PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-662 WAC, Weights and measures -- National handbooks. The department is considering amending rules that adopt, in whole or in part, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 130 (Uniform Laws and Regulations in the Areas of Legal Metrology and Engine Fuel Quality). The department may amend or modify the existing NIST handbook rules to increase rule clarity and readability, to update the language and format of the rules, and to address current industry and regulatory standards.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 19.94, 19.112, and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The NIST handbooks are national consensus codes that establish industry standards for weighing and measuring devices, metrology, engine fuel quality, and net contents of packaged goods.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov; or Jerry Buendel, Weights and Measures Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1856, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail jbuendel@agr.wa.gov.
January 3, 2012
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director