Public Participation
DEP will be holding
Virtual Public Hearings until further notice in accordance with the Governor’s Disaster Declaration and related guidance regarding the mitigation of COVID-19.
Accordion
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionDEP has scheduled a virtual formal public hearing for Wednesday, January 13, 2021 to begin at 6:00 PM. The hearing will end at 9:00 PM or earlier if no additional commenters are present. During this time, DEP will receive comments concerning the permit applications covering Phase 1 only. A separate public hearing will be scheduled for Phase 2 at a future date for portions of the project extending between Northampton and Bucks Counties.
Individuals who wish to observe or present testimony at the formal virtual public hearing must contact Colleen Connolly at 570-826-2035 or coconnolly@pa.gov, a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the hearing to reserve time to present testimony. All comments, whether delivered orally during the virtual hearing or submitted in writing to RA-EPPENNEAST@pa.gov carry equal weight and consideration with DEP. Written comments will be accepted until close of business on January 20, 2021.
Verbal testimony is limited to 3 minutes for each witness. Video demonstrations and screen sharing by witnesses will not be permitted. DEP asks that each organization designate one speaker per group and reminds those presenting that time may not be shared or relinquished to others.
Public Hearing: PennEast Pipeline Permit Phase 1 Application
Public participation is an important part of DEP’s regulatory and oversight responsibilities. There are many ways that the public can have a role in DEP’s decision-making processes.
Pennsylvania residents can voice their opinions proposed regulations, some types of permits, and other issues. The most common way to do this is during public comment periods, when DEP is accepting feedback on a regulation or permit application. Written comments or comments accepted at public hearings are the most common forms of feedback. DEP treats all comments received equally.
The regulatory process can be a confusing one, and there are many steps before a regulation is implemented by DEP. See DEP’s guide to the Environmental Regulatory Process in Pennsylvania:
There are other ways to be informed and participate in the decision-making process at DEP.
The
Environmental Quality Board is a 20-member independent board that adopts all of the Department of Environmental Protection's regulations and considers petitions from residents to change regulations.
The
Citizen’s Advisory Council is made up of 18 volunteer members and the Department of Environmental Protection Secretary to review and provide recommendations for environmental laws and regulations.
DEP
Advisory Committees consist of experts in relevant fields to provide insight and policy recommendations to DEP. These committees review and provide feedback on proposed regulations.
The
Office of Environmental Justice was established as a point of contact for Pennsylvania residents in low income areas and areas with a higher number of minorities. Its primary goal is to increase communities' environmental awareness and involvement in the DEP permitting process.
To see current, upcoming, and recently closed statewide comment periods, or to submit comments on open comment periods, please visit DEP’s
eComment system.
To sign up to receive email notices about updates of regulations, eComment open comment periods, permit applications, and other DEP activities, please visit DEP’s eNotice system.
Twice each year, DEP publishes an agenda of regulations under development or consideration – see the
Regulatory Agenda.