News bites: Obama has wide range of executive options on climate change

President Obama can use the power of his office to do everything from require personal appliances to be more efficient and as big as controlling emissions from power plants, The Associated Press reports.

The New York Times reports that the rules and regulations still hampering Katrina recovery in New Orleans bode poorly for victims of Hurricane Sandy. However, as reported on RegWatch last week, the Obama administration is fast-tracking a rule meant to cut red tape on some post-disaster projects. 

Federal regulators have labeled as "troubled" the Falls Church-based Acacia Federal Savings Bank, according to Washington Business Journal.

While the public has a short memory when it comes to crises, regulators do not, opines The Financial Times.

In case you missed yesterday's RegWatch:

The Obama administration is reprising the push for minimum wage and overtime pay for in-home caregivers.

HHS finalized a major ACA rule extending benefits to people with mental health and drug abuse disorders.

The EPA sets renewable fuel standards, fraud-reduction measures.

Business-backed groups want Obama to loosen Cuba embargo restrictions.

Report says Medicare is overpaying by hundreds of millions of dollars on medication.

The Federal Trade Commission has shut down several companies allegedly involved in a telemarketing scam.

Pharmacists commented on proposed DEA rule on drug disposal.