The United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution; Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request, 35457-35460 [05-12073]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 117 / Monday, June 20, 2005 / Notices section 246 the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, established that the Department must determine whether a significant number of workers in the workers’ firm are 50 years of age or older, whether the workers in the workers’ firm possess skills that are not easily transferable, and whether the competitive conditions within the workers’ industry are adverse. During the initial determination, the Department determined that at least five percent of the workforce at the subject firm is at least fifty years of age, that workers of the subject firm possess skills that are easily transferable, and that competitive conditions within the industry are adverse. During the remand investigation, the Department obtained new information, including information that shows that the average salary level of workers with similar skills as the worker group declined significantly during the investigatory period, that manufacturing employment opportunities within a 120mile radius of the subject firm are scarce, and that existing manufacturing companies in the county which the subject company is located are not seeking hiring workers with those skills which are possessed by the subject worker group. The Department cannot grant the petitioner’s request to extend the certification period to include workers who were separated prior to September 2, 2003 because the applicable regulation, 29 CFR 90.16(e)(1), states that exclusions from coverage of a certification of eligibility include any worker whose last total or partial separation from the subject firm occurred more than one year before the date of the petition. Conclusion After careful review of the facts, I conclude that the requirements of section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, have been met for workers at the subject firm. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification: All workers of Philips Lighting Company, A Subsidiary of Royal Philips Electronics, Paris, Texas, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after September 2, 2003 through September 29, 2006, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, and are also eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance under section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974. VerDate jul<14>2003 17:24 Jun 17, 2005 Jkt 205001 35457 Signed at Washington, DC, this 7th day of June 2005. Elliott S. Kushner, Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance. [FR Doc. E5–3164 Filed 6–17–05; 8:45 am] I further determine that all workers of Pilling/Weck, a subsidiary of Teleflex, including on-site leased workers of Aerotek and Acsys, Horsham, Pennsylvania are denied eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance under section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974.’’ BILLING CODE 4510–30–P Signed at Washington, DC this 7th day of June 2005. Richard Church, Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance. [FR Doc. E5–3169 Filed 6–17–05; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration BILLING CODE 4510–30–P [TA–W–57,031] Pilling/Weck, a Subsidiary of Teleflex, Including On-Site Leased Workers of Aerotek and Acsys; Horsham, PA; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance In accordance with section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2273) the Department of Labor issued a Certification of Eligibility to Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and a Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility to Apply for Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance on May 26, 2005, applicable to workers of Pilling/Weck, a subsidiary of Teleflex, including on-site leased workers of Aerotek, Horsham, Pennsylvania. The notice will be published soon in the Federal Register. At the request of the State agency, the Department reviewed the certification for workers of the subject firm. New information shows that leased workers of Acsys were employed on-site at the Horsham, Pennsylvania location of Pilling/Weck, a subsidiary of Teleflex. Based on these findings, the Department is amending this certification to include leased workers of Acsys working at Pilling/Weck, a subsidiary of Teleflex, Horsham, Pennsylvania. The intent of the Department’s certification is to include all workers employed at Pilling/Weck, a subsidiary of Teleflex who were adversely affected by a shift in production to South Korea, Pakistan and Germany. The amended notice applicable to TA–W–57,031 is hereby issued as follows: ‘‘All workers of Pilling/Weck, a subsidiary of Teleflex, including on-site leased workers of Aerotek and Acsys, Horsham, Pennsylvania who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after April 20, 2004, through May 26, 2007, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974. PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOUNDATION The United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution; Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution ACTION: Notice; U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution application for the National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building Professionals. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and supporting regulations, this document announces that the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (the Institute), part of the Morris K. Udall Foundation, is planning to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for an extension for the currently approved information collection (ICR), OMB control Number 3320–0008: Application for the National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building Professionals (‘‘National Roster of ECR Practitioners’’ or ‘‘roster’’), currently operating pursuant to OMB clearance issued October 17, 2002 and which expires October 31, 2005. Before submitting the extension to OMB for review and approval, the Institute is soliciting comments regarding the information collection (see section C. below entitled ‘‘Questions to Consider in Making Comments’’). This document provides information on the continuing need for the Roster of ECR Practitioners Application and the information recorded in the application. E:\FR\FM\20JNN1.SGM 20JNN1 35458 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 117 / Monday, June 20, 2005 / Notices Comments must be submitted on or before August 19, 2005. ADDRESSES: Direct comments to Joan C. Calcagno, Roster Manager, U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, 130 South Scott Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85701. Fax: 520–670–5530. Phone: 520– 670–5299. E-mail: roster@ecr.