Bush Administration Further Tightens Regulatory Process

The Bush administration announced plans Aug. 29 to require federal agencies to submit for scientific peer review all significant research done in preparation for issuing new regulations and other actions.

This follows promulgation of "data quality" rules under which the Salt Institute and US Chamber of Commerce have jointly filed a petition seeking withheld data from the DASH-Sodium study.

The rule would require agencies to report to OMB the significant scientific documents they plan to publish during the coming year, disclose the peer review plan for each and invite public participation in the peer review process. The rule recognizes that agencies frequently hide behind "science" in promoting their favorite remedies. The Wall Street Journal termed the decision "a major victory for the administration’s business allies" and said "consumer advocates" were voicing concern. The rule becomes effective next February.

Source: Salt Institute