In March 2019, the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) reviewed 27 significant regulatory actions issued by federal agencies. The agency approved three rules without changes and approved the intent of 23 rules while recommending changes to their content. One rule was subject to a statutory or judicial deadline.

 

OIRA reviewed 19 significant regulatory actions in March 2018—eight fewer rules than the 27 significant regulatory actions reviewed by the agency in March 2019. During the Obama administration from 2009-2016, OIRA reviewed an average of 42 significant regulatory actions each February.

 

OIRA reviewed a total of 355 significant rules in 2018. In 2017, the agency reviewed 237 significant rules.

 

As of April 1, 2019, OIRA’s website listed 115 regulatory actions under review.

 

OIRA is responsible for reviewing and coordinating what it deems to be all significant regulatory actions made by federal agencies, with the exception of independent federal agencies. Significant regulatory actions include agency rules that have had or may have a large impact on the economy, environment, public health, or state and local governments and communities. These regulatory actions may also conflict with other regulations or with the priorities of the president.