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions and requests for information, including copies of the ICR, to Joan C. Calcagno, Roster Manager, U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, 130 South Scott Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85701. Fax: 520–670–5530. Phone: 520– 670–5299. E-mail: roster@ecr.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: A. Title for the Collection of Information Application for National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building Professionals (‘‘National Roster of ECR Practitioners’’). B. Potentially Affected Persons You are potentially affected by this action if you are a dispute resolution or consensus building professional in the environmental or natural resources field who wishes to be listed on the National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building Professionals. C. Questions To Consider in Making Comments The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution requests your comments to any of the following questions related to collecting information for the extension of the Application for the National Roster of ECR Practitioners: (1) Is the continued use of the application (‘‘collection of information’’) necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility? (2) Is the agency’s estimate of the time spent completing the application (‘‘burden of the proposed collection of information’’) accurate, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used? (3) Can you suggest ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected? (4) Can you suggest ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology? VerDate jul<14>2003 17:24 Jun 17, 2005 Jkt 205001 D. Abstract The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution plans to continue collecting information from environmental dispute resolution and consensus building neutral professionals who desire to become members of the National Roster of ECR Practitioners, from which the Institute and those involved in environmental, natural resource, or public lands disputes may locate providers of neutral services. Responses to the collection of information (the application) are voluntary, but required to obtain a benefit (listing on the National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building Professionals.) An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Background Information: U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution. The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution was created in 1998 by the Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act (Pub. L. 105– 156). The U. S. Institute is a federal program established by the U. S. Congress to assist parties in resolving environmental, natural resource, and public lands conflicts. The Institute is part of the Morris K. Udall Foundation, an independent federal agency of the executive branch overseen by a board of trustees appointed by the President. The Institute serves as an impartial, nonpartisan institution providing professional expertise, services, and resources to all parties involved in such disputes, regardless of who initiates or pays for assistance. The Institute helps parties determine whether collaborative problem solving is appropriate for specific environmental conflicts, how and when to bring all the parties to the table, and whether a third-party facilitator or mediator might be helpful in assisting the parties in their efforts to reach consensus or to resolve the conflict. In addition, the Institute maintains the National Roster of ECR Practitioners, a roster of qualified facilitators and mediators with substantial experience in environmental conflict resolution, and can help parties in selecting an appropriate neutral. The Institute accomplishes most of its work by partnering, contracting with, or referral to, experienced practitioners. PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Need for and Use of the Information Collected in the Application for the Roster of ECR Practitioners Roster of ECR Practitioners Application: The application can be viewed on-line from the Institute’s Web site: https://www.ecr.gov (simply register in the application system to access and review an application). A hardcopy application may also be obtained from the Institute for those without web access (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). Background Information: The information collected in the application for the National Roster of ECR Practitioners is the basis for an on-line database, searchable by a combination of 10 criteria designed to locate appropriate practitioners by matching desired characteristics with the information in the application. The application was first available in September 1999 and remains available on a continuous basis. The Roster of ECR Practitioners first became operational in February 2000 with 60 members and currently includes over 255 members from 41 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 Canadian provinces. They represent a broad cross-section of professional backgrounds and a broad distribution of case experience across 42 types of case issues. Each member has documented experience which meets the roster entry criteria, and each has experience as a neutral in some or all of the following: Mediation, facilitation, consensus building, process design, conflict assessment, system design, neutral evaluation/fact finding, superfund allocation, and/or regulatory negotiation. The specific entry criteria and applicable definitions are available from the Institute’s Web site: https://ecr.gov/ roster.htm. Generally stated, the entry criteria require that an applicant has: (1) Served as the lead neutral in a collaborative process (e.g., mediation, consensus building, conflict assessment) for at least 200 case hours in two to ten environmental cases, and (2) Accumulated a total of 60 points across three categories: Additional case experience and complex case experience; experience as a trainer or trainee; and substantive work/ volunteer/educational experience in fields related to Alternative Dispute Resolution/Environmental Conflict Resolution, such as law, science, public administration. Use of the National Roster of ECR Practitioners: The roster search and referral service has been accessible through the Institute since February 2000. The Institute uses the roster E:\FR\FM\20JNN1.SGM 20JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 117 / Monday, June 20, 2005 / Notices (specifically the information collected in the application) as a resource when making referrals to those searching for neutral ECR professionals with specific experience, backgrounds, or expertise (external referrals). The Institute also uses the roster as a resource when locating appropriate ECR neutral professionals with whom to partner/ sub-contract for projects in which the Institute is involved (internal referrals), pursuant to the Institute’s statutory direction to work with practitioners located near the dispute, when practicable and appropriate. The roster referral system is enhanced through cooperation with existing programs and networks of environmental disputeresolution and consensus-building practitioners familiar with the issues in their respective states and regions. In October 2004, the roster became directly available on the web to anyone interested in locating ECR practitioners. Since then anyone interested in locating ECR practitioners can contact the Institute for a referral through the Roster Manager or register in the search system and search the roster themselves. The Roster Manager remains available to assist searchers in getting the best use of the roster search and to provide advice about next steps. