DEP Invites Public Participation

The Department of Environmental Protection yesterday announced a new public participation and education initiative that will improve its outreach to the public and more actively engage citizens and the regulated community in the development of policies and regulations.

The DEP announcement came during today’s monthly meeting of the Citizen’s Advisory Council (CAC). Acting DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo thanked members of the CAC for their valuable input and commitment to helping the department improve public participation.

“The work of our agency is technical in nature, guided by a complex regulatory process,” Abruzzo said. “When Governor Corbett took office, he challenged all state agencies to become more open, efficient and transparent.’’

“The goal of this initiative is to help people more easily navigate how we operate and, more importantly, highlight opportunities where they can become active participants in helping us shape environmental decisions, processes and policies.”

DEP has created an all-new, online Public Participation Center, which is a clearinghouse for all information related to DEP meetings, webinars and events, as well as proposals posted for public comment.

The online center includes an educational component where visitors can learn about:

- Technical guidance and policies;
- The rulemaking process; and
- Electronic tools available to track permit applications or to be notified of pending authorizations.

It also includes a link to the updated Citizen’s Guide to DEP Regulations which explains the regulatory process in an easy-to-understand format developed in partnership with the CAC.

Also newly created as part of this initiative are DEP’s YouTube channel, Speakers Bureau, and a biweekly newsletter that will begin publication later this month and will feature department news, highlight important initiatives and provide links to upcoming hearings and webinars.
The CAC is an 18-member body of citizens that advise DEP on its policies, management and operations. It also evaluates environmental issues and laws and participates in the development of environmental regulations.

For more information about the Public Participation and Education Initiative, or to subscribe to DEP’s new newsletter, visit www.dep.state.pa.us, and click on the Public Participation Center button.