Q and As

[Marianne Thaeler <mthaeler@aol.com>]

The public wants to have complete trust in the EPA and its decisions. Words such as "partnering" are constued to me "in bed with" and relay negative connotations. The public appreciates the EPA when it stands up on behalf of us all against the big corporate interests.

That said:
1. How EPA can provide feedback to the public ....
 ANSWER - Tell them!
To do this EPA needs to know who to tell, and what they want to know.
Summaries and facilitators do not include this information, or identify what interest may be represented and why.

Transparency - Back to basics folks! EPA needs to generate copy and flyers stating EPA mandate. Then it needs to produce an outline of the EPA decision making process! Not activities, its process! This outline should indicate at what stage public involement will make a difference.

Fastest and cheapest way to get these words out? Solicit other government agency's to include copoy in their general mailings. EPA provide the copy, they provide the space. Make this information readily available to not-for-profit organizations.

2. Describe the criteria you think the Agency should use to evaluate effectiveness ...

Did the Agency learn anything? If so what? Did PIP change preconceived outcomes? Did it make an impact on decisions?
Quantity of participation should NOT be a criteria. Quality should, be it from a few or many.

3. List the lessons you want EPA to take away from this Dialogue.

EPA needs a continuing institutional attitude that it will champion public health and the environment no matter how controversial some may perceive it to be. Building public trust is an ongoing full time responsibility. Weakening resolve lead to suspicion.

EPA needs to let the public know, public input can make a difference. One or two shining examples would not be helpful.

EPA needs to recognize that the general public and their organizations only get involved and attend meetings and hearings when they believe their personal health and private property may be in jeopardy, OR
when they believe the health and environment of their neighborhood, community, State, nation, world may be in jeopardy, OR
they are motivated by their employer to believe their job may be in jeopardy.

Non-participation means two things, total public trust, or EPA has not communicated how the public might be of help.

Enjoyed reading the messages on long hot days in the southwest.

Marianne Thaeler