Analysis
The proposed rule affects ch. PSC 4, relating to implementing the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA).
At its open meeting of September 16, 1999, the Public Service Commission approved proposed rules to revise ch. PSC 4, Wis. Adm. Code. These revisions are intended to reflect recent changes in the electric utility industry and advances in generation technologies resulting in cleaner, less environment-damaging plants. The proposed rules also clarify the purpose of environmental assessment documents prepared by the Public Service Commission.
Agency Procedure for Promulgation
A public hearing is required and is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 1999 in the Amnicon Falls Hearing Room of the Public Service Commission Building, 610 North Whitney Way, Madison. The agency organizational unit responsible for the promulgation of the proposed rule is the Public Service Commission's Electric Division.
Contact Information
If you have any substantive questions regarding the proposed rules, you may contact:
Jacqueline Reynolds
Assistant Administrator
Electric Division
Public Service Commission
610 North Whitney Way
P.O. Box 7854
Madison, WI 53707-7854
Telephone: (608) 266-1267
If you have any questions regarding the Public Service Commission's internal processing of the proposed rules, you may contact:
Attorney David A. Ludwig
Telephone: (608) 266-5621
N o t i c e S e c t i o n
Notice of Hearings
Commerce
(Public Employe Safety and
Health, Ch. Comm 32)
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to ss. 101.02 (1) and 101.055 (3), Stats., the Department of Commerce announces that it will hold public hearings on the proposed revision of ch. Comm 32, relating to public employe safety and health.
Hearing Information
October 25, 1999 Room 3B, WHEDA Bldg.
Monday 201 W. Washington Ave.
10:00 a.m. Madison
October 26, 1999 Room 105
Tuesday Eau Claire State Office Bldg.
10:00 a.m. 718 W. Clairemont Ave.
Eau Claire
Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearings and present comments on the proposed rules. Persons making oral presentations are requested to submit their comments in writing. Persons submitting comments will not receive individual responses. The hearing record on this proposed rulemaking will remain open until November 9, 1999, to permit submittal of written comments from persons who are unable to attend a hearing or who wish to supplement testimony offered at a hearing.
These hearings are held in accessible facilities. If you have special needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the hearing, please call (608) 261-6546 or TTY at (608) 264-8777 at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. Accommodations such as interpreters, English translators, or materials in audio tape format will, to the fullest extent possible, be made available upon request by a person with a disability.
A copy of the proposed rules may be obtained without cost from Roberta Ward, Department of Commerce, Program Development Bureau, P.O. Box 2689, Madison, Wisconsin 53701, telephone (608) 266-8741 or (608) 264-8777 (TTY). Copies will also be available at the public hearings.
Analysis
Statutory Authority: ss. 101.02 (1) and 101.055 (3)
Statute Interpreted: s. 101.055 (3)
The Department of Commerce is responsible for adopting standards to protect the safety and health of public employes in the state of Wisconsin. The adopted standards must provide protection at least equivalent to that afforded to private sector employes under standards administered and enforced by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Chapter Comm 32 currently contains general safety and health standards for all public employes through the incorporation by reference of several OSHA standards. Chapter Comm 32 also contains requirements that add to or modify the OSHA standards.
The proposed rules consist of revisions in chapter Comm 32, including the incorporation by reference of the new OSHA standards adopted since July 1, 1998. Those standards cover powered industrial truck operator training, permit-required confined spaces, and methylene chloride.
The proposed rules also contain revisions to current requirements relating to recirculation of contaminated air, ventilation for kilns, and ventilation for laboratory fume hoods.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
1. Types of small businesses that will be affected by the rules.
The proposed rules will not affect any small businesses as defined in section 227.114 (1)(a), Stats. The proposed rules apply to public sector employers and employes.
2. Reporting, bookkeeping and other procedures required for compliance with the rules.
Not applicable.
3. Types of professional skills necessary for compliance with the rules.
Not applicable.
Environmental Assessment
Notice is hereby given that the Department has prepared a preliminary environmental assessment (EA) on the proposed rules. The preliminary recommendation is a finding of no significant impact. Copies of the preliminary EA are available from the Department on request and will be available at the public hearings. Requests for the EA and comments on the EA should be directed to:
Robert Langstroth
Division of Safety & Buildings
Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 2599
Madison, WI 53701
Telephone (608) 264-8801
or TTY (608) 264-8777
Written comments will be accepted until November 15, 1999.
Fiscal Estimate
The Safety and Buildings Division currently administers and enforces the provisions of chapter Comm 32 as part of the public sector safety and health program. The proposed rules update the existing administrative rules now being enforced, with no new requirements that would affect costs or revenues. Therefore, the proposed rules will not have any fiscal effect on the Division.
At the local government level, there should be no significant fiscal effect. Some of the new requirements may result in additional costs in time and equipment for some local governments; however, these costs should be minimal.
Notice of Hearings
Corrections
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to ss. 301.025 and 301.03 (10), Stats., and interpreting ch. 938, Stats., the Department of Corrections will hold four public hearings to consider the creation of chs. DOC 371 to 399, relating to juvenile corrections and delinquency-related services.
Hearing Information
October 28, 1999 Room 349
Thursday GEF#3 Bldg.
9:00 a.m. 125 South Webster St.
Madison, WI
November 10, 1999 Room 149
Wednesday Marathon Co. Courthouse
10:00 a.m. 500 Forest St.
