ARC 7231C

ARC 7231C

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to the community forestry grant program

and providing an opportunity for public comment

The Natural Resource Commission (Commission) hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 34, "Community Forestry Grant Program (CFGP)," Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 455A.5(6)"a."

State or Federal Law Implemented

This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapter 461A and section 456A.24(13).

Purpose and Summary

The purpose of this chapter is to define the cost-sharing procedures between state and local public agencies or volunteer organizations to fund community tree planting projects. The Commission proposes to rescind the chapter because the program can be run with more flexibility without these rules under the terms of the underlying federal grants and the accompanying grant agreements signed by recipients and the Department of Natural Resources (Department).

Fiscal Impact

This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

This rulemaking is subject to the waiver provisions of 571—Chapter 11. Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Commission for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any.

Public Comment

Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking. Written comments in response to this rulemaking must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m.on January 23, 2024. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

A public hearing at which persons may present their views orally will be held via conference call as follows. Persons who wish to attend the conference call should contact Jeff Goerndt via email. A conference call number will be provided prior to the hearing. Persons who wish to make oral comments at the conference call public hearing must submit a request to Mr.Goerndt prior to the hearing to facilitate an orderly hearing.

Persons who wish to make oral comments at the public hearing will be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

Any persons who intend to attend the hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee's meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

The following rulemaking action is proposed:

Item 1. Rescind and reserve 571—Chapter 34.