What is the typical sequence in informal rulemaking?

What is the typical sequence in informal rulemaking?

• A. Final rule issued first, then comments considered.
• B. Formal hearings with no notice.
• C. Publication of a proposed rule, opportunity for comment, final rule with basis and purpose.
• D. Agency decides w/o public input.

Answer: (C)

Informal rulemaking relies on the notice-and-comment procedure: an agency first publishes a proposed rule in the Federal Register, inviting public comments, data, and alternative proposals. After considering these inputs, the agency issues a final rule, typically accompanied by a preamble that sets forth the basis and purpose of the rule and responds to significant comments. This sequence reflects the emphasis on public participation and explainability in informal rulemaking. The other options don’t fit because they either skip the notice-and-comment step, imply a process like formal hearings with no notice, or suggest the agency decides without public input, which contravenes the procedural requirements of informal rulemaking.

Informal rulemaking relies on the notice-and-comment procedure: an agency first publishes a proposed rule in the Federal Register, inviting public comments, data, and alternative proposals. After considering these inputs, the agency issues a final rule, typically accompanied by a preamble that sets forth the basis and purpose of the rule and responds to significant comments. This sequence reflects the emphasis on public participation and explainability in informal rulemaking. The other options don’t fit because they either skip the notice-and-comment step, imply a process like formal hearings with no notice, or suggest the agency decides without public input, which contravenes the procedural requirements of informal rulemaking.