Opportunities to Submit Comments on Proposed Rules
Federal rulemaking is an important process that allows the White House and federal agencies to implement laws set forth by Congress or to set new policies and rules that can affect the use of science in policy, for example, environmental regulations or policies that can impact the conduct of science, for example, restrictions on student visas. In many of these cases, the government will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register and solicit public comments over a period typically 30-90 days.
This is an important opportunity for you to give your voice to the federal rulemaking process and while many societies — such as AAAS — do submit comments it is equally important that your individual voice be a part of this democratic process.
Opportunities to Engage in Federal Advisory Committees
Another way to engage is to serve on federal scientific advisory committees or nominate colleagues to serve as advisors. Most federal agencies publish notices seeking nominations in the Federal Register. In addition, these federal agencies will publish dates for their public meetings in the Federal Register, so you can attend as appropriate. It is a good way to learn what issues scientific advisory committees are discussing. Opportunities are listed below.