Once environmental laws are passed, federal and state regulatory agencies must write the rules, or the details, directing how the regulated community must comply with those environmental laws. Since rules can have the effect of law, Georgia counties should pay close attention to new rules that are being proposed at both the federal and state level, and should take the opportunity to provide input on proposed regulations.

• The Federal Government - The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for promulgating rules for environmental laws passed by the U.S. Congress. EPA’s webpages contain useful background information on environmental issues, proposed rules, and more.
  • U.S. EPA Homepage - http://www.epa.gov/
  • U.S. EPA Region 4 (Georgia’s Region) - http://www.epa.gov/region4/

• Georgia Government - The Board of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) votes on passage of new or amended rules in Georgia. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Georgia’s environmental regulatory agency, is directed by the DNR Board to write those rules. Georgia’s county governments can and should give input to the DNR Board members as they are considering which rules should be written, and to the EPD staff as they draft and take comment on proposed rules.
  • Georgia DNR Board (board member names and contact information, meeting schedule and locations throughout the year, upcoming meeting agendas, and minutes from past meetings) - http://www.gadnr.org/board
  • Georgia Environmental Protection Division - http://www.georgiaepd.org