White House sets new rules deadline

WASHINGTON, May 31 (UPI) -- The clock is quickly ticking for U.S. government agencies to propose any new regulations before the end of the Bush administration, a report said Saturday.

The White House issued an unnoticed directive earlier this month demanding that any federal agencies wishing to advance new rules or regulations had to do so by June 1 or risk leaving their fate to the next administration, The New York Times said.

The directive came from White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, the newspaper said, adding that it has triggered a flurry of activity among government agencies to submit long-sought new rules in time to be published in the Federal Register. Their publication marks the beginning of a 60-day public comment process.

The tight deadline could place rules affecting the environment, workplace safety and public health at risk of delays until the next administration, while rules the Bush administration favors, such as those designed to relax rules on business, could be given a last-minute boost, the Times said.