Public participation in air quality processes : quick reference guide

              Public Participation in Air Quality Processes: Quick Reference Guide
I. Rulemaking process/comments
All air quality rules have to go through a public hearing and comment process and must be approved on several different levels before any rule becomes final. There is a specific time in the life of a rule when anyone and everyone’s opinion can be heard.
Process for Non-emergency Rulemaking Applicable to Public Comment
1. Need for new rule arises, usually due to a change in federal policy.
2. Rule writers at DEQ draft rule.
3. Notice for the rule is published in the Oklahoma Register at least 30 days before Air Quality Advisiory Council meeting.
a. Rule is now open for written comments
4. Public hearing for rule is held at the Air Quality Advisory Council meeting.
a. Oral comments may be made at this meeting
5. If Air Quality Advisory Council votes to adopt the rule, rule goes to the Environmental Quality Board.
6. If rule passes Environmental Quality Board, rule goes to Legislature and Governor for approval or disapproval.
Staying Informed
If you want to find out when a rule is going through the process, you have a few options. You can read the Oklahoma Register and look for a “Notice of Rulemaking Intent”. You could also visit http://www.deq.state.ok.us/AQDnew/council_mtgs/index.htm, where you can see the Notice of Rulemaking Intent, when and where the rules will be proposed, view the agenda for the Air Quality Advisory Council meetings, and also read the proposed rule. If you like, you can sign up to receive these notices via e-mail or regular mail. Signing up for notices also puts you on the mailing list for State Implementation Plan meetings and hearings. To sign up for the mailing list online, go to http://www.deq.state.ok.us/aqdnew/AdvisorySignUp.htm. To sign up for the mailing list via traditional mail, call 405-702-4100.
Commenting
If you’d like to comment on a rule in writing, you must do so before or during the Air Quality Advisory Council meetings where the rule will be considered. To comment before the meeting, simply compose a comment letter and send it to the contact person and address listed in the notice or to:
ATTN: Air Quality Rules and Planning
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
707 N. Robinson
PO Box 1677
OKC, OK, 73101.
To comment orally at the council meeting, join us at the meeting location and fill out a “Notice of Oral Comment”. These forms should be on the front table next to the sign-in sheet. Give the completed form to the person attending the sign-in table. You will be called up to comment during the appropriate time in the meeting. DEQ is required to consider and respond to each official comment made on a rule before that