1. Public Participation in the Environmental Permitting Process Advisor: Dr. Deborah Ringling-Gallagher By: Kathryn Roberts

2. Question How do we improve the relationship between the public and NMED as well as involve the public in the environmental decision-making process beyond what the regulations require?

3. Methods, Data and Analysis 1) Stakeholder Analysis Interested-Party Survey Focus Group Sessions and Interviews 2) “Snowball” Technique Have NGO leaders assist in identifying other organizations or individuals that may be interested in participating in the research

4. Preliminary Findings and Next Steps So far the public would like… Receive information via email or through the mail More frequent public information meetings Open forum meetings Trainings (via short classes) on RCRA-related issues –but can NMED do it? Provide input into a Public Involvement Plan (PIP) Next Steps… Making phone calls Setting up focus group sessions