Transparency, Public Consultation Practices and Government Accountability in U.S. Rulemaking

In-Depth Analysis 31-07-2015

This paper provides basic information on transparency, public participation and government accountability in U.S. rulemaking procedures, in constitutional and historical context. Under the U.S. Administrative Procedure Act, regulatory agencies must (1) provide the public with sufficient specific information about a regulatory proposal to fairly apprise interested parties of the subjects and issues involved so that they may present responsive data or arguments, and (2) consider, analyze and address significant public comments when issuing any final rule.