White House Urges Proactive Regulatory Engagement: Implications for Compliance Teams

The White House is calling on federal agencies to enhance their interactions with the public on regulatory activities, emphasizing the need for more proactive engagements with affected communities. In a memo released recently by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), specific actions are outlined to improve public participation and community engagement during the regulatory development process.

The directive from the White House aims to deepen and expand agencies' engagement with the public on regulatory matters. It highlights the importance of proactive interactions and the use of the Unified Agenda to broadcast public participation opportunities. By involving affected communities in the regulatory decision-making process, the White House seeks to enhance the overall effectiveness and responsiveness of regulatory policies.

The White House emphasizes that numerous regulatory issues rely on public input, such as increasing access to affordable medicine, setting workplace safety standards, reducing toxic chemical exposure, and crafting rules impacting small businesses and entrepreneurs. By prioritizing public participation, agencies can leverage diverse perspectives to make more informed and equitable regulatory decisions.

To ensure effective engagement with the public, OIRA encourages agencies to publish a regulatory engagement plan on their websites. These plans should align with best practices outlined by the Administrative Conference of the United States and include specific details on how the agency will collaborate with affected communities. Additionally, agencies are advised to designate a point of contact for addressing questions on regulatory issues, promoting transparency and accessibility for stakeholders.

Implications for Compliance Teams

The White House's call for more proactive regulatory engagement holds significant implications for compliance teams across federal agencies and private organizations:

1. Enhanced Compliance Risk Assessment: Compliance teams should proactively engage with affected communities and stakeholders during the regulatory development process. By understanding the concerns and interests of the public, compliance teams can better assess potential compliance risks and tailor their strategies accordingly.
2. Effective Public Engagement Strategies: Compliance teams must develop robust public engagement strategies to solicit feedback and input from affected communities. This may involve conducting public hearings, seeking public comments, and organizing outreach initiatives to gather diverse perspectives on regulatory matters.
3. Transparency and Accountability: By designating a point of contact for addressing regulatory questions, compliance teams can enhance transparency and accountability. This approach ensures that stakeholders have access to reliable information and can seek clarification on regulatory issues.
4. Alignment with Best Practices: Compliance teams should align their regulatory engagement plans with best practices recommended by the Administrative Conference of the United States. This includes defining how the agency will work with affected communities and detailing specific engagement methodologies.
5. Inclusive and Equitable Regulatory Decisions: Proactive engagement with affected communities allows compliance teams to incorporate diverse viewpoints, leading to more inclusive and equitable regulatory decisions. This approach fosters public trust and confidence in the regulatory process.

The White House's push for more proactive regulatory engagement presents an opportunity for agencies and organizations to strengthen their compliance efforts. By involving the public in the regulatory decision-making process, compliance teams can gain valuable insights, improve risk assessments, and develop more effective and equitable regulatory policies. Embracing transparency and inclusivity, compliance teams can enhance their overall regulatory compliance and positively impact the communities they serve.