New to commenting? Quick tips for writing an effective comment

Before You Write

You don't have to read every page of a proposed rule. Instead, focus on understanding the parts that matter most to you.

A few ways to get started:

• Read the summary at the beginning of the proposed rule.
• Look for fact sheets or plain-language explainers from the agency or trusted organizations, such as a community or affinity group that you belong to.
• Review comments that others have submitted to see what issues they're raising.
• If the rule includes a cost-benefit analysis, read the summary. It can help you understand the agency's assumptions about the rule's impacts.
• Use AI tools to help you find and summarize the proposed rule. (Make sure to check the official proposal to verify important details.)
  • If you are interested in a particular topic in the rule, you can use AI to help you identify that section and summarize it.
  • You can even ask it for a summary of the costs and benefits if that is something that interests you.

Tell Your Story

Your experience is something the agency cannot get elsewhere. It is unique to you. Tell them about it.

Explain how the proposed rule, or the removal of an existing rule, would affect you, your family, your community, your business, or the people you represent. Specific examples and personal stories help agencies understand how a rule will work in practice.

For example:

• If you own a small business, explain how the proposed rule would affect your costs, staffing, or ability to serve customers.
• If you use public transportation, describe how the proposal would change your daily commute or access to work, school, or healthcare.
• If you're commenting on a healthcare rule, share how it could affect your ability to receive care or support a family member.
• If the proposal would remove or weaken an existing rule, explain how the current rule has benefited you and what you would lose if those protections were removed.

The more specific you can be, the more helpful your comment will be. Instead of just saying, "This rule will hurt people" or "This rule will be good for me," explain how it would help or hurt you or others. Personal experiences, examples, and real-world impacts help agencies better understand how a proposal may work in practice.

Try to avoid:

• Speaking only in general terms.
• Repeating news stories without connecting them to your own experience.
• Speculating about possible outcomes without explaining why you think they will happen.

Suggest a Better Approach to the Agency

You are an expert on your life. If a rule does not work for you or your community, use your comment to suggest another solution based on your experience. Identify the problem and offer a solution!

Try to:

• Recommend a specific change or solution to a problem that you see.
• Reference the part of the rule that you're commenting on (so they know what you're seeking to change).
• Explain why your suggestion would work better and what the impact would be.
• If you disagree with the proposed rule entirely, you can point out the issues and suggest that the agency withdraw it.

Here are some examples taken from real comments:

"I urge the U.S Access Board to re-evaluate its recommendations for EV charging stations. By embracing universal design or, at the very least, incorporating ISA signage, we can create a more inclusive environment for all individuals, particularly those with disabilities."

"I spend a lot of time outdoors in Montana, and I've seen firsthand how much wildlife populations and predator numbers have changed over the years. From my perspective, state wildlife managers are better equipped to respond to local conditions, monitor populations, and make adjustments when needed than a one-size-fits-all federal approach."

"I urge you to keep the current rule that requires airlines to show the actual final price when customers are searching for airfares. All taxes and fees should be clearly marked at the start of the transaction, not at the very end."