Regulations.gov

(Washington, D.C.  May 29, 2009) The eRulemaking Program, a
federal-wide E-Government project led by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, has launched Regulations.gov Exchange.
Regulations.gov is the one-stop, online source for citizens to search,
view and comment on regulations issued by the U.S. government.

In the past, the paper process limited the publics ability to find
rules and comment. Today, the public can explore new features for
Regulations.gov, post opinions, engage directly with other users and
with eRulemaking program staff. Regulations.gov Exchange will be open
for public participation from May 21  July 21, 2009.

We’re always looking for new, innovative ways to engage the public, and
get more people involved in the regulatory process, said John Moses,
EPAs eRulemaking program director. Every member of the public can post
their opinion directly on Regulation.gov Exchange without boundaries,
shaping and improving Regulations.gov.

Regulations.gov Exchange promotes public engagement by actively
involving citizens in the development of a major government-wide Web
site, and uses new technologies that enhance the transparency of
government decision-making. The public feedback will shape on-going
updates of Regulations.gov, explore the impact of emerging Internet
technologies on the federal rulemaking process, foster
government-citizen collaboration, and promote government transparency
and openness.

In 2008, Regulations.gov received more than 110 million hits and 450,000
comments on new or existing regulations. It holds 2 million documents
from more than 160 federal entities.