COOL rule, many others, on hold awaiting review by Obama team

Feedstuffs reports COOL rule is among those delayed by Obama's decision to put a hold on all rules not finalzied (The COOL rule was published on Jan. 15). Feedstuffs also says:

Many other rules at USDA – including an APHIS proposed rule on the official numbering system for the National Animal Identification that was published on Jan. 13 and several rules implementing new provisions in the 2008 farm bill – will go into limbo as well, according to USDA spokesperson Jerry Redding. Additional rules at the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration are included under the White House instructions. But, it is unclear if an EPA rule that clarified when livestock operations were required to report air emissions is impacted by the White House memo. That rule, that includes provisions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) was published on Dec. 18 and was to go into effect on Jan. 20, the same day the memo was issued. Neither is it clear if the FDA's new guidance on genetically engineered animals will be affected.

No matter your position on these rules, it is another example of the incompetency of the Bush Administration. They knew the deadlines and couldn't meet them. What a sad commentary.