Business / Tax

Regulatory Reform

Issue
Regulatory reform encompasses changing or eliminating regulations that overlap or conflict with other rules or laws, streamlining compliance procedures, and increasing regulatory flexibility without sacrificing safeguards protecting the environment, workplace safety, or human health.

For the past three decades, there has been a significant increase in the number and scope of federal regulations and regulatory programs dealing with health, safety, and the environment. While in many cases these safeguards are necessary, too often regulations result in significant costs imposed on taxpayers and private sector businesses with very limited benefits to society.

In past years, Congress recognized this problem and approved several pieces of reform legislation. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, the Congressional Review Act, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and the Truth in Regulating Act of 2000 are all examples of legislation aimed at alleviating burdensome regulations. Still, more needs to be done.

ACEC Position
ACEC supports regulatory reform to seek more streamlined, efficient ways of implementing congressional intent while limiting burdensome requirements for member firms, their clients, and the nation. Particular attention should be given to the disproportionate impact of regulations on small businesses. ACEC also supports initiatives by regulatory agencies to make regulations more “user friendly.” Improved responsiveness, clear and simpler regulations, and more open communications with the regulated community are all welcomed by ACEC.