§564 Publication of Notice; Applications for Membership on Committees

Summary

When an agency decides to form a negotiated rulemaking committee, it must publish a notice in the Federal Register and other trade or specialty publications. The notice must say it plans to form the committee, describe the rule topic and the issues to be discussed, list the kinds of people or groups likely affected, name the people proposed to represent those interests and the agency, give a proposed agenda and a schedule with a target date for a proposed rule, explain what help the agency will give the committee, ask for public comments on forming the committee and its members, and explain how to apply or nominate someone for membership. People who will be significantly affected by the proposed rule and who think they are not represented in the notice may apply or nominate someone to join the committee. Each application or nomination must give the person’s name and the interest they would represent, show they are authorized to speak for that interest, include a written pledge to take part in good faith, and explain why the listed representatives do not adequately represent them. The agency must allow at least 30 calendar days for people to send comments and applications.