The practice of “midnight regulations” is not a new one. Clinton and Bush Sr. both used the practice to place pardons, enact favoritism laws and pass a whole slew of deregulations. Bush Dub, takes it of course to a new level with wide sweeping changes. The Environment was a key target in many, as it was all through out the Bush years. It will take years of work, law and social change to make up for the changes Bush has implemented.
National Geographic reviews the regulations and effect of each. Here’s a summary:
1. Power Plants Encouraged Near Parks—RESCINDED!! so SCORE!
2. Mountaintop Mining Waste Allowed in Waterways – FAIL
3. Three New Marine Monuments Designated – SCORE!
4. Two Million Acres Opened to Oil Shale Development – FAIL
5. Factory-Farm Pollution Controls Diminished – FAIL
6. Scientific Review Now Optional for Development in Sensitive Habitats – FAIL
7. Hazardous Waste Reclassified as Nonhazardous – FAIL
8. Fishing Businesses to Regulate Themselves—RESCINDED!! so SCORE!
9. Plants Can Increase Pollution Output More Easily – FAIL
10. Mining Public Lands Made Easier – FAIL
11. Oil and Gas Leases Auctioned Off at Last Minute – FAIL
Bush’s midnight flurry reflects the priorities of an administration that has consistently placed industry interests over environmental protections and public health.
“It’s business as usual [for the Bush Administration]. And in this day and age, we can’t afford that any more,” Republican conservationist DiPeso said.
Defenders of Wildlife’s Irvin agreed. “What this reflects is a shameful record of the most anti-environment administration in the history of the United States,” he said.