What is a public comment on a federal regulation?

A public comment is your opportunity to provide feedback to federal agencies on proposed rules, regulations, and notices. Agencies are legally required to consider substantive public comments before finalizing rules.

Do public comments actually matter?

Yes. Under the Administrative Procedure Act, agencies must consider and respond to substantive public comments. Well-written comments citing specific data or real-world impacts have led to significant changes in final rules.

How do I submit a public comment?

Comments are submitted through Regulations.gov. Find the regulation, click 'Submit Comment', write your comment, and submit before the deadline. Your comment becomes part of the public record.

How to Write
Effective Comments

Your guide to writing public comments that federal agencies actually read and consider.

What is a Public Comment?

When a federal agency proposes a new rule or regulation, they are legally required to give the public a chance to weigh in. This is called the “notice and comment” process under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Your comment becomes part of the official public record and the agency must consider substantive comments before finalizing the rule.

Why Your Comment Matters

Legal Weight

Agencies must respond to substantive comments in the final rule. They can't just ignore them.

Real Impact

Well-written comments have led to major changes in final rules — from environmental protections to financial regulations.

Public Record

Your comment becomes part of the permanent record. Courts review whether agencies adequately considered public input.

Democratic Right

The comment process is one of the most direct ways citizens can influence federal policy between elections.

Step-by-Step Guide

Read the Proposed Rule

Start with the summary on our site, then read the relevant sections of the full text on the Federal Register. Focus on the sections that affect you or your community.

Identify Your Concern

What specific part of the regulation concerns you? Is it the scope, the timeline, the cost, the exemptions, or the enforcement mechanism? Be specific.

Gather Your Evidence

The strongest comments cite specific data, research, or real-world examples. How would this rule affect your business, community, health, or livelihood?

Write Your Comment

Reference specific sections of the proposed rule. Explain how you're affected. Provide data or examples. Suggest specific alternatives. Keep it focused and professional.

Submit Before the Deadline

Submit through Regulations.gov before 11:59 PM ET on the deadline date. Late comments are generally not considered. Set a calendar reminder.

What Makes a Comment Effective

Cites specific sections or provisions of the proposed rule

Explains real-world impact with concrete examples or data

Suggests specific alternatives or modifications

Addresses the agency's stated goals and rationale

Is original — not a form letter or copy-paste

Provides expertise or perspective the agency may not have considered

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Form letters — agencies count them but weigh them less than original comments

Vague opinions without specific references to the regulation

Personal attacks or threatening language (may be flagged and ignored)

Submitting after the deadline — late comments are usually not considered

Only saying you support or oppose without explaining why

Not reading any part of the actual proposed rule

Important

Your comment becomes part of the public record on Regulations.gov. Personal information you include (name, address, etc.) will be publicly visible. You can request that personal information be withheld, but agencies are not required to honor this request.

Use Comment Helper Browse Open Regulations

How to WriteEffective Comments