On January 18, 2011, President Obama signed Executive Order 13563. The order states, “Our regulatory system must protect public health, welfare, safety, and our environment while promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation.” While it is positive to see the President concerned about promoting economic growth, we hope he follows through on this. There has been much talk of relieving regulatory burdens and streamlining the process for domestic energy production, but no action has followed. The time for talk is over, we need action now to help create jobs and maintain manufacturers global competitiveness

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Cass Sunstein, the President’s Regulatory Czar stated, “We are taking immediate steps to save individuals, businesses, and state and local governments hundreds of millions of dollars every year in regulatory burdens.” He also added:

“The initial review announced today is just the start of an ongoing process. Our goal is to change the regulatory culture of Washington by constantly asking what’s working and what isn’t. To achieve that goal, we need to obtain real-world evidence and data. We also need to draw on the experience and wisdom of the American people—which is why the president has put an emphasis on asking the public for their comments, ideas and suggestions. And so, before today’s plans are finalized, the public will weigh in.”

View the full piece from Mr. Sunstein in the Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Sunstein also spoke at the American Enterprise Institute and on Capitol Hill yesterday.

Manufacturers hope that during this process, the EPA and the Administration take substantive steps to reduce the regulatory burden that is stifling job creation and job growth. At a time of high unemployment, the last thing manufacturers need to face are costly and burdensome regulations that prevent future investment, expansion and reduce their global competitiveness.