In an effort to improve citizen access and ease of commenting on public documents, the US Minerals Management Service has launched ‘Public Connect,’ a new online public commenting system. Public Connect is the first interactive on-line system released as part of a phased, multi-year e-government transformation dubbed Outer Continental Shelf Connect. The system allows the public to find, view, and submit comments on MMS’s proposed regulations, lease sale notices, operational plans, environmental reports, and related documents. Public Connect will become the MMS’s main interface with the public for formal responses and comments on regulatory and planning information.
Burton
MMS Director Johnnie Burton said, ‘Public Connect will simplify how the public participates in the federal Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas program. We expect that providing easier access will encourage public participation. This system makes it easier and more efficient for those with relevant information to be heard.’
Fixed and floating platforms
Public comment may be somewhat limited initially as the only document so far available for on-line public commenting is a Notice of Extension of an Information Collection (1010-0149), 30 CFR 250, Subparts J, H, and I covering ‘Fixed and Floating Platforms and Structures.’ In the future, Public Connect will provide access to more agency information.
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