bushies the day after the inauguration.

President Bush jokes with FBI graduate T.A. Staderman II, who received the physical training award, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, during a graduation ceremony for FBI Special Agents in Quantico, Va. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Bush attends a graduation ceremony of new FBI agents at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Bush waves as he leaves the White House in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Josh Bolten, the White House chief of staff, is overseeing the last gasp of new deregulatory orders. (AP Photo)

President Bush speaks in front a portrait of George Washington during an event celebrating President Theodore Roosevelt's 150th birthday, Monday, Oct. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

Guest

Nov 2, 2008 12:16 AM CDT

Somebody make him a big ol' melamine pie specially made and marked with an "E" for the eugenicist that he is. He will go down and the most anti-American president who did the most to turn the government against its people. Definitely be careful of what you buy and what you eat as the FDA along with other governmental agencies have operated with reckless abandon under his watch. What an embarrassment he has been. Typical for the legacy of an alcoholic. Don't let the door hit ya in the behind on the way out.

Guest

Nov 1, 2008 7:51 AM CDT

Yell, if we have any money to buy things. Thank goodness he will be gone and forgotten come January. Good riddance.

maevealleine

Oct 31, 2008 12:11 AM CDT

Well, no one is paying attention right now. So expect more poisonous and dangerous products in our stores by Christmas!

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Huge Bush Deregulation Push Before Jan. 20

White House will relax rules on environment, consumer protection

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Bush administration • White House • executive order • lobbying • U.S. environmental laws • George W. Bush • deregulation

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GOP faithful can't fathom why press goes so easy on new president

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Bush-era order on docs under pending litigation stymies ex-VP

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Huge Bush Deregulation Push Before Jan. 20

White House will relax rules on environment, consumer protection

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Bush administration • White House • executive order • lobbying • U.S. environmental laws • George W. Bush • deregulation

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Joe Klein: Gulf Spill Is Bush's 2nd Katrina

Deregulation caused disaster, Klein says

Karl Rove: Poor Handling of Iraq War Was My Fault

In memoir, Bush aide regrets not defending war to public harder

Where Bush Was Bashed, Obama Gets Free Pass

GOP faithful can't fathom why press goes so easy on new president

CIA Denies Cheney Request for Torture Docs

Bush-era order on docs under pending litigation stymies ex-VP

Bushies Work to Salvage Boss' Rep

Rove, Fleischer, Perino look to set the record straight, combat spin

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Newser By Users

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