Public Comments: A Mechanism for Making Your Voice Heard

Before proposed rules can be implemented all executive branch federal agencies are required to solicit public comment. Ideally, the comment process allows citizens to improve the policies and procedures of government. Even when agencies do not heed the public’s feedback, these comments stand as a written record that can be used to monitor consequences, exert political pressure, and support litigation.

Feel passionate about a proposed rule?

  • Find the rule by searching regulations.gov, which lists all rules that are open for comment.
  • Draft your comment. See below for tips for writing an effective comment.
  • Submit your comment to the portal at regulations.gov.
  • Do not submit form letters. These don’t count as individual comments.
  • Grow your impact by sending your comment to your elected representatives and sharing it with your networks or by hosting a comment writing party.

 

Learn more by downloading this handy infographic! (Click the image to download)