Bush Sells Out Environment To Lobbyists In Last-Minute Rules

Washington Post:

In a burst of activity meant to leave a lasting stamp on the federal government, the Bush White House in the past month has approved 61 new regulations on environmental, security, social and commercial matters that by its own estimate will have an economic impact exceeding $1.9 billion annually.

Some of the rules benefit key industries that have long had the administration's ear, such as oil and gas companies, banks and farms. Others impose counterterrorism security requirements on importers and private aircraft owners.

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[LeBeau59741]

Can't somebody please spike his beverage with a hearty tranquilizer?

[bmermaid]

Wow! Bush selling out the environment.
How surprising! I just can't believe it! Who would have seen this coming???

[ObjectiveRealist]

[
Once the new rules take the form of law, Democrats can undo them only by three complicated means: through a new regulatory rulemaking that would probably take years; through congressional amendments to underlying laws; or through special, fast-track resolutions of disapproval approved by the House and Senate within a few months after the start of the new congressional session on Jan. 6.

Such a quick congressional rebuke has occurred only once before, in 2001, when a Republican­-controlle­d Congress with President Bush's backing blocked a workplace safety regulation completed in the Clinton administration's final months.
]

That proves it can be done if Congress puts forth an honest effort.

[
But recently, spokesmen for Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) said Democrats were prepared to use that regulatory reversal power in consultation with Obama.
]

The voters expect no less, which is why we ignored Lieberman's whining about the danger of a filibuster-proof Democrat majority [sic].

[instagladiator]

Oh you can bet your bottom dollar (for what its worth) that this Romper Room Administration has and will take every means available to make it very-very difficult for anyone to un-do these changes. Otherwise, they wouldn't take these steps in the first place. Have to keep the public in its chaotic frenzy even after they depart. Uhh, I think it's called "passing the buck".

[alfrede]

Hi,

What is in it for the President to do this?

Perhaps we will eventually find out.

[instagladiator]

Oh, he's got his already you can count on that. His puppet-masters have used him wisely and will up to the very end to turn the country into a mass of confused people. They've done pretty well, don't you think?

[Rule Of Law]

Bush is the political equivalent of depleted uranium shells--his legacy will continue poisoning the presidency and polluting our country for decades.

[marymansour]

More damaging acts from a president who does damage for a living. January 20th is around the corner - thank the gods.

[Kassandra]

THAT will be the day I celebrate the New Year!!!

[instagladiator]

He's been an-acciden­t-looking-­for-a-plac­e-to-happe­n since he could walk!

Jan20, 2009 should be a day of MASS celebrations and the public should become involved in sending this clown out-of-office the same way he entered - plaster him & Co. with raw eggs and/or other smelly garbage bits & pieces. He deserves nothing less.

[JazzPuff]

We cannot let another Bush get voted in to the White House again. It has been a devastation, and, I hope that within the first 60 days there is enough time for the President-Elect Obama Adminstration to stop many of the drastic NEW rules being put into swift action, especially those including any regulation inhibiting the ability of Congress to halt logging, mining, and oil and gas extraction on public lands and those that allow for slaughter of some animals protected on tose lands by the Endangered Species Act.

[Kassandra]

The landmines this guy has buried for the future presidents of this nation will be exploding for years; hamstringing any real efforts forchange which might possibly be made. It's going to be like trying to clean up the aftermath of a huge war to find all the booby traps.

No wonder FDR stayed in office for 12 years. That isn't possible now, thank all the forgotten gods and goddesses, but it's gonna take a long time.

As I recall Hoover got away with it scot free too.

[christopherflynn]

Ecologically speaking, I hope his daughters have two children each, and they and their legacy look upon the destruction of our beautiful planet and realize it was wrought by none other than george bush...

[instagladiator]

You mean, they're thinking of breeding the girls too? OMG!!

[NoSandwiches]

Because that's what he wants his legacy to be.
My guess is he is drinking, depressed, and signing whatever is put in front of him regardless of the source. Someone should sneak in something outrageous, like a statement to stop the US Navy from klling whales in the Pacific with their stupid underwater tests....j­ust to see if he is paying attention.

[instagladiator]

How can such a lame-brain "pay attention"? He's never been concerned in the past, why bother now?

[Liam]

If there's any fairness in the world, Bush will end up in one of our black sites, being tortured for the rest of his natural life.

He really does value business over everything else, doesn't he.

Hannity has started referring to this recession as "the Obama Recession", with almost no justification, but I think there's a much better justification for calling Global Warming "The George Bush Global Ecological Crisis" or "Bush Eco Crisis" for short.

[instagladiator]

Ole W has his "FREE get out of jail card", not to worry.

And Hannity, uh, I think he needs a visit from Don Corleone.

[harriscrl3]

I really really HATE HIM!!! Jan 20 can't come soon enough for me

Carol

[OpusIsUnderTheBed]

Too bad this blundering dud's family didn't make it's fortune in breakfast cereal or chewing gum.

[cactusgal]

Face it. They would have found a way to weaponize Rice Krispies and Big Red.

[kewps]

lol!

[instagladiator]

OMG! And pop-tarts!! Yikes! But you're right. Everything they touch turns to sheet!!!

[WDemDem]

His legacy as Worst.Pres­ident.Ever solidifies by the minute.

[harriscrl3]

HE really is working hard to achieve that title.

Carol

[sonoffestus]

He already has it in the bag.

[Crake]

haha good luck with that. The media propaganda complex will work hard to make him look good.

[instagladiator]

Jan 20 should be declared "The Worst President Ever" day - ofcourse, everyone would know instinctively which president it referred to.