WSR 01-07-088

PROPOSED RULES

PUGET SOUND

CLEAN AIR AGENCY

[ Filed March 21, 2001, 9:30 a.m. ]

Original Notice.

Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 70.94.141(1).

Title of Rule: Adopt Regulation I, Article 2.

Purpose: To more effectively implement the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Other Identifying Information: Article 2 pertains to SEPA rules.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapters 70.94 and 43.21C RCW.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 43.21C RCW.

Summary: The agency desires to update its SEPA policies to reflect agency values, and to state its SEPA policies in rule rather than resolution.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: This change will more effectively and comprehensively implement SEPA, resulting in better quality decisions regarding environmental impacts in the Puget Sound region.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Laurie Halvorson, 110 Union Street, #500, Seattle, WA 98101, (206) 689-4030; Implementation: Dave Kircher, 110 Union Street, #500, Seattle, WA 98101, (206) 689-4050; and Enforcement: Neal Shulman, 110 Union Street, #500, Seattle, WA 98101, (206) 689-4078.

Name of Proponent: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The agency desires to update its SEPA policies to reflect agency values. The agency also desires to state its SEPA policies in rule rather than resolution.

The intent of the proposed rule change is to more effectively implement SEPA. The agency currently implements SEPA through Agency Board Resolution #565, adopted September 13, 1984. This resolution has not been updated and does not reflect current agency policies and priorities. It is also difficult for the public to access because it is available only by requesting a hard copy from the agency.

The anticipated effects are better quality decisions with respect to environmental impacts in the Puget Sound region, more effective and comprehensive SEPA implementation, increased opportunity for public notice and comment, and more accessible agency SEPA policies.

Proposal does not change existing rules.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This agency is not subject to the small business economic impact provision of the Administrative Procedure Act.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. Pursuant to RCW 70.94.141(1), RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption.

Hearing Location: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Offices, 110 Union Street, #500, Seattle, WA 98101, on May 10, 2001, at 1:00 p.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Agency Receptionist, (206) 689-4010, by May 3, 2001, TDD (800) 833-6388, or (800) 833-6385 (Braille).

Submit Written Comments to: Dennis McLerran, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, 110 Union Street, #500, Seattle, WA 98101, fax (206) 343-7522, by April 30, 2001.

Date of Intended Adoption: May 10, 2001.

March 20, 2001

Laurie Halvorson

General Counsel

Reviser's note: The material contained in this filing exceeded the page-count limitations of WAC 1-21-040 for appearance in this issue of the Register. It will appear in the 01-08 issue of the Register.

Washington State Code Reviser's Office