If it is signed, it takes effect on the effective date of the legislation, usually October 1 of that year.
The executive order to be announced by the president during Tuesday night's speech will take effect only for "new contracts after the effective date of the order".
Like Dr. Opio, retailers are aware of the effective date of the law.
It postponed the effective date of the road-building regulation for 60 days for further review.
The new administration could try to postpone the effective date of the rule, pending judicial review.
The effective date of the move was announced Wednesday by the interior secretary, Ken Salazar.
But the judge delayed the effective date of his order until Wednesday.
In addition, the agency's proposal would push back the effective date of the new regulations to 2010 at the earliest.
At a news conference just three days ago, he said the effective date of the rules would probably be delayed.
*A federal agency can postpone the effective date of new regulations that have been challenged in court.
But tensions are almost certain to build again as the effective date of the oil sanctions approaches.
