Number: RL32452
Title: Negotiated Rulemaking
Authors: Curtis W. Copeland, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Negotiated rulemaking, which is a supplement to traditional rulemaking, is a process in which representatives of federal agencies and affected parties work together in a committee to reach consensus on what can ultimately become a proposed rule. Although negotiated rulemaking is not appropriate for all regulations, advocates believe that the approach can speed rule development, reduce litigation, and generate more creative and effective regulatory solutions. The Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990 established the basic statutory authority for the approach while giving agencies wide latitude in its implementation. Congress has also required the use of negotiations in certain statutes, and the Clinton Administration advocated a broader application of the approach. Agencies are permitted to use conveners to determine whether negotiated rulemaking is appropriate and to select participants, and to use facilitators to chair the negotiated rulemaking committee meetings. At the end of the process, agencies must still publish proposed and final regulations for public comment, but any proposal agreed to by the negotiating committee is not binding on the agency or other parties. Studies examining the implementation of negotiated rulemaking have reached different conclusions regarding the approachs effect on rulemaking timeliness, litigation, as well as other issues. Researchers also disagree regarding how the effectiveness of negotiated rulemaking should be measured.
Pages: 8
Date: September 18, 2006