FR 2021-01767

General Summary of the Document

Executive Order 13992, issued by the President, seeks to provide federal agencies with greater latitude in addressing pressing national issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, racial justice, and climate change. To achieve this, the order revokes several prior executive actions that were deemed to interfere with effective regulation. Furthermore, it instructs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and agency heads to retract or provide exceptions to policies associated with these previous orders.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable concern is the lack of detailed instructions on how agencies will be empowered to use new regulatory tools. This ambiguity could lead to inconsistencies in how the order is implemented. Additionally, while revoking existing orders, the document does not elaborate on how current processes or projects affected by these orders will be handled. This could potentially lead to disruptions within federal agencies.

The order also calls for exemptions if the rescission of prior policies cannot be promptly finalized. However, it does not specify how these exemptions should be implemented, adding another layer of uncertainty. Furthermore, the document fails to address how these regulatory changes might impact federal budgets, thereby leaving questions about the financial implications of these actions. The formal legal language used throughout the document may also pose challenges for those not familiar with governmental terminology.

Impact on the Public Broadly

For the general public, this executive order represents a shift in federal regulatory strategy. By removing previous constraints on agency regulatory capabilities, the document suggests a more active governmental role in tackling major national issues. This could lead to more robust public health strategies, economic interventions, and environmental protections.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For agencies, the order presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, they are granted more authority to develop and implement interventions to meet national needs effectively. On the other hand, the lack of detailed guidance may require agencies to devise their strategies for addressing the order's objectives, which could lead to inconsistencies across different departments.

For industries and businesses previously affected by the revoked regulations, this order may result in new compliance requirements as agencies adjust their regulatory approaches. Conversely, organizations advocating for increased regulatory oversight may view these changes positively if they lead to stronger government action on public health and environmental issues.

Overall, Executive Order 13992 signals a shift toward more flexible regulatory approaches across federal agencies. While this may enhance the government's ability to confront urgent national challenges, it introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding implementation and potential impacts on various stakeholders.