Opinion ID: 2639203
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Trial Court Erred When It Dismissed Waste Connections' Claim for Lack of Jurisdiction

Text: ¶ 12 In sustaining the DEQ's motion to dismiss, the trial court was of the view that the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine presented a jurisdictional bar to its consideration of Waste Connections' request for relief, rather than a prudential one. This view is contrary to our most recent pronouncement in Walker, 37 P.3d at 761-62. The trial court erred when it determined that the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine deprived it of jurisdiction. Because a court may not by error divest itself of jurisdiction, this case must be remanded to the trial court for further consideration. Cook v. Winklefleck, 16 Cal.App.2d Supp. 759, 59 P.2d 463 (Cal.App.Super.1936); State ex rel. Bechtel v. McCabe, 60 Ohio App. 233, 20 N.E.2d 381 (OhioApp. 6 Dist.1938). ¶ 13 In its petition, Waste Connections contends that DEQ's interpretation and enforcement of 27A O.S.2001, § 2-10-801(D)(1) unconstitutionally discriminates against interstate commerce. On remand, the trial court must decide whether Waste Connections, in pressing this constitutional claim, is able to demonstrate a sufficient showing of inadequate administrative remedy and impending harm to overcome the exhaustion of administrative remedies rule. ¶ 14 Similarly, Waste Connections contends alternatively in its petition that O.A.C. 252:205-3-2(c) does not apply to its landfill and, in the event it does apply, the rule unconstitutionally burdens interstate commerce. Waste Connections alleges that the rule or its threatened application interferes with or impairs its legal rights. These allegations directly attack the validity and applicability of the rule in controversy and accordingly 75 O.S.2001, § 306 explicitly confers jurisdiction on the trial court to render a declaratory judgment, without the agency having passed upon the rule in question. Accordingly, the trial court may not dismiss Waste Connections' claim for judicial relief as it relates to O.A.C. 252:205-3-2(c) because it failed to exhaust its administrative remedies. ¶ 15 We note that 75 O.S.2001, § 306 of the APA provides that the court may grant a declaratory judgment, indicating that a court has discretion whether or not to entertain the declaratory judgment action. Declaratory relief will be granted only when the interest of justice will be advanced and an adequate and effective judgment may be rendered. Linn Plywood Corp. v. Millmen's Union No. 1120, 222 Or. 265, 352 P.2d 594 (1960); See also National Valve and Mfg. Co. v. Grimshaw, 181 F.2d 687 (10th Cir. 1950) (disapproved on other grounds in Allendale Mut. Ins. Co. v. Kaiser Engineers, Div. of Henry J. Kaiser Co., 804 F.2d 592 (10th Cir.1986)). While this Court finds the trial court erred in its determination that it lacked jurisdiction, this opinion expresses no view as to whether Waste Connections is entitled to the declaratory relief requested. ¶ 16 APPEAL RETAINED; DECISION OF THE TRIAL COURT REVERSED AND CAUSE REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS TO PROCEED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THIS OPINION. ¶ 17 HARGRAVE, C.J., WATT, V.C.J., HODGES, LAVENDER, KAUGER, SUMMERS, and WINCHESTER, JJ., Concur. ¶ 18 OPALA, J., Concurs in Result.