Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Environmental Quality
 
Board
Department of Environmental Quality
 
chapter
Public Participation Guidelines [9 VAC 15 ‑ 11]
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8/16/21  8:09 pm
Commenter: R & W Lowrance

DEQ Public hearings
 

We are persons of conscience, and we believe that it is important for the voices of marginalized communities across the commonwealth to be heard, prioritized, valued, and empowered in all decision-making processes. Too many times, folks in vulnerable places are not given opportunities to understand the impact proposed changes will cause to them, their families, and communities. 

The process for all proposed regulations need to include scheduling locations of public hearings on permits in the directly impacted communities early in the process and with both in-person and hybrid opportunities; hold public hearings at times that are accessible to full time workers; and provide sufficient advance notice of when public hearings will be held so people can make plans and hold discussions as necessary.
Sincerely,
R & W Lowrance 

 

CommentID: 99744