Public comment is a form of consultation in which people and institutions give feedback to the US government on rules or regulations. The act gives people the power to make laws or change laws. This is a post that shows how to post a public comment, why you should, and how to stand up for yourself.
What Is a Public Comment?
Public comment is comments or information submitted to a federal agency on a rule, regulation, on, or policy. U.S. authorities insist federal departments receive and consider public input before deciding on anything. The Administrative Procedures Act (APA) of 1946 lets the public comment on laws by commenting online or in writing.
Why Are Public Comments Important?
Comments from the public are a democratic requirement. They permit everyone, not just legislators, to have in-laws. Commentaries might remind lawmakers of something that they haven’t considered, or frame the effects of a rule. They can also provide feedback on agency policies or call out discriminatory policies. If there is a comment with useful information, then the agency should take it into account and act on it.
Who Is Eligible To Post A Public Response?
Anyone — individuals, institutions, companies, and even other federal departments — may make a public comment. Comment is made by a representative like a lawyer or advocate and it can be anonymous.
What Documents Can You Write About?
- Rulemaking/Regulations: Agencies often put out rulemaking, changemaking, or update notices. These reports are made public in the Federal Register and anyone can comment.
- Early Rule-Making Papers: These are early notices, rule-making petitions, and inquiry notices.
The Public Comment Procedure — What Does it Look Like?
Every proposed rule has to be submitted to the feds for public comment. Whenever the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register and on the agency website, it goes live.
- Public Comment Period: Usually 60 days are allowed for public comment. Comment periods close at 7:00 pm ET for paper comments and 11:59 pm ET for online comments.
- Reply Time: After the first comment window, the agency has 30 days to respond to the feedback.
- Final Rule/Regulation: The agency will need to add the public comments to the final rule or regulation and detail how they acted on the comments.
How to Post a Public Comment.
There are a few options for posting a public comment:
- Federal Register: Head to www.regulations.gov and look for the rule or policy you would like to comment on. Click the “Comment” button, give your opinion, and attach documents (if necessary).
- Agency Website: Visit the agency website and look for the comment submission section. Follow the link to leave a comment.
- Postal Address: Check the Federal Register notice for the post office address. Don’t forget to add the docket/rule number so your reply gets taken seriously.
- Talking Heads: There are some rules where you can say things head-to-head at public hearings. Look in the Federal Register or any individual notices for hearings.
- After you have commented, a confirmation email with a tracking number will be sent to you and you can also have your comment sent to you via email.
Tips on How to Make a Good Public Comment
- Be An Expert at the Rule: Be familiar with the rule you’re commenting on. Please take a few moments to read the rule that is proposed and then comment.
- Include the Regulation Name and Docket ID: Always include the name and docket ID of the rule (e.g., FDA-2017-D-6580-4894) so your comment matches the rule.
- Offer Expertise; When you contribute to a public discussion, ensure you are well-informed about the issue at hand. Take the time to research background information, relevant data, and any proposed solutions.
- Be Clear and Structured: Don’t lose your readers when you post a comment. Be explicit about where you stand, prove it with evidence if possible, and tie it to the rule being proposed.
- Responses to Requests: Respond to requests for specific data or questions from the agency listed in the notice.
- Cite Sources: Reference studies or external resources when commenting, please cite them.
Where to Find Public Comment
There are a couple of sites that offer examples of comment templates if you are stuck on your comment:
- ImmigrantSurvivors.org: Comment letters of proposed rule proposals (with drafting advice).
- Environmental Law Institute: Guides to writing with examples for public commenting.
- Boundless: Public comments on, for instance, immigration fee increases or the Public Charge Rule.
- Public Comment Project: Offers commenting tips.
- Federal Register: Has info about public comment submission.
Helping Immigrant Families: How to Comment on Immigration Policy.
- State/Local Level Commenting @State & Local level.
- Along with the federal government, states and municipalities can also let the public comment on new rules or policies. Check the individual regulations for each branch of government.
Federal Agencies Accepting Public Comments
Several federal agencies routinely request public input, including:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Involved in regulations concerning air and water quality, hazardous waste, and other environmental issues.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Oversees telecommunications regulations and invites comments on issues like broadband access and media ownership.
- Department of Transportation (DOT): Engages the public on transportation safety, infrastructure projects, and regulatory changes.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Requests feedback on food safety, drug approvals, and health regulations.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Solicits comments on workplace safety standards.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Invites public input on consumer protection regulations and competition policies.
