eRulemaking: Improving Public Access and Participation in Federal Regulatory Process

4 February 2022

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The Challenge

The federal regulatory process is often perceived as complex and difficult to understand, hindering public access and participation. Issues such as inconsistent data availability on regulations and lack of comprehensive search capabilities impede public engagement. Additionally, the absence of standardized document naming conventions and data protocols further complicates the regulatory landscape.

Solutions

To address these challenges, the eRulemaking Program is implementing initiatives to promote transparency, public participation, and collaboration in the federal regulatory process. By establishing a common taxonomy, naming conventions, and data protocols for regulatory documents, the program aims to simplify document management and enhance search capabilities on Regulations.gov. The use of standard field names and Rule Identification Numbers (RINs) will streamline document tracking and promote transparency in agency decision-making.

Application

Through the eRulemaking Program, federal agencies will adopt consistent practices for document management and publication on Regulations.gov. By restructuring dockets and implementing standardized naming conventions, agencies will improve the public’s ability to find and search for regulatory information. Additionally, the use of RINs will enable stakeholders to track the entire lifecycle of a rulemaking action, enhancing transparency and accountability in the regulatory process. These initiatives will empower the public to engage more effectively with federal agencies and contribute to informed policymaking.

Future

Over the next year, the eRulemaking Program will continue to enhance Regulations.gov and the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) to support standardized document management practices. By promoting transparency and streamlining document access, the program will facilitate greater public understanding and participation in the federal regulatory process with the aiid of Be Informed. Ultimately, these efforts will contribute to a more open, accessible, and collaborative regulatory environment, benefiting both government agencies and the public they serve.

The core mission of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is to serve the President of the United States in implementing his vision across the Executive Branch. OMB is the largest component of the Executive Office of the President. It reports directly to the President and helps a wide range of executive departments and agencies across the Federal Government to implement the commitments and priorities of the President.