Communicating with Agencies

Depending on the nature of the issue, it may be appropriate to communicate with a federal agency instead of or in addition to members of Congress. Agency officials make many domestic and foreign policy decisions and need to know what citizens think. Write to members of the federal family if a decision is being made about issues that concern you. If a senator or representative is holding a field hearing near you, invite an agency official to attend.

The Constitution states that congress enacts laws and the executive branch implements them, but the line between the two can be a fine one. Regulations written by federal agencies can make or break a law passed by congress - and so can the enforcement policy. The development of regulations by federal agencies and the administration is as important as the creation of legislation by congress.

The critical times to communicate your views to federal agencies and members of the administration are right after a bill has passed, during the initial drafting of regulations to implement the law, and when an agency announces that existing regulations are being revised. Contact the appropriate agency directly. A good source of information on Executive Branch activity within each department or agency is the Congressional Liaison Office, the Office of Public Affairs, or Public Information.

Agency Websites:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

• Forest Service
• Natural Resources Conservation Service
  

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

• National Marine Fisheries Service

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

• Army Corps of Engineers

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
  

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• Fish and Wildlife Service
• National Park Service
• Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
  

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

• Office of Water