Analysis of the Differential Impact of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Regulations Across Firm and Establishment Sizes in the Manufacturing Industries

摘要

The study estimates a Regulatory Hardship Index (RHI) and a Regulatory Disparity Index (RDI) for a sample of regulations and industries. The RHI measures the relative regulatory burden across industries and the relative disparate impact of regulations on small businesses across industries. The study uses the indexes and prior work by the authors to predict the impact of regulations on small business and determines whether the predicted effects have been realized, explaining any deviations from actual and predicted results. Suggested methods for applying the Regulatory Flexibility Act are included.