As one step in the entire rulemaking process (as explained in more detail in United States administrative law), OIRA reviews draft rules and regulations under 12866 from 1993.

[1] Executive Order 12866 describes OIRA's role in the rulemaking process and directs agencies to follow certain principles, such as consideration of alternatives and analysis of impacts, both benefits and costs.

In January 2007, President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13422, which changed the rules as of July 24, 2007.

[4] In January 2011, President Barack Obama issued Executive Order 13563 to improve regulation and regulatory review.

[citation needed] The office has five branches: ProPublica released an investigation into the division as one that has since its creation had significant but little-known power to alter regulations.

It also "routinely declines to release the changes it has proposed, the evidence it has relied upon to make them, or the identities and affiliations of White House advisers and other agencies' staff it has consulted".

The EPA's new rules on ozone pollution developed since September 2009, rolled out as tougher draft standards in January 2010, were repeatedly delayed.