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Friday, July 20, 2007

Agency Regulatory Policy Officers

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released the names of each federal agency's regulatory policy officer (RPO). RPOs are not stand alone offices. For example, the RPO at EPA doubles as the Deputy Administrator. OMB had previously only disclosed the office, not the individual name.

In January, President Bush issued Executive Order 13422 which amends E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review. E.O. 13422 expanded the powers of agency RPOs, and mandated RPOs be presidential appointees. The changes create the perception that Bush is elevating political interest in the intra-agency decision-making process.

OMB Watch is opposed to the provisions of E.O. 13422 including the changes involving the RPOs. Nonetheless, if these officials are to hold such significant sway, the public should have easy access to a list of exactly who these officials are. OMB is right to post such a list on its website.

See the list here.