ICAR to address rulemaking before July 1 ban takes effect

The upcoming implementation of a significant ban in Vermont is raising concerns about the lack of established rules, as highlighted in a recent government meeting. The Interagency Committee on Administrative Rulemaking (ICAR) was set to discuss critical regulations, but the topic was postponed to next month, leaving a tight timeline before the ban takes effect on July 1.

Participants noted that while the ban will be enforced, the necessary rules may not be in place by the deadline. This gap could lead to confusion regarding the exemption process, which is supposed to be guided by statutory language but lacks formal rulemaking. The agency is considering treating these guidelines as informal rather than establishing a formal rulemaking process.

The discussion emphasized the urgency of the situation, with a public comment period expected to follow the ICAR meeting. However, the timeline suggests that the rules may not be finalized before the ban goes into effect, potentially complicating enforcement and compliance.

As stakeholders prepare to provide public comments, the implications of this delay could affect various sectors, particularly those reliant on the exemption process outlined in the statute. The meeting underscored the need for clarity and timely action to ensure that all parties understand their responsibilities once the ban is in place.