Informal Input on EPA's Federally Conducted LEP Program EPA seeks informal public input about its current program for ensuring meaningful access for persons in the public with limited English proficiency (LEP) to EPA programs, services, and activities. On November 21, 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued "Memorandum to Improve Access to Services for People with Limited Proficiency in English."1 The Memorandum requests that federal agencies review their language access practices and policies to strengthen the federal government's engagement with individuals with LEP. As result of this initiative, EPA is reviewing and updating its policies and practices. We are seeking your input about how EPA's current process for providing meaningful access for persons in the public with limited English proficiency (LEP) to EPA programs, services, and activities is working. Please submit comments to nieves-munoz.waleska@epa.gov by April 10, 2023, in response to the following questions: 1. Is EPA currently providing meaningful access to EPA programs, services, activities for communities with LEP in your area? If not, how can EPA improve? Please let us know the state, city, county, area code, and the name of your community. 2. What are the best ways to connect with a community with LEP in your area? Please let us know the state, city, county, area code, and the name of your community. 3. Has EPA provided the translated materials, documents, and information that communities with LEP need to be meaningfully engaged in EPA activities and services? If not, please provide examples. What types of materials do you recommend EPA translate to provide meaningful access to communities with LEP? 4. Has EPA provided the needed language interpretation services so that persons with LEP can meaningfully participate in EPA-sponsored events? If not, why not and can you provide examples? 5. Do you have other comments about how EPA can improve how it provides meaningful access for persons with LEP to EPA programs, services, and activities? 1 https://www.iustice.gov/opa/pr/attornev-general-merrick-garland-issues-memorandum-improve-access- services-people-limited ------- |