What is a Public Hearing?
- An Air Quality Public Hearing is a formal proceeding designed to incorporate public comments into the air permit application or rule-making review. Because the Public Hearing is a formal process, EPD officials cannot answer questions during the hearing. EPD schedules a Public Hearing as needed or in response to a request during the public comment period. Citizens may sign up to make oral comments during the hearing. Comments may also be submitted in writing. These comments then become apart of the official record.
How is a "Q&A Session" or "Public Meeting" different from a "Public Hearing"?
- An Air Quality Question and Answer (Q&A) Session or Public Meeting is designed to help citizens understand the specifics of an air quality permit application or a proposed air quality rule as well as to encourage open dialogue. It is not a required meeting under state or federal law. For permit applications, the APB typically invites the permit applicant to participate in this meeting, but they are not required to do so. This meeting begins with short presentations by an APB representative and the permit applicant's representative, but the majority of the meeting is dedicated to answering citizens' questions and listening to concerns.
Additonal Information on Permitting and the Air Protection Branch:
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