Anticipated time commitment:
The anticipated time commitment is 351 hours. Two public hearings are proposed to be held in November 11, 1997 in Madison and Wausau.
Natural Resources
Subject:
S. NR 485.04 - Relating to revision to Table 1 “Emission Limitations for the Transient Emission Test”. The objective of the proposed rule is to relax the final phase of emission limitations for some groups of older motor vehicles to ensure that the limitations are more closely related to the emission levels which the vehicles are reasonably capable of achieving and maintaining.
Description of policy issues:
Description of policy issues to be resolved, (include groups likely to be impacted or interested in the issue):
The policy issues that need to be resolved are:
1) Determining the level of emission limitations that would achieve a balance between reducing ozone-forming emissions and avoiding costly and ineffective repairs on vehicles that exceed the limitations.
2) Determining whether the final phase emission limitations should be phased-in on a longer schedule (beyond December, 1997) to further minimize the risk of costly and ineffective repairs.
Staff from the Departments of Natural Resources and Transportation are currently looking at options and alternatives for resolving these issues. Staff from these two Departments have also discussed the proposed revision with vehicle manufacturers, the vehicle repair industry, environmentalists, technical college personnel. They all support relaxing the final phase of emission limitations for older vehicles.
The groups likely to be impacted or interested in the proposed rule are owners of motor vehicles subject to the emission inspection program and the vehicle repair industry in the seven southeastern Wisconsin counties of the program area (Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha counties).
This action does not represent a change from past policy.
Explain the facts that necessitate the proposed change:
The proposed rule will not impose requirements on any previously unregulated source. It will only relax the final phase of emission limitations for some of the motor vehicles already subject to the requirements of the motor vehicle emission inspection program.
Since the current rule requires the final phase of emission limitations to take effect December 1, 1997, an emergency rule is needed to complete the revision by that date. An identical permanent rule will be processed in parallel. Preservation of the public welfare necessitates the adoption of an emergency rule since recent technical information indicates that a large proportion of older vehicles cannot reasonably maintain emissions in compliance with the final phase emission limitations. The repairs which would need to be done on older vehicles attempting to comply with these limitations would often be costly and ineffective in keeping emissions low.
Statutory authority:
SS. 227.11 (2) (a), 285.11 (1) and 285.30 (2), Stats.
Anticipated time commitment:
The anticipated time commitment is 370 hours. One or two public hearings are proposed to be held in December, 1997 in Milwaukee.
Natural Resources
Subject:
Ch. NR 113 - Relating to septage management.
Description of policy issues:
Description of policy issues to be resolved, (include groups likely to be impacted or interested in the issue):
The Department seeks modification to the restrictions placed on land application of septage on frozen or snow-covered ground, and other generally minor clerical corrections. Impacted groups include the pumpers who service such systems, wastewater treatment plants, homeowners and environmental groups.
This action represents a change from past policy.
Explain the facts that necessitate the proposed change:
When revisions to chapter NR 113 became effective January 1, 1997, a provision was included by the Natural Resources Board concerning restrictions on land-applying septage on frozen or snow-covered ground. This provision required the Department to appear before the Board by February, 1998 to request the restrictions be approved or disapproved. The Department staff has listened to the many concerns raised by haulers and others with respect to the lack of alternative disposal options which exist in various parts of the state during winter months. The Department therefore will seek modifications to ch. NR 113, which will set conditions on land application of septage on frozen or snow covered ground, to allow such application, while still providing adequate water quality protection.
Statutory authority:
S. 40 CFR 503.14 (b)
S. 281.48 (4g), Stats.
Federal and state statutes do not contain specific site-management provisions, but require that rules be promulgated to prevent runoff and protect water quality. Federal statutes specifically address frozen or snow covered sites.
Anticipated time commitment:
The anticipated time commitment is 62.5 hours. One public hearing is proposed to be held in March, 1998 in Madison.
Veterinary Examining Board
Subject:
VE Code - Relating to the practice of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Description of policy issues:
Objective of the rule:
Clarify and update administrative rules. Recommended changes relate to such issues as form, style, placement, grammar, punctuation, and use of plain language; examination passing scores; and examination reviews. Create a provision to address the Americans With Disabilities Act. Also, repeal outdated provisions in the rules. Replace “animal technician” with “veterinary technician.”
Policy analysis:
The proposed changes focus primarily on the form, placement, clarity, grammar, punctuation, plain language and related issues. Amend several definitions. Clarify how passing scores on examinations are determined. Repeal obsolete provisions. Create a provision to address the Americans With Disabilities Act. Replace “animal technician” with “veterinary technician” to conform with the statutes.
Statutory authority:
SS. 15.08 (5) (b), 227.11 (2), 453.03 and 453.065, Stats.
Estimate of the amount of time that state employes will spend to develop the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
The anticipated time commitment is 20 hours.
Submittal of Rules to Legislative Council Clearinghouse
Notice of Submittal of Proposed Rules to
Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse
Please check the Bulletin of Proceedings for further information on a particular rule.
Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection
Rule Submittal Date
On September 15, 1997, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection submitted a proposed rule to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse.
Analysis
The proposed rule-making order amends ch. ATCP 29, relating to pesticide use and control.
Agency Procedure for Promulgation
Public hearings are required. Five hearings will be held after the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse completes its review of the proposed rule. The Division of Agricultural Resource Management is primarily responsible for promulgation of this rule.
Contact People
If you have questions regarding this rule, you may contact:
Ned Zuelsdorff
Division of Agricultural Resource Management
Telephone (608) 224-4550
Attorney Jim Matson
(608) 224-5022
Natural Resources
Rule Submittal Date
On September 10, 1997, the Department of Natural Resources submitted a proposed rule [LE-23-97] to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse.
Analysis
The proposed rule-making order affects s. NR 20.13 (2), relating to prohibiting ice fishing shelters on the Fox River in Brown County below the dam at DePere.
Agency Procedure for Promulgation
A public hearing will be held on October 20, 1997.
Contact People
Gary Homuth
Bureau of Law Enforcement
Telephone (608) 266-3244
