Obama Asks for Review of Rules Stifling Jobs

From the NYT:

President Obama on Tuesday ordered “a governmentwide review” of federal regulations to root out those “that stifle job creation and make our economy less competitive,” but he exempted many agencies that most vex corporate America. The immediate effect is likely to be more political than substantive.

The action was the latest in a series by Mr. Obama to claim the ideological center, and in particular to signal to businesses that he wants to work more closely with them on policies that could help create jobs.

Mr. Obama’s executive order would not apply to federal agencies created to be largely independent of the White House and Congress. That includes those, like the Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Reserve, which currently are writing new rules for banks and other institutions that are mandated by the new law aimed at preventing another financial crisis. And it includes others like the Federal Communications Commission that have sway over large sectors of the economy.

The Politics of the Oil Spill

A few random notes:

- Obama has proposed tighter regulations in the wake of the oil spill, but oil companies are working to halt them.

- Criminal investigations have begun. And oil companies may lose tax breaks as well.

- What impact will the spill have on the Obama Presidency? Is it his spill now? Does the spill create an opportunity to advance clean energy? Does it minimize the chance to accomplish any other goals he may have had?