In September 2019, the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) reviewed 42 significant regulatory actions issued by federal agencies. The agency approved three rules without changes and approved the intent of 35 rules while recommending changes to their content. Agencies withdrew two rules from the review process. Two other rules were improperly submitted by agencies.

 

OIRA reviewed 21 significant regulatory actions in September 2018—21 fewer rules than the 42 significant regulatory actions reviewed by the agency in September 2019. During the Obama administration from 2009-2016, OIRA reviewed an average of 45 significant regulatory actions each September.

 

OIRA has reviewed a total of 326 significant rules so far in 2019. The agency reviewed a total of 355 significant rules in 2018 and 237 significant rules in 2017.

 

As of October 1, 2019, OIRA’s website listed 129 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.