What is required of an agency in response to significant comments on a proposed rule?

An agency is required to either modify the proposed rule or provide a clear explanation for its decision in response to significant comments received. This requirement ensures that the agency takes public input seriously and demonstrates transparency in its decision-making process. By addressing comments, the agency shows that it values stakeholder feedback and is committed to creating well-informed regulations.

Simply neglecting comments would undermine the democratic process of public participation and could lead to rules that do not reflect the needs or concerns of affected parties. While seeking further public consultation or publishing comments in a journal might be beneficial in some contexts, they are not the specific requirements for handling significant comments on proposed rules. The essence of the process is to engage with the feedback meaningfully, which is accomplished through modification of the rule or a thorough rationale for any decisions made.