What to Expect from a Public Hearing

Companies sometimes want to build new or expand existing industrial facilities. It could be a company that wants to build or expand a wood pellet facility. To do this, they must receive the necessary permits. State or federal permitting agencies grant these permits.

The permitting agency may hold a public comment period and/or a public hearing. This allows for public input on a proposed permit. Some permits, like the Clean Air Act’s Title V permit, require a public comment process. Then residents can address pollution and health issues. Other times, a permitting agency will hold a public hearing. They do this if there is significant public interest.

One of the best ways to protect forests and communities is to attend a public hearing. But what is a hearing and why is it important?

What is a public comment period?

Government agencies open public comment periods to get feedback from the public. The feedback may be on a proposed rule, regulation, or other policy decision. Generally the permitting agency must provide at least a 30 day comment period. This is an opportunity for regular people to let decision-makers know what they think.

What is a public hearing?

A public hearing is part of a broader public comment period. It’s a formal way to give comments on a proposed issue or action. State or federal permitting agencies host these public hearings. Sometimes it’s your state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Or it could even be the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They host these hearings when a company requests a permit. The company may want permission to construct a facility and/or pollute the air or water.

Attending and sharing your feedback at a public hearing is powerful. The hearing may be the only time the public can voice complaints or concerns about an industry.

Some things to know about public hearings

• At these hearings, you can give feedback orally or through a written comment.
• The hearing may be in-person or virtual. Sometimes the permitting agency will offer both ways to attend.
• Hearings are usually on weekday evenings.

What happens at public hearings?

• The permitting agency gives a short presentation about the proposed permit.
• The agency reviews the rules and timeline for the hearing.
• Members of the public then have an opportunity to give spoken comments. These are usually limited to 3- 5 minutes. Typically a written comment is 150 words per 1 minute.
• The company applying for the permit often gives public comments as well.
• Sometimes legal issues arise at hearings. The permitting agency must then review them.
• The permitting agency ends the hearing once those who signed up have spoken.

After the hearing and public comment period, the hearing officer reviews all comments. Then they issue a report. The report includes recommendations to approve, deny, or change the permit.

How to give a public comment

• You must sign up at the beginning of the hearing to share your comment.
• A member of the agency calls people to the microphone in the order that they signed up.
• The agency listens to your comment and takes notes. They do not respond to any comments or answer any questions at the hearing.
• In many cases, you are allowed to take video or audio recordings.
• You may submit a written comment in-person at the hearing. You may also submit your comment by email.
• The public comment period usually ends a few days after the public hearing. You can submit your comment up until the comment period ends.

Who will be there?

• Representatives from the permitting agency.
• Representatives from the corporation requesting the permit.
• Elected officials might be there. They may speak in favor of the community or the facility. They just listen.
• Members of the media. They may take photos or include quotes from the hearing in a news article.

Why attend and why provide testimony?

This is an opportunity to let your elected officials and the media know your concerns. There’s also danger in not attending a hearing or providing testimony. If no members of the public voice their concerns, the agency may assume there is no local opposition. So we must lift our voices and exercise our rights. We must hold corporations and our government officials accountable. We must always put communities above corporate profits.

Take Action: Hold wood pellet producing giant, Enviva, accountable to communities

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