Tips for Providing Effective Comments on EPA Actions
Commenting is an important way to make your voice heard in decision-making. Public comments can strengthen environmental decisions by providing us with facts or perspectives that we may not have considered during the draft process. These tips are meant to help you submit comments that have an impact.
Read instructions carefully
We may be asking for comments only on a specific part of a proposed action or document, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Unrelated comments will not be considered.
Be specific
Suggest specific language when possible, and use examples to illustrate your concerns. Base your justification on sound reasoning, scientific evidence, and/or how you will be impacted. If you are commenting in an area in which you have relevant personal or professional experience (e.g., scientist, attorney, community organizer, business owner, etc.), say so. There is no minimum or maximum length for an effective comment. By supporting your arguments well, you are more likely to influence decision-making.
Tell us what you support as well as what you disagree with
Based on other comments received during a comment period, we may end up revising parts of a document or actions that you agree with, as well as parts that you don’t. It can be just as important for us to know what parts you support as what parts you disagree with.
Provide supplemental information
If you have access to any facts or documents that were not considered in in our draft process, consider providing a copy.
Consider other points of view
You can strengthen your comments to by considering opposing points of view and responding to them with facts and sound reasoning.
Use clear organization, formatting, and language
Use headings and sub-headings to separate your points. If you have more than one major concern, open your comment with a summary section like “Major Concerns” or “General Comments” and outline them before you give detail. Keep in mind that our reviewers may receive hundreds of comments during a comment period, so clear organization will help your comments stand out.
Comment period extensions
Comment periods are typically short – often just 30 days – so it's a good idea to start early. If you need more time, it may be possible to request an extension to the comment period. Whether or not an extension is granted will depend on many factors. Reach out to the EPA contact listed on the public notice for information about requesting an extension.
About form letters
The comment process is not a vote. Organizations such as industry associations and conservation groups sometimes use form letters to voice their opposition or support of a proposed action. Although public support or opposition may help guide important public policies, agencies like EPA make determinations for a proposed action based on sound reasoning and scientific evidence rather than a majority of votes. A single, well-supported comment may carry more weight than a thousand form letters.
Contact us if you have questions
Most public notices provide an EPA contact for more information. Please reach out if you're having trouble understanding the proposal or have questions that are not answered in the public notice.
Thank you for your engagement!