Testifying at a Public Government Hearing

The document outlines the purpose of federal public hearings as a mechanism for agencies to gather information and for the public to signal concern or support for proposed rules. It provides a practical framework for testifying, including time management (suggesting a limit of 750 words for a 5-minute slot), a structured outline for testimony (introduction, personal motivation, constructive feedback, and conclusion), and logistical advice such as submitting written copies of testimony to ensure it is documented in the public record.

• Public hearings are part of the federal rulemaking process where agencies collect information on the problems a proposed rule addresses, the effectiveness of the rule, and potential improvements. These hearings allow the public to counter disinformation and signal their level of support or concern directly to agency managers and staff.
• Effective oral testimony should be concise, typically lasting three to five minutes, which equates to a maximum of approximately 750 words. The guide recommends a structure that begins with an introduction of the speaker's expertise and affiliations, followed by personal examples to make the testimony memorable, constructive feedback using key talking points without excessive jargon, and a concluding reiteration of the speaker's position.
• Logistically, participants should arrive early, be prepared for delays, and provide a copy of their testimony to the agency. While printed copies can be provided in person, submitting testimony online is recommended to ensure it is officially documented in the public record.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2023). Testifying at a Public Government Hearing. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Testifying%20at%20a%20government%20hearing_final.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Testifying at a Public Government Hearing. 2023. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Testifying%20at%20a%20government%20hearing_final.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Testifying at a Public Government Hearing |date=March 2023 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Testifying%20at%20a%20government%20hearing_final.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2023testifying, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Testifying at a Public Government Hearing}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2023}, month = mar, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Testifying%20at%20a%20government%20hearing_final.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }