DEP Proposes Changes To Process For Developing Regulations, Technical Guidance And Using Advisory Committees

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 14 PA Bulletin of proposed changes to several technical guidance documents guiding public participation efforts within the agency--

-- Developing Technical Guidance: DEP ID: 012-0900-001. Title: Policy for the Development and Publication of Technical Guidance. This policy explains to the public and the regulated community the Department's process for developing TGDs. The purpose of this policy is to outline the Department's key considerations for the development of TGDs, tools available to enhance transparency in the TGD process, public comment periods, and the maintenance and distribution processes of TGDs. This draft TGD was significantly simplified from the previous version by removing internal direction and procedures for the Department's staff. The interim-final version published at 45 Pa.B. 2675 (May 30, 2015) is withdrawn with this notice.  Questions regarding this action should be directed to Abbey Cadden at 717-705-3769 or by sending email to: acadden@pa.gov.

-- Developing Regulations: DEP ID: 012-0820-001. Title: Policy for the Development and Review of Regulations. This policy explains the process the Department will follow to develop regulations necessary to effectively implement Commonwealth and Federal environmental laws for promulgation as appropriate, based on the expertise of the Department and other Commonwealth agency staff, Departmental advisory committees, boards and councils, and based on comments received during the public participation process. Several updates to this policy were necessary to ensure that it remains relevant to current practice. Also, updates were required to explain how amendments to the Regulatory Review Act (71 P.S. §§ 745.1—745.14) in 2012 impact how the Department carries out its regulatory review and development process.  Questions regarding this action should be directed to Laura Edinger at 717-772-3277 or send email to: ledinger@pa.gov.

-- Advisory Committees: DEP ID: 012-1920-002. Title: Advisory Committee Guidelines. These guidelines establish the role and function of the Department's advisory committees. New language was incorporated into the guidelines to clarify common areas of confusion for advisory committee members. These revisions are intended to clarify the roles of the Department, advisory committee members and the public when planning and holding advisory committee meetings.  Questions regarding this action should be directed to Hayley Jeffords at 717-772-3525 or send email to: hjeffords@pa.gov.

Comments on these guidelines will be accepted through December 13 and can be submitted through DEP’s eComment webpage.  Copies can also be found on the same page.