Identifying When Agencies Seek Public Input
To determine when an agency is accepting comments:
- Federal Register: Agencies publish notices of proposed rulemaking here, typically indicating comment periods.
- Agency Websites: Many agencies maintain sections dedicated to current rulemaking with links for submitting comments.
- Regulations.gov: This platform allows users to search for specific dockets or notices where public comments are invited.
Steps to Submit a Public Comment Quickly
Find the Relevant Rule or Proposal
- Locate the Document: Use the Federal Register or Regulations.gov to find the specific rule or proposal you wish to comment on by searching relevant keywords or docket numbers.
Read the Document
- Skim for Key Points: Focus on the introduction, summary, and conclusion to grasp the main issues and implications of the proposal.
Prepare Your Comment
- Structure Your Comment:
- Clearly state your position.
- Be concise; clarity is key.
- Include supporting evidence or examples where applicable.
- What to Include:
- Personal experiences related to the proposal.
- Expert opinions or data that bolster your argument.
Submit the Comment
- How to Submit:
- Use the comment portal on Regulations.gov or the agency’s website.
- You can submit via text box, document upload, or email as specified by the agency.
- Tracking Your Submission:
- After submission, you should receive a confirmation email.
- Comments can typically be tracked through the same portal where they were submitted.
Tips for Writing Effective Public Comments
- Be Clear and Specific: Make your points straightforwardly without jargon.
- Stay Relevant: Focus on aspects of the proposal that directly impact you or your community.
- Support Your Argument: Provide data or personal experiences that reinforce your position.
- Follow Guidelines: Ensure compliance with any word count limits and formatting requirements set by the agency.
- Be Professional: Maintain a respectful tone even when disagreeing with the proposal.
What Happens After You Submit a Comment?
Agencies review all submitted comments, categorizing them by relevance. They must also respond to substantive comments in their final rule documents, explaining how they addressed public feedback. This process ensures transparency and accountability in regulatory decision-making.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Public Comments
Missing the Comment Deadline:
One of the most critical errors is failing to submit your comments before the deadline. Each agency sets a specific time frame for public input, which can range from a few weeks to several months. Missing this deadline means your comments will not be considered, so always check the submission date and plan accordingly.
Submitting Vague or Off-Topic Comments:
Comments that lack specificity or stray from the topic at hand are often disregarded. It’s also essential to address the specific issues raised in the proposed rule and provide clear, detailed feedback. General statements may not effectively convey your perspective or influence decision-makers.
Not Following Submission Instructions:
Each agency has its own submission guidelines, including acceptable file formats and required information. Failing to adhere to these instructions can result in your comment being rejected or overlooked. Also, Always read the submission guidelines carefully to ensure compliance.
Writing Comments Lacking Support or Evidence:
Comments that do not provide evidence or rationale for your position are less persuasive. In addition, Support your arguments with data, examples, or expert opinions where possible. This strengthens your comment and demonstrates that you have thoughtfully considered the issue.
How to Get Involved in More Public Comment Opportunities
Setting Up Notifications or Alerts:
Many agencies offer options for setting up notifications about upcoming public comment periods. By subscribing to these alerts, you can stay informed about new proposals relevant to your interests.
Joining Mailing Lists of Specific Agencies:
Signing up for mailing lists from agencies you are interested in allows you to receive direct updates on rulemaking, public meetings, and also comment opportunities. This proactive approach ensures you won’t miss important announcements.
Subscribing to Platforms Like Regulations.gov:
Regulations.gov is a valuable resource for tracking proposed regulations across various federal agencies. In addition, You can create an account and customize your preferences to receive updates on specific topics or agencies that interest you.
Engaging with Advocacy Groups:
Many advocacy organizations also focus on specific issues and regularly provide information about public comment opportunities. Joining these groups can enhance your understanding of key issues and help amplify your voice through coordinated efforts.
Participating in Public Meetings:
Attending public meetings or hearings related to proposed rules can also provide insights into the regulatory process and allow you to express your views directly to agency representatives.
You can take an active part in the process by making a public comment. As long as you apply the tips and procedures below, you can advocate for the policies and laws that matter to you. Comment on immigration laws, environmental policy, or anything else, and let your voice be heard.
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