What requirement must a federal agency adhere to regarding notice of proposed rulemaking?

A federal agency is required to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, as mandated by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This requirement ensures transparency and provides the public an opportunity to be informed about potential new regulations and to participate in the rule-making process by submitting comments. The Federal Register serves as the official journal of the federal government, where notices, proposed rules, and final rules are made accessible to the public.

This process is critical for accountability, allowing stakeholders, including businesses, individuals, and interest groups, to understand and respond to proposed rules that may affect them. By publishing in the Federal Register, the agency also satisfies certain procedural requirements that promote public engagement and comment before a rule is finalized.

Other options do not align with the required standards for notifying the public. Local distribution would not ensure that all interested parties have access to the information. Verbal communication could lead to misunderstandings and would not leave a record of the proposed rule or comments received. While there are provisions for expedited rulemaking in urgent situations, the basic requirement for notification still involves publication in the Federal Register to ensure due process and public input.