EPA Releases Final Public Involvement Policy
The Public Involvement Policy outlines how the EPA should solicit and incorporate the public’s comments and thoughts into its decisions. The new
policy released on June 6 is an updated version of one that was released in 1981 but quickly forgotten about and never publicized. Specifically, the policy should mandate EPA to seek input reflecting all points of view and should carefully consider this input when making decisions. They should also work to ensure that decision-making processes are open and accessible to all interested groups, including those with limited: financial and technical resources, English proficiency, and/or past experience participating in environmental decisions. While the policy applies to all EPA activities, it is not binding or legally enforceable. EPA also stated that resource constraints, the need for timely action, and other considerations might limit the agency’s ability to incorporate public opinion in all of its decisions.
EPA believes that the process may reduce delays in policy implementation, by avoiding time-consuming review, public debate, and litigation. To that end, the policy identifies seven steps for effective public involvement. These are: plan and budget for public involvement, identify the interested and affected public, consider providing technical or financial assistance to the public to facilitate involvement, provide information and outreach to the public, conduct public consultation and involvement activities, review and use input and provide feedback to the public, and evaluate public involvement activities. (Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, 6/16/03).
