OIRA’s Memorandum, “Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive Order of January 30, 2017, Titled “Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs” is attached here. The Memorandum emphasizes OIRA’s role as cockpit of the regulatory state and makes clear that OIRA is the President’s regulatory watchdog.
The Memorandum builds on OIRA’s established watchdog role and explains that Executive Order 12866 and OMB Circular A-4 remain applicable.
Below is an excerpt from the Memorandum which highlight’s OIRA’s watchdog role,
New significant guidance or interpretive documents will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Consult with your OIRA Desk Officer before issuing new significant guidance or regulatory interpretations. Agencies should continue to adhere to OMB’s 2007 Memorandum on Good Guidance Practices. As always, agencies should ensure that such documents are the appropriate vehicle for the particular policy goal, and that it is clear that compliance with any agency guidance is voluntary. Any cost savings claimed for guidance or other documents must be specific and verifiable.
OIRA requested comments on the Interim Guidance. Comments should be provided to reducingregulation-AT-omb.eop.gov by February 10, 2017.
