Mandate periodic reviews and sunset outdated, ineffective rules. Businesses consider a periodic review of their activities and company goals to be a sound business practice. Emphasizing federalism means returning primary responsibility for environmental problems to states and localities. As they assume responsibility, they should be free from environmental statutes that dictate priorities, standards and technologies. In addition, as new environmental problems arise over time, unrecognized problems become apparent and technology improves, states should not be hampered in dealing with them by outdated environmental regulations and old programs.
Regulatory reform is long overdue.
The widely reported rising mistrust of government corresponds with the increase in both the number and intrusive nature of federal regulations. In light of this mood of mistrust, the time is ripe to take these five steps to effective reform. This Brief Analysis was prepared by NCPA environmental policy analyst H. Sterling Burnett. Nothing written here should be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the National Center for Policy Analysis or as an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation.