Wiser

CHAPTER 12

Asking the Public

Every year, federal agencies issue thousands of new regulations. Whether the issue involves health care or immigration or clean air, federal policy is often made through rule making. Operating in groups, agencies try really hard to compile relevant information. We have noted that OIRA sees much of its responsibility as one of assembling dispersed information, so as to increase the likelihood that the relevant group—people who work for the government itself—is wiser.

But let’s not celebrate too loudly. Public officials face a potentially serious problem—one that Hayek would certainly appreciate. Dedicated followers of Hayek call it the “knowledge problem.” Even if public officials are expert, diverse, and well motivated, ...