Regulatory policy boosts economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability

摘要

The most important recent changes in regulations and their enforcement are aimed at improving the competitiveness of the economy and allowing development while improving or sustaining the quality of natural amenities and the environment. Regulatorychanges that receive attention here include those involving the economic competitiveness of transportation, telecommunications, and other industries critical to rural development, Also covered in some detail here are environmental and natural resource regulations, which are important for sustaining development in rural areas that rely on a clean environment and pristine natural amenities to attract development. This article also covers regulations touching some other issues, such as truck safety, welfare reform, and local government accounting requirements. Two of the most important regulatory changes involving economic competitiveness--the financial overhaul legislation and trade liberalization agreements--are covered elsewhere in this issue.