Reading Room Document

Communications Between the Council of Economic Advisers and the Department of Interior Regarding Proposed Regulations

This document discusses the consultation process between the Department of the Interior and the Council of Economic Advisers regarding proposed rules for surface mining operations. It concludes that there is no statutory or constitutional prohibition against consultations between the Interior and CEA, and outlines the necessary procedures to ensure compliance with the law. The questions presented for review include whether there is any prohibition against communications within the executive branch, and what limitations are necessary to ensure compliance with recent decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The document also details the procedural steps that have been implemented to address these questions, including the compilation and review of communications, reopening of the record for public comments, and restrictions on further communications during the consultation period.

January 17, 1979