Gia Verma
Research Mentor: Devin Judge-Lord
Mentor Department: , Public Policy
Author(s): Gia Verma
Session: Session 7 (4:00 PM – 4:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 100
Abstract
Public participation plays a critical role in federal policymaking, particularly in federal agency rulemaking, where public comments provide a channel for civic engagement. As proposed rules move toward final implementation, individuals, advocacy, and larger coalitions attempt to shape policy decisions through this organized form of public engagement. This research investigates the types of organizations driving lobbying efforts and how they mobilize people to engage in policy advocacy. The project analyzes millions of public comments submitted during the rulemaking across a variety of agencies. My focus in this project is policies proposed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), an agency that oversees energy markets, transmission policy, and grid reliability. This project analyzes public comments submitted during FERC rulemakings to assess how different actors mobilize participation and frame policy preferences. Using qualitative coding and analysis of public submissions, the study examines the roles of industry organizations, advocacy groups, grassroots coalitions, and other key actors in shaping regulatory discourse. The research further explores whether patterns in public engagement correspond with changes between proposed and final rules, offering insight into the extent to which public input affects policy outcomes. With a goal of highlighting the conditions under which public participation meaningfully influences policy outcomes. This research underscores the importance of civic engagement in federal energy regulation.
