In a June 18 memo, Obama directed the heads of executive departments and agencies not to make any new appointments or reappointments of federally registered lobbyists to advisory committees and other boards and commissions.

"My administration is committed to reducing the undue influence of special interests that for too long has shaped the national agenda and drowned out the voices of ordinary Americans," the president wrote, adding that his memo establishes the ban as "the official policy of my administration."

Lobbyists and even the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have expressed concerns that the move could strip such panels of needed expertise.

Obama acknowledged in his memo that lobbyists "can sometimes play a constructive role by communicating information to the government." But he added that having lobbyists serve in privileged positions within the executive branch can leave the perception that certain groups have more access to the White House than others.

"Special interests exert this disproportionate influence, in part, by relying on lobbyists who have special access that is not available to all citizens," he wrote.

By mid-September, the director of the Office of Management and Budget must produce guidelines for this new policy.

The move follows other steps Obama has taken to limit lobbyist involvement in his administration, including an order that strictly limits lobbyists from serving in government positions related to their previous lobbying activities.