Research: Reviving more than rationalitiy–using cost-benefit analysis to evaluate regulations

November 12, 2021

by Marcia Hannigan

In a blog post for the Yale Journal on Regulation titled “Reviving More Than Rationality,” Stuart Shapiro comments on Michael Livermore and Richard Revesz’s book Reviving Rationality: Saving Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Sake of the Environment and Our Health. The book offers observations regarding the use of cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the effects of regulations on the U.S. and its economy.

Cost-benefit analysis became particularly contentious during the Trump administration.  The idea that some government employees had the expertise and were neutral in their application of cost-benefit analysis was regarded by the Trump administration with antipathy.

The administration ignored cost-benefit analysis in favor of “cost analysis” of regulation.  Benefits of regulation or legislation were not considered. Additionally, much of the cost-benefit analyses done during this period were deeply flawed. Scientific knowledge and the idea of a neutral civil service were also deeply suspect during the Trump administration.  The response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the denial of human-caused climate change derailed attempts to address these crises. 

These views, coupled with the disdain for the expertise of civil servants, led to the attempt to reclassify civil servants as “Schedule F” employees, making them subject to easier dismissal and replacement. The Trump administration was so suspicious of civil service employees and “neutral” cost-benefit analysis that the first agency it looked to clear out was the Office of Management and Budget, the home to the very agency responsible for doing cost-benefit analysis, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).

Some economists argue that scientific experts are too quick to tout the benefits of laws and regulations but slow to acknowledge the costs.  While the Trump administration was not ultimately successful in its attempts to defenestrate OIRA, it did lead to political benefits for those seeking to strengthen the executive branch’s hold on policy.  It questions the idea of neutrality and expertise and has fostered a large political realignment in opposition to both. 

For more information about regulation, cost-benefit analysis and expertise, visit https://www.yalejreg.com/nc/symposium-reviving-rationality-part-05/ to read the full blog post.

Recent Posts

Heldrich Center Releases New Work Trends Brief and Website

The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development is pleased to announce the availability of two new research products resulting from its long-running public opinion polling series, Work Trends. To better understand the public’s attitudes about work, employers, and the...

NJSPL Report: Analyzing the Use and Equity of ARPA Funds

Report Release: Analyzing the Use and Equity of ARPA Funds in NJ Local Governments and Beyond New Jersey State Policy Lab The American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA-SLFRF) represent a historic $350 billion investment to...

Dr. Grafova Presented Posters from the VSR Research

Dr. Irina Grafova recently returned from the AcademyHealth Research Meeting in Minneapolis, where she had the opportunity to present two posters from the Virtual Schwartz Rounds emotional support program for nurses, run by the New Jersey Nursing Emotional Well-being...

Heldrich Report: Analysis of NJ Life Sciences, Tech Sectors

The Heldrich Center, in conjunction with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), is pleased to share a new workforce analysis of the life sciences and technology sectors in New Jersey, with a particular emphasis on the sectors’ intersection with...

Restrepo-Mieth Researches Tree Inventories in Galápagos, Ecuador

Who wants a tree inventory and why? The politics of inventorying urban forestry in Galápagos, Ecuador Abstract Trees make significant contributions to the urban experience by providing ecosystem services and aesthetic value. Considering these contributions, cities are...