OIRA Calls for Feedback on Recommendations to Encourage More Engagement in the Regulatory Process; W

By Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton
 
In February 2023, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), published a summary of learnings and potential recommendations on broadening public engagement in the federal regulatory process. The learnings and recommendations were developed from written submissions and a public engagement session in November 2022 with hundreds of participants. OIRA invites feedback on the recommendations as it continues to consider them, with these questions as a starting point:

• Which of the recommendations would most effectively broaden public engagement in the federal regulatory process, especially from members of underserved communities and those who do not typically participate in the regulatory process? Are there recommendations that are not helpful?
   
• Are there obstacles or barriers to greater public participation, especially for underserved communities, that are not addressed by these recommendations? If so, are there other recommendations that we should consider?
   
• Are there existing materials, such as guides or tools, that would be especially effective in revising and potentially implementing these recommendations? What new tools or guidance are needed?
   
• How can intermediaries — such as trade associations or coalitions — be helpful in reaching individuals and small organizations or businesses, where have they been successful in doing so, and where might they be insufficient?

Interested members of the public can submit their feedback to publicparticipation@omb.eop.gov as written feedback or recorded audio and video submissions. OIRA will be actively reviewing any submissions received through 5:00 p.m. (EST) March 10, 2023. OIRA states that it is also planning an additional virtual listening session during which members of the public can provide their views on these recommendations, to be held 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.