WASHINGTON– The eRulemaking Program, a federal-wide E-Government project led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has launched Regulations.gov Exchange. Regulations.gov is the one-stop, online source for citizens to search, view and comment on regulations issued by the U.S. government.

In the past, the paper process limited the public's ability to find rules and comment. Today, the public can explore new features for Regulations.gov, post opinions, engage directly with other users and with eRulemaking program staff. Regulations.gov Exchange will be open for public participation from May 21 - July 21, 2009.

"We're always looking for new, innovative ways to engage the public, and get more people involved in the regulatory process," said John Moses, EPA's eRulemaking program director. "Every member of the public can post their opinion directly on Regulation.gov Exchange without boundaries, shaping and improving Regulations.gov."

Regulations.gov Exchange promotes public engagement by actively involving citizens in the development of a major government-wide Web site, and uses new technologies that enhance the transparency of government decision-making.  The public feedback will shape on-going updates of Regulations.gov, explore the impact of emerging Internet technologies on the federal rulemaking process, foster government-citizen collaboration, and promote government transparency and openness. 

In 2008, Regulations.gov received more than 110 million hits and 450,000 comments on new or existing regulations.  It holds 2 million documents from more than 160 federal entities.  

For more information, visit www.regulations.gov/exchange.