The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced an extension of the public comment period for its draft Public Participation Policy for the Permit Review Process. The policy is open for public comment until Aug. 27.
“We are extending the public comment period to ensure that all have an opportunity to comment on this important policy,” Acting DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “Public participation is a key ingredient to a meaningful, transparent government.”
The comment period has been extended due to a printing error in the Pennsylvania Bulletin that affected the email address given for comments. The department places a high value on input and comments about the policy and strives to provide easy access to its draft proposals.
The draft policy proposes guidelines for public participation during DEP’s permit review process. The policy includes procedures for public hearings, and receiving and responding to public comments.
The policy will apply to all permits and authorizations that are published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the state’s official informational gazette published by the Pennsylvania Legislative Reference Bureau.
On July 15 the Citizens Advisory Council to DEP provided the agency with comments on the proposed policy.
