Legal Definitions - commenter

A commenter is an individual or organization that provides feedback, opinions, or suggestions on a particular matter. In a legal and administrative context, it most commonly refers to a person or entity that submits formal input to a government agency regarding a proposed new rule, regulation, or policy. This input is typically submitted during a designated public review period, allowing the agency to consider public perspectives before finalizing its decision.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a commenter:

• Example 1: Environmental Regulation

  Imagine the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes new standards for wastewater discharge from manufacturing plants. A local environmental advocacy group, concerned about the impact on a nearby river, submits a detailed report to the EPA. This report outlines scientific data suggesting the proposed standards are not stringent enough and recommends stricter limits to protect aquatic life and human health.

  In this scenario, the environmental advocacy group is a commenter because it is formally providing its expert opinion and recommendations to a federal agency regarding a proposed regulation that affects public resources.

• Example 2: Public Health Policy

  Suppose a state's Department of Health proposes new licensing requirements for childcare facilities, including specific staff-to-child ratios and health training mandates. A coalition of small business owners who operate daycare centers submits a joint letter to the Department of Health. Their letter expresses concerns that the proposed requirements are overly burdensome and could force many small facilities to close, suggesting alternative, more flexible compliance options.

  Here, the coalition of small business owners acts as a commenter by formally submitting their collective perspective and proposed modifications to a state agency concerning a new policy that directly impacts their operations.

• Example 3: Financial Industry Rules

  Consider the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposing new rules aimed at increasing transparency in financial reporting for publicly traded companies. An individual investor, who frequently uses public financial data for investment decisions, sends an email to the SEC expressing support for the new rules but also suggesting an additional requirement for companies to disclose certain executive compensation details in a more standardized format.

  This individual investor is a commenter because they are providing formal input and a specific suggestion to a federal regulatory body regarding a proposed rule intended to govern the financial industry.