Any interested person may petition an agency requesting the promulgation, amendment or repeal of a rule and may accompany his petition with data, views and arguments he thinks pertinent. Within thirty days after the submission of a petition, the agency either shall deny the petition in writing, stating its reasons for the denial, or shall initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with Section 4 [12-8-4 N.M. Stat. Ann.] of the Administrative Procedures Act.