CPSIA - In My Fantasies, the CPSC is Just Like Homeland Security

On Monday, March 15, the Department of Homeland Security did something we probably will never see from this CPSC:

"[Docket No. DHS–2011–0015]

Reducing Regulatory Burden; Retrospective Review Under Executive
Order 13563

AGENCY: Office of the General Counsel, DHS.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Executive Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,’’ issued by the President on January 18, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security (Department or DHS) must develop a preliminary plan to facilitate the review of existing DHS significant regulations through the use of retrospective analyses. The preliminary plan will include criteria for identifying existing DHS significant rules that might be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed, so as to make DHS’s regulatory program more effective or less burdensome in achieving its regulatory objectives. The Department is soliciting views from the public on how best to develop its preliminary plan. The Department is also seeking views from the public on specific existing significant DHS rules that the Department should consider as candidates for modification, streamlining, expansion, or repeal. These efforts will help DHS ensure that its regulations contain necessary, properly tailored, and up-to-date requirements that effectively achieve regulatory objectives without imposing unwarranted costs." [Emphasis added]

Imagine that, an agency that wants to streamline and to avoid imposing unwarranted costs!

Of course, Homeland Security is not facing anything as dreaded as LEAD - have I mentioned that there is NO safe level of lead? - and can probably cut a few corners without any untoward effects. Homeland Security doesn't seem too busy, just checking a few boarding passes, looking serious and so on. I guess when you have an unimportant, almost trivial responsibility in the government, you can afford to review your rules for fat, waste and stupidity. But when CHILDREN'S SAFETY is concerned, and bicycle licking is possibly at stake, well then, you can't take ANY chances.

Damn the cost, man, we have to be SAFE!!!