In order to ensure that vulnerable communities which are at the greatest risk of climate change impacts, positioning of dangerous, noisy and polluting industry equipment and for pollution exposure, the DEQ must improve its Public Participation Guidelines to be more inclusive.  Here are some suggestions:

1. DEQ should create a list of people and organizations in environmental justice communities based on definitions included in the Environmental Justice Act.  The list should be periodically updated and include any person or organization who requests to be added to the list. 
2. DEQ should reach out to those on the list in advance of any public participation period.
3. Create a more user friendly vehicle for entering comments.
4. Increase the notification period for public hearings from 7 to 15 days.
5. Ensure that a Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP) has broad representation to include community members, the industry, and researchers.
6. Allow a minimum of 60 calendar days for comments following the publication of a notice of periodic review.
7. Allow in person and virtual participation.
8. Upon request, provide public notices and technical materials in multiple languages.