Welcome to the Dialogue from EPA Administrator, Carol M. Browner

[Patricia Bonner <bonner.patricia@epa.gov>]

	Welcome to this experiment in public participation.    
Thank you for taking part in our on line discussion to explore 
how the Environmental Protection Agency can best work with 
libraries to increase public access to environmental information
using the Internet.  

	This online dialogue illustrates the great potential and
power of  the Internet to help EPA engage the American people.
The reach of the world wide web continues to grow daily, and in
all its programs EPA must continue to use all our available resources
and technologies to provide for the most extensive public participation
possible in our decision-making.  EPA remains steadfast in its
willingness to be open to new ideas on how to include the public
in our mission to protect  human health and the environment.

	Your discussions over the next two weeks will inform our
understanding of whether and how to build partnerships with 
libraries so together we can engage the broadest possible 
participation in environmental protection.  We will also begin 
to identify possible opportunities for pilot projects that EPA 
might undertake with libraries and others to engage the public 
through the Internet.   

	I also want to express my appreciation to the 
Environmental Law Institute and Information Renaissance for 
their hard work toward making this online dialogue possible.

	Again, welcome and thank you for your contribution to 
this important event.  I look forward to following your 
discussions.

Best Regards,
Carol M. Browner
Administrator 
United States Environmental Protection Agency