4.
Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):Section 92.14 (16), Stats., authorizes the commercial nitrogen optimization pilot program, including who can be awarded the grant, mandating a partnership with a UWS institution, setting a maximum grant award, and establishing additional grant management information. The statutory language is as follows: Section 92.14 (16), Stats., Commercial nitrogen optimization pilot program. (a) In addition to any grants provided under sub. (3), the department shall award grants from the appropriation under s. 20.115 (7) (qf), Stats., to agricultural producers and to University of Wisconsin System institutions as provided under this subsection. 5.
Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:The department estimates that it will take approximately 80 hours to develop this emergency rule. That calculation includes time required for investigation and analysis, drafting the emergency rule, preparing related documents, coordinating meetings, holding public hearings, and communicating with affected persons and groups. The department will use existing staff to develop this rule.
6.
List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:- UWS institution. Applicants must collaborate with a University of Wisconsin System institutions institution to receive funding.
- Farmers, Landowners and other Agricultural producers may apply for the nitrogen optimization grant program.
- Farm-Related Businesses that apply commercial nitrogen. Farm supply organizations, nutrient management planners, soil testing laboratories, agricultural engineering practitioners, agricultural engineers, construction contractors and others who provide goods and services to farmers and other landowners may be affected by the grant program depending on the scope of grants awarded.
- Users and Beneficiaries of Natural Resources: This grant program helps farmers implement new land and water conservation strategies to store more nutrients in soil, prevent pollutant leaching and runoff, and improve our knowledge about localized water quality.
7.
Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:NA
8.
Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses):The department anticipates that the proposed rule will have no to minimal economic impact. It is not likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses since the nitrogen optimization grant program would provide funds to producers. Participation in the pilot program is voluntary, and any costs to producers should be offset by the grant awards.
Contact Person: Kelly Martinson (608) 224-6335
