Code of Federal Regulations
The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the federal government. Access the CFR online (https://www.govinfo.gov/).
CFR
Comment
A written expression of an opinion or attitude by a member of the public to a government agency about a rulemaking or other action.
Direct Final Rule
A federal agency may issue a DFR when they do not anticipate receiving a significant adverse comment, or when a rule may qualify for exemption from notice-and-comment rulemaking.
DFR
Docket
A collection of documents related to a rulemaking or other action. More information on dockets at Regulations.gov (http://www.regulations.gov).
Docket ID
Unique identifier established for a docket.
Document
A term that includes rules, proposed rules, notices, supporting and related materials, public submissions.
Executive Order
Official documents, numbered consecutively, through which the President of the United States manages the operations of the federal government.
Federal Register
The official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents. Access the FR online (https://www.govinfo.gov/).
FR
Final Rule
A regulation that has gone through the review and public comment process and is published in official form in the Federal Register. Final rules have the force of law.
Good Guidance Practices
A statement of clear and consistent agency practices for developing, issuing, and using guidance documents. More information on Good Guidance (http://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/significant-guidance-documents).
Information Collection Request
A set of documents that describe reporting, record keeping, survey, or other information collection requirements imposed on the public by the EPA or any other federal agency. More information on ICRs (http://www.epa.gov/icr/).
ICR
Non-Rulemaking
Any federal agency process or action that does not involve the formulation, amendment or repeal of a regulation.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
A public notice issued by law when a federal agency wishes to add, remove, or change a rule or regulation as part of the rulemaking process.
NPRM
Rule/Regulation
An authoritative requirement issued by a federal department or agency that implements a statute and has the force of law.
Rulemaking
The name given to the process followed by federal departments and agencies to formulate, amend, or repeal a regulation.