Comment on government regulation
- Earth Points
- 60
- Ease
- Medium
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
Description
As a member of the public, did you know that you can submit input on rules, regulations, and other proposed policies that affect the environment?
Whether governing clean air, protecting wildlife, or limiting CO₂ emissions from power plants and vehicles, government agencies develop rules that touch many aspects of our lives. It is an integral part of the rule-making process that allows the public to participate.
Rules go through several stages in their development. During the public commenting phase, any person or group may comment on a rule and can easily submit comments online.
Before regulations are created and approved, get your voice heard so decision-makers can understand the human impact of proposed rules and help them see how climate change and environmental issues affect all of us.
Tips
There are a few basic steps to commenting on rules:
Step 1: Find Rules to Comment On
There are a variety of ways to learn about proposed rules. Media outlets often cover proposed rules, especially if they impact humans. Public interest organizations like climate action groups might inform people of proposed rules by sharing info on their websites, newsletters, or email action alerts. Another great reason to try out some different climate organizations!
Step 2: Find Your Rule Online
Locate your rule on websites that help people find and comment on proposed and final regulations. Climate action groups often help you directly submit with links they send out.
Step 3: Submit Your Comments
To submit comments, you will likely be required to provide your name and email, which allows you to track the comments when they are published and for officials to follow up for further consultations. Climate action organizations often share draft comments that you can use as a starting point to then add your own tone and voice.
The hardest part is creating the habit of taking part regularly. Joining up with different organizations that send your emails about this type of thing for local and national issues is a big help.
If you want to go deeper into the world of commenting and consultations on government regulations, check out the following:
Regulations.gov — This portal is to search for rules, comments, and documents by entering keywords such as "climate change".
If you want to go even further deeper, check out sites like these, which include guidebooks, templates, and more detail:
o Public Comment Project o How to Effectively Comment on Regulations o Testifying, Commenting, and Consulting Guidebook
