September 7, 2005

In the interest of promoting public inclusion within the Department of Environmental Quality, the DEQ has published the Public Involvement Handbook to provide citizens with the knowledge and information necessary to become more actively involved in the decisions that impact Michigan’s environment.

The Public Involvement Handbook encourages everyone interested in the environment to take a part in helping. It includes information on the function and workings of state government, a listing of helpful resources and suggestions on how to become more involved in environmental programs.

“The public’s involvement in our decisions is vital to the effectiveness and success of our environmental protection programs,” stated DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Inclusion is one of the key values that we strive for in our work, and this guide will give the public the opportunity to help us live up to that value.”

Copies of the Public Involvement Handbook can be obtained by calling the DEQ’s Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278. An electronic version is also available on the DEQ’s website at: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ess-p2tas-publicinvolvementhandbook.pdf.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised September 7, 2005 by Pat Watson