Industries Get Quiet Protection From Lawsuits

[LiberalAndProud]

Federal agencies are using arcane regulations and legal opinions to shield automakers and others from challenges by consumers and states.

By Myron Levin and Alan C. Miller, Times Staff Writers

Parker's case and hundreds like it are behind a beefed-up roof safety standard proposed in August by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But safety regulators tucked into the proposed rule something vehicle makers have long desired: protection from future roof-crush lawsuits like the one Parker filed.

The surprise move seeking legal protection for automakers is one in a series of recent steps by federal agencies to shield leading industries from state regulation and civil lawsuits on the grounds that they conflict with federal authority.

Some of these efforts are already facing court challenges. However, through arcane regulatory actions and legal opinions, the Bush administration is providing industries with an unprecedented degree of protection at the expense of an individual's right to sue and a state's right to regulate.


http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-preempt19feb19,0,7920968.story?track=rss

[Lindsay]

1. "The surprise move"...

a surprise to whom? Certainly not to anyone who's paid attention to the plethora of industry protections legislated by the Repug Congress.

[depakid]

2. More proof that America's gone the Fascist route

and is quickly becoming (if it isn't already there)- a complete merger of corporation & state- with a healthy dose of theocratic intolerance mixed in.

That's the short form definition of fascism- no denying it.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Asbestos bill is a big, wet kiss to US Gypsum. nt

[LiberalAndProud]

4. When did Republicans abandon states' rights?

That's what I want to know.

[Sadie5]

5. No surprise to me!

They have been doing this for the past five years or so. Corporate interests come first, to hell with the taxpayer.

[Trillo]

6. Outrageous!

From last page of OP's link:

In 2004, for example, the agency helped to shoot down a California law that would have required customer permission before banks shared their personal information with business affiliates.

Lots of outrageous anti-competitive mechanisms detailed in the article.

[rodeodance]

7. article talks WH rule-making across the all Depts/agencies