PUBLIC COMMENT

(a) Before the commission approves an administrative order or proposed agreement to settle an administrative enforcement action initiated under this subchapter to which the commission is a party, the commission shall allow the public to comment in writing on the proposed order or agreement. Notice of the opportunity to comment shall be published in the Texas Register not later than the 30th day before the date on which the public comment period closes. (b) The commission shall promptly consider any written comments and may withdraw or withhold consent to the proposed order or agreement if the comments disclose facts or considerations that indicate that the consent is inappropriate, improper, inadequate, or inconsistent with the requirements of this subchapter, another statute within the commission's jurisdiction, or a rule adopted or an order or a permit issued under such a statute. Further notice of changes to the proposed order or agreement is not required to be published if those changes arise from comments submitted in response to a previous notice. (c) This section does not apply to: (1) a criminal enforcement proceeding; or (2) an emergency order or other emergency relief that is not a final order of the commission. (d) Chapter 2001, Government Code, does not apply to public comment under this section.