EPA finalizes rule to increase transparency in developing regulatory guidance

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee member, issued the following statement today on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizing its rule to establish consistent requirements and procedures for the issuance of guidance documents:

“Today’s final rule brings more accountability and transparency to the EPA by making guidance documents and processes available to the public. Well done to Administrator Wheeler for following President Trump’s Executive Order to shine a light on the bureaucracy and curtail burdensome regulatory overreach.”

Senator Cramer applauded the proposed rule when it was released. EPA Administrator Wheeler announced its finalization today.

“Today’s action is perhaps the biggest change in administrative procedures in a generation and one of the five pillars of EPA reforms under President Trump,” said Administrator Wheeler. “This historic rule guarantees the transparency the public deserves when engaging with the agency. This is a massive step forward for EPA bringing these legal documents into the light.”

The final rule follows the direction of President Trump’s Executive Order to promote transparency through improved agency guidance practices throughout the federal government. This rule:

• Establishes the first formal petition process for the public to request that EPA modify, withdraw or reinstate a guidance document;
• Ensures the agency’s guidance documents are developed with appropriate review and are accessible to the public; and
• Allows public participation in the development of significant guidance documents.