Public Involvement Policy and Related Documents
This page contains links to EPA's policies and requirements.In 2003 EPA released its Public Involvement Policy, following three years of development, internal review and public discussion. The new Policy updates EPA's 1981 Public Participation Policy. The 1981 Policy evolved from EPA's 1979 regulations that included requirements for public participation.
EPA's Public Involvement Policy
Policy Documents
Related Documents
Requirements
The Policy provides guidance to EPA staff on effective and reasonable means to involve the public in EPA's regulatory and program implementation decisions. The core element of the Policy is the recommended seven basic steps for effective public involvement:
- Plan and budget
- Identify those to involve
- Consider providing assistance
- Provide information
- Conduct involvement
- Review and use input and provide feedback to the public
- Evaluate involvement.
The new Policy updates EPA's 1981 Public Participation Policy, recognizing:
- Changing needs of the public
- New statutes and regulations
- New and expanded public participation techniques
- New options for public access to information and involvement through the Internet
- EPA's emphasis on assuring compliance
- Increased use of partnerships and technical assistance
- Increased capacity of states, tribes and local governments to carry out delegated programs
- How-To Brochures For Effective Public Involvement
- Complete Policy with 4 appendices and 2 addenda (PDF Format 42 pages, 100.9KB)
- Policy Only (no attachments) (PDF Format 6 pages, 20.6KB)
- Appendix 1 - Guidance for Implementing Public Involvement at EPA (PDF Format 17 pages, 50.6KB)
- Appendices 2 - 4 Definitions, Examples of EPA's Public Involvement Regulations, and Advisory Committees (PDF Format 4 pages, 15.1KB)
- Addenda 1 - 2 Tools to Support Public Involvement and Summary of Response to Comments (PDF Format 3 pages, 18.5KB)
- Federal Register Notice - Required information, Introduction and Policy (PDF Format9 pages, 28.3KB)
- Framework for Implementing EPA's Public Involvement Policy (PDF Format 20 pages, 43.5 KB)
- Response to Comments on EPA's Draft 2000 Public Involvement Policy (PDF Format 234 pages, 625KB)
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF Format 4 pages 20.3KB)
- Policy Fact Sheet (PDF Format 1 page 7.1KB)
- Engaging the American People: A Review
of EPA's Public Participation Policy and Regulations with Recommendations
for Action (PDF Format 38 pages, 231.5KB)
- Appendices A-D (PFD Format 76 pages 355.6KB)
- Appendix A: Public Participation Requirements in Key
- Agency Programs
- Appendix B: List of Commenters
- Appendix C: Public Participation Policy Workgroup Members
- Appendix D: Existing 1981 Public Participation Policy and Regulations
Internet-based Dialogue
on Public Involvement in EPA Decision
EPA convened a National Internet-based Dialogue on Public Involvement
in EPA Decisions July 10 - July 20, 2001. Information Renaissance hosted
the event under contract to EPA. Over 1,100 people from 50 states, two
territories and five other nations discussed the draft policy and shared
their thoughts and concerns regarding how EPA should implement it.
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation supported development of the references base and an evaluation by Resources for the Future, " Democracy Online: An Evaluation of the National Dialogue on Public Involvement in EPA Decisions .
EPA's Draft 2000 Public Involvement Policy (PDF Format 11 pages) (December
28, 2000)
EPA's
Draft 2000 Public Involvement Policy - Federal Register Notice and
request for comments
The US Environmental Protection Agency issued a Draft Public Involvement
Policy on December 28, 2000, and took comments through July 31, 2001.
The original public comment period ended April 27, 2001, but was extended
so that EPA could host an Internet-based public discussion on the draft
Policy during July 10-20, 2001.
EPA's 1981 Policy on Participation (PFD Format 30 pages, 65KB)
This Policy provided guidance and direction to public officials who manage
and conduct EPA programs on reasonable and effective means of involving
the public in program decisions.
The Policy applied to programs under the Clean Air Act (Pub. L. 95-95),
Quiet Communities Act (Pub. L. 95-609) Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (Pub. L. 94-580), Toxic Substances Control Act (Pub. L. 94-469), Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (Pub. L. 95-396) Safe Drinking
Water Act (Pub. L. 95-190), and the Clean Water Act (Pub. L. 95- 217).
Public Comments on the 1981 Public Participation Policy (Nov-Dec 1999)
Requirements
Title 40 Part 25 of the CFR (PDF Format
10 pages, 38KB) -- Public Participation in Programs under The Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Clean Water Act
This Regulation provides requirements and direction to public officials
who manage and conduct EPA programs under Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (Pub. L. 94-580), Safe Drinking Water Act (Pub. L. 95-190), and the
Clean Water Act (Pub. L. 95- 217) on reasonable and
effective ways to involve the public in program decisions.