RE: Goals (Information/Implementation)

[Sean Bechta <bechtas@edaw.com>]

Although the registry is an excellent idea, I do not necessarily see it as a mechanism for improved "public" involvement.  If you want the registry to be used as a tool by individuals with an interest in EPA's actions, I believe the need to continually return to, and query the registry will limit its value.  By profession I am a wildlife biologist and I do not even have time to visit the USFWS website on a regular basis.  The registry you describe would be beneficial to organizations that can asign staff to search the registry on a regular basis.  However, these organizations are already adept at monitoring EPA, or other agency, actions through existing means.  I think such a registry will only be useful to a wide range of individuals if one extra tool is added.  A user should be able to set up a "profile" with parameters or subjects they are interested in (geographic area, permit applications, wetlands, etc.).  Every time an element is added to the register which meets the profile parameters the entry is automatically e-mailed to the user.  If funds and staff are available, the information could be faxed or "snail mailed" to the user to allow outreach to those with limited computer access.