RE: How can EPA provide feedback?

[Betty Winter <winter.betty@epa.gov>]

Peter is right on target in saying that the Agency should always provide responsiveness summaries when input was sought and these summaries should clearly state how the input affected the decision.  When input did not alter the decision in any way, commenters deserve a specific explanation of WHY it did not.  A "no" is not acceptable in this case.  Depending on the number and nature of comments, the responsiveness summary may need to provide info on how comments were used on a topic or individual comment basis, but a general statement on the usefulness of the input could be included.  The responsiveness summary (or at least a short version with the conclusion on usefulness of input) should be widely publicized and made available to stakeholders (using same info distribution methods as original request for public involvement).