How to Find Dockets and Other Public Comment Opportunities
In addition to the listings in our public notices search, there are other types of public comment opportunities available.
EPA Dockets
A docket is a collection of documents made available by an agency for public viewing, often associated with an opportunity for public comment. EPA dockets consist of materials used in a rulemaking or other agency action.
Regulations.gov serves as EPA’s electronic public docket system. You may search, view and comment on those materials.
- Search for open comment opportunities on regulations.gov.
- Learn more about EPA dockets.
Federal Register
The Federal Register is a daily publication that contains information about the U.S. federal government, including proposed, interim, and final rules and regulations.
Any action that is open for comment with a docket number in the Federal Register notice will direct you to Regulations.gov so you may submit a comment.
Environmental Impact Statements
EPA is responsible for receiving and reviewing environmental impact statements (EISs) prepared by federal agencies, and EPA publishes a Notice of Availability each week in the Federal Register. The Notice of Availability is the start of the 45-day public comment period for Draft EISs.
- For more information, visit how citizens can comment and participate in the National Environmental Policy Act process.
Pesticide Registrations
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require EPA to engage the public at specific times during the pesticide registration process. These public dockets are announced in the Federal Register. EPA reviews comments submitted by scientists, growers and other end-users of pesticides, advocacy groups, and the general public before making final decisions about continued product registrations.
- Learn more about the public participation process for pesticide registration actions.
Superfund Listings
The public has the opportunity to comment on EPA's proposed addition of sites to the National Priorities List (NPL). EPA publishes notices in the Federal Register listing which sites are being proposed to the NPL. The documents that form the basis for EPA's evaluation and scoring of the sites are contained in public dockets.
- Learn more about the Superfund public comment process.