Public Involvement in Environmental Programs

Public Involvement in the Permitting Process

The following document offers recipients of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assistance, suggestions on public involvement approaches they may use to help enhance their current environmental permitting programs to better address potential issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, (Title VI) and EPA's Title VI implementing regulations.

• Title VI Public Involvement Guidance for EPA Assistance Recipients Administering Environmental Permitting Programs (Recipient Guidance) (198kb)

Core Elements of PIP

The Policy provides guidance to EPA staff on effective and reasonable means to involve the public in EPA's regulatory and program implementation decisions. The core element of the Policy is the recommended seven basic steps for effective public involvement:

• Plan and budget
• Identify those to involve
• Consider providing assistance
• Provide information
• Conduct involvement
• Review and use input and provide feedback to the public
• Evaluate involvement

PIP Implementation Schedule

• Title VI Public Involvement Guidance Plan Timelines (27kb)

EPA's Environmental Justice & PIP Materials

• Environmental Justice Final Policy (101kb)
• PIP Factsheet (8kb)

PIP Public Information Hearing Protocol

• Air Quality Division Public Information Hearing Protocol (2125kb)

PIP Resources or Links

• EPA's Public Involvement Page