Regulatory Advocacy

Federal rules and regulations are the actual enforceable laws authorized by major legislation enacted by Congress. To improve regulatory content and the ability of local governments to implement federal rules and regulations efficiently and effectively, NLC works to ensure the federal agencies include the local government perspective in the process of developing policy, rules, and regulations that may impact local government operations and budgets.

NLC regularly monitors federal regulatory activity. On a case-by-case basis, the Center for Federal Relations will seek information from local governments on the potential cost or impact a proposed regulatory action may have on cities and submit comments to the federal agency detailing the local government position or perspective.

In addition, NLC has convened a subcommittee to discuss the impact of regulations on local economic development, including related environmental and transportation issues. The subcommittee will look into various regulations and determine any changes that may be suggested to the Administration to improve local programs and lessen regulatory barriers in these three areas.

Following is a list of recent regulatory actions by federal policy area; visit each section to view further information on a particular rule or regulation and to view comments submitted by NLC during a rulemaking process.

Communications & Technology

                                            

Health & Human Services

     

Community & Economic Development

 

Labor & Employment

     

Education

 

Public Safety & Homeland Security

     

Energy

 

Tax & Finance

     

Environment

 

Transportation & Infrastructure

Federal Agency Regulatory Reform Plans


At the beginning of 2011, President Obama issued Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, which called for federal agencies to draft plans to determine whether their regulations should be streamlined, changed, or repealed to make each agency's regulatory program more efficient, effective and accountable. Over the last several months, agencies have begun releasing their preliminary review plans and inviting public comment on them. NLC continues to review the plans as they are released and, where appropriate, submits comments underscoring opportunities for the agencies to reduce the burden unnecessary regulations have on local governments and ultimately taxpayers.

Federal Register


The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.

White House Executive Orders


Regulations.gov