When I say “comment here” in the headline, I don’t mean Community Boulevard at District TMV. I have something much more “dangerous” in mind. Today is the first day of the Federal Register’s new website, a little bit of wonk heaven online.
The Federal Register publishes federal government notices, proposed administrative rules/regulations, final rules and presidential documents including Executive Orders, Proclamations, Administrative Orders and Presidential Memoranda. The category of Proposed Administrative Rules includes the following in its definition:
“These documents announce and explain agencies’ plans to solve problems and accomplish goals, and give interested persons an opportunity to submit comments to improve the final regulation.”
The opportunity for public comment has always existed when agencies promulgate regulations, but the website expands that opportunity to more of the general public. The Obama administration will claim this as a “promise kept”, increased government transparency. Before the launch of the new website, the Federal Register had been accessible only through the Government Printing Office (GPO) and its not-entirely-user-friendly site.
So, whether your interest is in communicable diseases in goats (real category), packing and container regulations for Kiwifruit grown in California (real category), immigration regulation, oil and gas, or whatever the federal government has its fingers in [which is just about everything], this is the place to get the skinny on what’s happening and what’s on the front burner, back burner and side of the stove where federal regulation is concerned. The site will be updated daily and includes special articles on hot issues.
Just don’t forget. After you’ve left your unique, pithy and world-altering comment at the Federal Register, come back to TMV and let us know what you’re up to. The Federal Register site is here. Have fun.
Cross posted at Elijah’s Sweete Spot.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.