Bush Administration Pushes 11th Hour Agenda
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With less than two months left in office, President George Bush's administration reportedly is racing to push through some new regulations opposed by President-elect Barack Obama.
The New York Times says the administration is working on about 20 new rules affecting labor, environmental and health law.
One of the most controversial rules would make it harder for the government to regulate toxic substances in the workplace.
Supporters say the rule would ensure that officials are compiling accurate statistics before taking any action.
But health and labor advocates argue the change will make it much harder to ensure worker safety.
Obama co-sponsored a bill in September that would have blocked the Labor Department from issuing the new regulation.
The Times says other changes would make it easier to build power plants near national parks, reduce scientific oversight over construction projects, and protect health care workers who refuse to perform procedures because of religious or moral objections.
All the changes would become part of the Code of Federal Regulations which is difficult for future presidents to revise.