News bites: Banks concerned about tougher regs

{mosads}The White House’s top energy and climate adviser said Thursday that a federal program that mixes biofuel with conventional petroleum is the “backbone of our policy” for reducing oil imports, The Hill’s E2 reports. 

The adviser, Heather Zichal, also said that the Obama administration can complete its list of planned climate change rules by the time the president leaves office, according to Politico. 

More from Regwatch:

A bill in the Senate would crack down on synthetic drugs by tracking and criminalizing cooking operations. 

The chief of the Small Business Administration told colleagues she will leave office at the end of August, but President Obama has not yet named a replacement. 

A number of lawmakers are concerned that the Environmental Protection Agency is not properly considering the cost that regulations have on businesses. 

A House committee approved a bill requiring regulators to examine a Chinese company’s offer to buy Smithfield Foods. 

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