EPA study shows many of its rules no longer useful

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency review of its regulations has shown 11% are obsolete and should be junked. Another 70% should be revised to help businesses achieve environmental protection goals faster and cheaper. The findings, on which details were not disclosed, are the result of a government-wide review President Clinton ordered for all federal regulations. EPA said the indicated changes would significantly reduce the regulatory burden on businesses without sacrificing public health

Aug. 14, 1995

2 min read

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency review of its regulations has shown 11% are obsolete and should be junked.

Another 70% should be revised to help businesses achieve environmental protection goals faster and cheaper.

The findings, on which details were not disclosed, are the result of a government-wide review President Clinton ordered for all federal regulations. EPA said the indicated changes would significantly reduce the regulatory burden on businesses without sacrificing public health and environmental protection.

Carol Browner, EPA administrator, said, "These common sense changes to the environmental rulebook will eliminate unnecessary requirements. We are making it easier for businesses to operate in ways that are cleaner, cheaper, and smarter."

Possible savings

EPA said much of the savings would come from reduced paperwork, saving businesses more than 2 million hr/year on regulatory paperwork.

"For example, the review resulted in an exemption from all regulation -- thus eliminating related paperwork, costs, and time -- for certain low risk pesticides.This action is the first step toward EPA's goal of reducing regulatory paperwork by 25%."

EPA also said more savings would come from streamlined rules.

"By making it easier for businesses to comply with environmental regulations, EPA will help companies nationwide save more than $5 billion while still ensuring environmental protection.

"For example, the review resulted in streamlined industrial and municipal permit applications to limit discharge of pollutants into waterways, saving time, paperwork, and unnecessary administrative burden.

"The streamlined applications will provide more information needed to protect the environment while saving $23 million for industries and cities."

EPA has deleted more than 1,400 pages of rules that were obsolete and will revise another 70% of the 306 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations that are EPA's responsibility. The goal is to add flexibility to help businesses find cheaper ways to provide a cleaner environment.