The Trump Administration’s Assault on Public Input
Recently, the federal government made a troubling decision to eliminate an online tool that allowed advocacy groups, businesses, and other organizations to collect and submit public comments on federal agency actions. This move makes it increasingly difficult for Americans to participate in shaping policies that impact their lives. Unfortunately, this is just one of many tactics employed by the Trump administration to silence the voices of the US public when it comes to policy decisions.
According to a comprehensive analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) titled Access Denied: How the Trump Administration Is Eliminating Public Input, federal science agencies are circumventing the traditional notice and comment process when updating or removing regulations. This means that crucial regulations affecting areas such as air quality, water safety, climate change, healthcare, transportation, and more are being altered or eliminated without input from the public. This goes against the fundamental principle of democracy that allows citizens to participate in government decision-making.
Undermining Public Participation
President Trump has issued several deregulatory executive orders that direct federal agencies to eliminate regulations deemed “unnecessary” or “unlawful.” These orders have paved the way for agencies to bypass the standard notice and comment process by exploiting a loophole known as the “good cause” exemption. This exemption, typically reserved for emergency situations, allows agencies to push through rule changes without soliciting public input.
Our analysis of rules issued by key science agencies between January and July of this year revealed that nearly 31% of final rules were issued without proper notice and comment. The Department of Transportation (DOT) was found to be the most frequent offender in skipping this crucial step. Additionally, agencies have been using “direct final” and “interim final” rules as alternatives to notice and comment, further limiting public engagement in the rule-making process.
Threats to Democracy
By abusing the “good cause” exemption and failing to provide adequate explanations for bypassing public input, federal agencies are eroding the democratic foundation of our regulatory system. The lack of transparency and accountability in decision-making processes undermines the rights of the US public to be informed, provide feedback, and receive responses from government agencies.
It is imperative that the US public retains fair access to government decision-making processes. While federal agencies may be falling short in engaging the public, state and local governments can step up to ensure meaningful public participation. The UCS has developed a guide titled Fair Access: Guidance for Meaningful Public Participation in Government Decisionmaking to provide lawmakers and agencies with best practices for inclusive engagement.
Empowering Public Participation
Ensuring that the US public has a voice in government decision-making is essential for a functioning democracy. The UCS guide offers recommendations and resources to help lawmakers and agencies prioritize public input and ensure fair access for all. By advocating for meaningful engagement, we can work towards a more transparent and accountable governance system that truly represents the interests of the American people.
