How to Comment Effectively

Suggestions for effective public commenting on the scope of the Upper Great Plains Wind Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS).

Comments on the scope of a PEIS or the Draft PEIS are an important contribution from citizens. Accordingly, comments should be clear, concise, and relevant to the analysis of the proposed action. Take the time to organize thoughts and edit the document submitted.

The public is encouraged to communicate information and comments on issues it believes Western and the Service should address in the Programmatic EIS. The agencies request information and comments on resources in the UGP Region that development of wind energy may impact. Comments may be in terms of broad areas or restricted to specific areas of concern.

Comments that contribute to developing alternatives that address the purpose and need for the action are effective. They are particularly helpful early in the EIS process and should be made, if at all possible, during scoping, to ensure that reasonable alternatives can be analyzed and considered early in the process. Comments that are solution oriented and provide specific examples will be more effective than those that simply oppose or promote the proposed action.

In drafting comments, try to focus on the purpose and need of the proposed action, the proposed alternatives, the assessment of the environmental impacts of those alternatives, and the proposed mitigation. It also helps to be aware of what other types of issues the decision maker is considering in relationship to the proposed action.

Commenting is not a form of “voting” on an alternative. The number of negative comments an agency receives does not prevent an action from moving forward. Numerous comments that repeat the same basic message of support or opposition will typically be responded to collectively. In addition, general comments that state an action will have “significant environmental effects” will not help an agency make a better decision unless the relevant causes and environmental effects are explained.

Finally, remember that decision makers also receive other information and data such as operational and technical information related to implementing an action that they will have to consider when making a final decision.

For More Information

For more information on public participation in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, please consult the following publications:

	A Citizen's Guide to the NEPA: Having Your Voice Heard (932 KB)
	DOE, NEPA, and You Brochure (1.46 MB)