May 12, 2009

Catherine O'Neill and Amy Sinden pen op-ed in Philadelphia Inquirer on Sunstein Nomination

by Ben Somberg

With Cass Sunstein's confirmation hearing for "regulatory czar" set for today, CPR Member Scholars Catherine O'Neill and Amy Sinden have an op-ed on the subject in this morning's Philadelphia Inquirer -- "The cost-benefit dodge." They write: 

Beginning in the Reagan administration, any regulation with a significant impact has had to pass through Information and Regulatory Affairs' doors for approval. The office's role, frankly, has been to water down health, safety, and environmental regulations - if not drown them entirely.

...

Once confirmed, Cass Sunstein will face a choice: rely on cost-benefit analysis with the zeal his past writings suggest he would, modify the process in the hope that it can somehow be mended, or abandon it in favor of a better method. The decision he makes will have profound consequences.

Let's hope we find out what his choice will be during his confirmation hearing. And let's hope he chooses wisely.

 


Ben Somberg, Media Manager, Center for Progressive Reform. Bio.

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