^eDsx ' JL \ i®i U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General At a Glance 13-P-0167 February 28, 2013 Why We Did This Review The purpose of this review was to evaluate whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Action Development Process (ADP) results in the timeliest, most efficient, and most effective method for rule development. This review was requested by the Agency. We focused on the key aspects of efficiency with which program offices implement the ADP's guidance for rule development. EPA's Office of Policy coordinates the ADP. This report addresses the following EPA Goals or Cross-Cutting Strategies: • Taking action on climate change and improving air quality • Protecting America's waters • Cleaning up communities and advancing sustainable development • Ensuring the safety of chemicals and preventing pollution Efficiency of EPA's Rule Development Process Can Be Better Measured Through Improved Management and Information What We Found Rule development is one of the Agency's principal tasks. EPA develops rules to carry out the environmental and public health protection laws passed by Congress. Efficient EPA rulemaking may accelerate the progress of protecting human health and the environment. However, due to limitations in EPA rulemaking documentation and guidance, the Agency is unable to evaluate the efficiency of the rulemaking process or identify potential delays in its rulemaking activities. For example, EPA has limited information on the time and resources used to complete the various stages of the rule development process. The development and implementation of management controls to ensure that the rulemaking process is progressing efficiently and that resources are accurately accounted for will enhance EPA's ability to assure efficiency during the development process and accelerate the progress of protecting human health and the environment. Recommendations and Planned Agency Corrective Actions We recommend that the Associate Administrator for EPA's Office of Policy establish guidance, maintain database documentation, and track resources, to enhance the Agency's ability to determine the efficiency of the rulemaking process. The Associate Administrator concurred with the first and second recommendations but disagreed with the third recommendation. We consider the third recommendation unresolved. As required by EPA Manual 2750, the Agency will need to initiate the audit resolution process. For further information, contact our Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at (202) 566-2391. The full report is at: www.epa.qov/oiq/reports/2013/ 20130228-13-P-0167.pdf ------- |