Rule-Making Suspension

Ecology has evaluated its current and anticipated rules in development per Governor Gregoire's November 17, 2010 executive order (10-06), extended on October 11, 2011 (11-03) to suspend non-critical rule-making. Please see the Rule-making suspension - decision updates page for more information.

Role of rule development

Rule-making is an essential responsibility of state government. Legislation often directs state agencies to develop rules to implement new laws. Ecology follows a very specific process for developing rules that requires transparent and open decisions. It also promotes the public’s right to participate in this decision process.

Rules provide clarity and a fair playing field for the regulated community. Ecology actively seeks the voices of those most directly affected by rules.

Executive Order delays "non-critical" rule-making

Governor Gregoire’s executive order (10-06 and 11-03) directed agencies to review all current and anticipated rule-making and decide what can be delayed for a year. The order doesn't affect Ecology's other regulatory work, such as permitting, guidance, enforcement, water quality improvement plans, and policy development.

Following the Governor's directive

The Governor's policy office (OFM) directed agencies to review all rules in progress and those anticipated to begin in 2011 and determine which ones will proceed.

Information to assist our stakeholders:

Rule-making suspension - decision updates 3/23/12
Governor’s Executive Order 11-03
Criteria for exempting rules from Executive Order
News release: Gov. Gregoire suspends state rule making process - 11/17/10
Letter to Ecology stakeholders from Ecology Deputy Director Polly Zehm - 11/17/10
Governor’s Executive Order 10-06 (pdf) - 11/17//10
Criteria for exempting rules from Executive Order (pdf) - 11/11