EPA Seeks Comments on Engaging Communities in Environmental Justice Efforts
As part of its ongoing efforts to integrate environmental justice into all of its programs, EPA is seeking comments on ways that EPA and permit applicants can meaningfully engage communities in the permitting process. This notice describes and seeks comment on actions that EPA regional offices can take when issuing EPA permits to promote greater participation in the permitting process by communities that have historically been underrepresented in that process. This notice also announces the availability of draft best practices for permit applicants seeking EPA-issued permits (located in the appendix to this notice). The best practices are designed to encourage and assist permit applicants to reach out to neighboring communities when applying for permits that may affect the community’s quality of life, including their health and environment. Comments are due August 27, 2012. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-06-26/html/2012-15605.htm