The term "notice-and-comment rulemaking" is used synonymously with "informal rulemaking." It refers to the process that agencies must use to issue rules under section 553 of the APA. It basically has four steps-notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), a comment period, promulgation of the final rule, and a 30-day delay in the effective date. Other statutes and executive orders have added additional requirements to this APA process. (See Informal Rulemaking.)