Landscapers Earn Reprieve on Enforcement of New Safety Regulations

Many landscapers were worried about the new rules that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) was set to put enforce on vehicles with the weight between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds but there is good news. PUCO will delay active enforcement of the law until 2012.

Sandy Munley, the Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association, Inc., sent out this email to thank members who made their concerns heard to PUCO:

"Congratulations! Your voice was heard! Thank you to all of you that contacted your state legislators and the PUCO! Thank you to all that came to the PUCO Compliance Seminars armed with many questions for the PUCO staff! You clearly demonstrated that it was not possible to comply with the New Safety Regulations for Commercial Vehicles between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds in such short notice.

As a result, the PUCO has delayed the active enforcement of this rule until January 1, 2012. This will not only give you time to comply, but it will give us valuable time to work with the PUCO and our state legislature to review these rules and work together to revise them. The PUCO will establish a process that will allow for further comments and has created an email listserve where you can subscribe to updates on this issue at www.PUCO.ohio.gov/PUCO/docketing.

I attended the PUCO meeting today to hear first hand the information regarding this delay and I have attached their official Press Release that was handed out after the meeting. Please note, these regulations are currently in affect, the only thing that has been delayed is the civil forfeiture (fines), however, if you are found in gross violation, you will still be fined.

Our committee chair, Mary Wheeler has been in contact with Senator Grendell and he has pledged his assistance with this issue. I have spoken with Rep. Cheryl Grossman, who has taken the lead on this issue and pledged our assistance to her.

Again, thank you all for speaking up. You are proof positive that although our political system can be frustrating at times, it can work successfully when you get involved and we work together for a positive outcome. I will be back in touch as we learn more."

For more information on the new rules, which will now go in affect in 2012, they are available at PUCO's website.

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