Headquarters Press Release

FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2001

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT POLICY PROPOSED

An internal policy is being developed to guide and direct EPA officials on ways to effectively involve the public in Agency decisions on activities such as rulemaking, permits, and waste site cleanups. Public comments on this proposal are solicited through April 27. When final, the policy will apply to all EPA programs. It will supplement public participation requirements in existing laws or regulations, and enable the best possible implementation of them. The draft policy updates the Agency's Policy on Participation issued in 1981. Further information on the draft policy is available at: http://www.epa.gov/publicinvolvement/public/index.htm.

For a printed copy, call Loretta Schumacher at 202-260-3096.

E-mail requests for copies should be addressed to: kahn.lisa@epa.gov

Public comments should be addressed to Patricia Bonner, US EPA (mail code 1807), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460.