Opinion ID: 1450018
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Long Standing Interpretation

Text: The administrative interpretation as used by the Cabinet, no matter how long-standing, does not control when such an interpretation is not based on any language of the statute. Although we respect the decisions of the agency in attempting to administer its office, we cannot accept its administrative interpretations when they are contrary to the law. Here, the regulations of the Cabinet do not contain a definition of the term plant facilities. The reliance of the Cabinet on long-standing administrative interpretations is misplaced. The interpretation it invokes has not been used in any public manner. As noted in Shockey Tours, Inc., supra , the administrative agency's interpretation of a statute, no matter how long standing, is not entitled to controlling weight if such interpretation is clearly erroneous or arbitrary. Here, the interpretation used by the Cabinet of plant facilities adds the nonstatutory requirements of volume employment and a predominantly manufacturing dedication. Both of these mandates expand the requirements of the exemption beyond the statutory language. The statute is silent as to what can occur with manufacturing and there is no authority for the Cabinet to establish prohibited activities. The Cabinet's interpretation is arbitrary because it does not correctly follow the statute. The definition urged by the Cabinet is manifestly vague. The term `primarily manufacturing' is not defined and it apparently is left to be decided on a case by case basis in the wisdom of the Cabinet itself.