Continuance of WSR 12-15-070.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 12-09-084.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 480-120-251 Directory service, this rule making proposes modifications to, or the elimination of, the requirement that local exchange companies provide each customer a copy of a telephone directory for the customer's exchange area.

     Hearing Location(s): Richard Hemstad Building, Commission Hearing Room 206, Second Floor, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504-7250, on October 18, 2012, at 9:30 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: October 18, 2012.

     Submit Written Comments to: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250, e-mail records@utc.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-8203, by August 20, 2012. Please include "Docket UT-120451" in your comments.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Aguilar by October 4, 2012, TTY (360) 586-8203 or (360) 664-1132.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposal revises the existing rule to require local exchange carriers to distribute white pages telephone directories only to customers who request them. The proposal would minimize the burden on regulated carriers to print and distribute directories and would substantially reduce the amount of waste resulting from disposal of unwanted printed directories.

     The purpose of the continuance of WSR 12-15-070 is to provide notice of a change in the date of the hearing regarding adoption of the rule proposal in this docket. The date of the hearing has been changed from Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. to Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 9:30 a.m.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Consumers primarily rely on the internet as a resource for telephone number listings, rendering unnecessary a requirement that companies distribute printed white pages directories except to those customers who request them. Eliminating distribution of unwanted directories also enhances environmental stewardship in cooperation with cities and municipalities by reducing the volume of paper waste that must be processed and disposed of.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160.

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

     Name of Proponent: Washington utilities and transportation commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: John Cupp, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1113; Implementation and Enforcement: David W. Danner, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1208.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule will not result in or impose more than minor costs. Because there will not be more than minor increase in costs resulting from the proposed rule changes, a small business economic impact statement is not required under RCW 19.85.030(1).

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The commission is not an agency to which RCW 34.05.328 applies. The proposed rule is not a significant legislative rule of the sort referenced in RCW 34.05.328(5).

August 24, 2012

David W. Danner

Executive Director

and Secretary