The Nation - News from Oct. 29, 1987

President Reagan issued an executive order Wednesday curtailing uniform standards and other actions of the national government that he said limit the policy-making powers of the states. Reagan said the order was designed “to restore the division of governmental responsibilities between the national government and the states that was intended by the framers of the Constitution.” The order provides that federal action limiting the policy discretion of state governments “should be taken only where constitutional authority for the action is clear and certain” and it is needed to deal with a national problem. When national standards are required, it said, the federal officials should consult with officials and organizations representing the states in developing the standards.