Identifying the public

[Ami Grace <agrace@nrdc.org>]

The Clean Water Network and its members have worked extensively with EPA on EPA policy both at the national and state and local levels. While it is relatively easy to identify national environmental groups and to involve them in the process, EPA has a hard time getting to our grassroots members.

We recommend that EPA work with national and state networks such as the Clean Water Network to disseminate information to the public nationwide. EPA does not have to reinvent the wheel here--most public interest organizations belong to one or more network of organizations. EPA could greatly increase its exposure to the public more locally by advertising hearings and comment periods, etc. in state and local papers and possibly even on radio.  In some rural parts of the country notification via radio is quite effective.

As far as hearing public concerns, EPA regional offices should hold public meetings in a number of locations throughout the region each year to take public comment and to provide those with questions contact information. This would be a great service that does not already exist. Usually when public meetings are held it concerns a policy that is already on its way to completion. In this alternative approach, the public tells EPA what should be on their radar screen and what issues deserve more scrutiny.