OMB Review of Environmental Regulations: Limitations on the Courts and Congress

Abstract

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review of environmental regulations has come under increased scrutiny as environmental groups have charged OMB with using the regulatory review process to block and weaken environmental regulations. Arguing that OMB has acted in excess of its authority and in defiance of statutory directives, environmental groups have brought several lawsuits and promoted legislation designed to limit OMB involvement in the regulatory process. The groups claim that OMB's objective is simply to reduce industry costs and that OMB review has prevented the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from effectively carrying out its statutory mandate to protect the environment.