WSR 15-20-032

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed September 28, 2015, 7:23 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Reduce vertical clearances requirements for overhead power and communication lines.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: WAC 468-34-290 and chapter 47.44 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To adopt National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards for vertical clearances of overhead utility lines over state highways to be consistent with industry standards.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington state department of labor and industries.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making; and establish new standard.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The Washington state department of transportation (WSDOT) plans to notify utility industry representatives about any proposed changes through the Washington utility coordinating council and direct outreach to major utility companies and PUDs. WSDOT would schedule stakeholder workshops as needed based on feedback or comments from stakeholders.

September 28, 2015

Kathryn W. Taylor

Assistant Secretary

Strategic, Enterprise

and Employee Services