The mission of the Center for the Study of Rulemaking (CSR) is to examine and improve the processes and techniques used by agencies of government to develop regulations. Drawing on the scholarship and experience of the American University faculty, the Center will involve experts from the public and private sectors, as well as the larger academic community, in its efforts to understand and improve our rulemaking processes. Particular emphasis will be placed on the following topics:

• Setting priorities for rulemaking, including legislative mandates, agency systems for determining the need for new rules, judicial orders and petitions from the public;

• Examine early and informal public participation in rulemaking and the implications of eRulemaking and early participation with small governments and business;

• Collection and analysis of information used in the development of rules, including the required estimates of impact;

• Involvement of the public in the development of rules, including electronic means of participation;

• Management systems used by government agencies to support their rulemaking programs;

• Cross-agency and intergovernmental systems to promote collaboration and coordination in rulemaking;

• The development of federal managers who have primary or major responsibilities related to management of rulemaking processes;

• The impact of judicial review of agency regulations on agency operations;

• Systematic evaluation of different processes for developing, implementing, and enforcing rules and regulations.

Research will be a prime focus of the Center’s work and will be undertaken to illuminate the factors that influence the content of rules and their eventual impact on society. The Center will organize conferences, symposia and seminars to promote and advance knowledge in the field, with a conscious effort to bring together scholars, agency personnel and interest groups of all types to share their distinctive experiences and perspectives. The Center will offer education and training for government personnel seeking to learn and apply best practices in their management of rulemaking systems. Training will also be available to organizations who seek to participate effectively in rulemaking process.