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) personnel have had direct, electronic access to search the roster since February 2000. The Department of Interior Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution and ADR personnel from various DOI bureaus have had direct access since November 2002. Roster Members have also had direct access to the search since May 2004. Statistics related to the use of the roster since February 2000 can be found in the Roster Program Overview, available from: https://ecr.gov/roster/ progsumm.html. Federal agencies are not required to select from the roster. Professionals not on the roster remain fully eligible to serve as ECR practitioners in disputes involving federal agencies. Finally, being listed on the roster does not guarantee additional work for the practitioner. Development and Need for the National Roster of ECR Practitioners: The roster was developed with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency. Based on a 1997 study concerning the potential of a national roster of qualified practitioners, EPA decided to support the development of such a roster through the Institute. To develop the project, the EPA and the Institute brought together a work group consisting of EPA dispute VerDate jul<14>2003 17:24 Jun 17, 2005 Jkt 205001 resolution professionals and contracting officers, state dispute resolution officials, private dispute resolution practitioners and academics. Informed in part by ideas from this group, the EPA and the Institute proposed roster entry qualifications and draft application, which were published in the Federal Register in November 1998. Before the entry criteria and application were finalized, the comments received in response to the Federal Register notice were reviewed. Outreach continued through meetings and newsletter articles, as well as individual communications to professional associations, state and federal government agencies, dispute resolution firms, individual practitioners, professional associations of attorneys, environmental and citizen groups. The roster was created, and continues to be needed, for several reasons. The use of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the environmental and public policy arena has grown markedly over the last two decades. In this context, ADR processes now include techniques ranging from conflict prevention, such as consensus building and facilitation of public policy dialogues, to specific dispute resolution through assisted negotiations and mediation. The number of environmental conflict resolution (ECR) practitioners has grown as the field has gained prominence and professionals from a variety of disciplines have become attracted to its advantages and opportunities. An essential step in any dispute resolution process occurs when parties select a practitioner. Parties making the selection rightfully expect that the practitioner will be qualified to provide the service sought and has experience and style matched well to the nature of the issues and to the parties. Thus, the National Roster of ECR Practitioners is designed to advance the interests of the growing field of dispute resolution, reflect the evolving standards of best practice, and help direct the expenditure of public funds for quality services. In fifteen years of using ADR, before the creation of the National Roster of ECR Practitioners, EPA found that parties to a dispute or controversy generated a list of desired characteristics, such as experience with specific types of issues, cases or disputes, location, and other factors, that they would use in an attempt to identify the right person to assist them. Locating practitioners meeting these criteria was often a ‘‘hit-or-miss’’ experience depending on the resources, available time, and experience of the PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 35459 parties with locating appropriate neutrals. Although the EPA operates a national service contract that manages major cases through a list of experienced providers, it is limited in scope and membership, and as a consequence it can be burdensome to use to identify neutrals for small or localized cases. Most other Federal agencies have no vehicle or information available to assist in this important first step to conducting a good dispute resolution process. More specifically, the National Roster of ECR Practitioners is necessary for the proper performance of the Institute’s goals: to resolve Federal environmental disputes in a timely and constructive manner; to increase the appropriate use of environmental conflict resolution; to improve the ability of Federal agencies and other interested parties to engage in ECR effectively; and to promote collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building during the design and implementation of Federal environmental policies so as to prevent and reduce the incidence of future environmental disputes. In addition, the U.S. Institute’s enabling legislation directs the Institute to work with practitioners located near the conflict whenever practical. Consistent with this mandate, the Institute must be able to identify appropriate experienced dispute resolution and consensus building professionals in an efficient manner. Finally, the Administrative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 571 et seq.) authorizes the Federal government to contract with dispute resolution professionals (e.g., facilitators or mediators) to assist it and other parties to disputes in reaching an agreement, settlement, or consensus. The ADR Act authorizes the government to take steps to make identifying and contracting with neutrals easier (cf. 5 U.S.C. 573(c)). Thus, the goal of the National Roster of ECR Practitioners and the referral system is to improve access to qualified environmental dispute resolution and consensus building professionals for the Institute and others sponsoring or engaging in environmental conflict resolution processes. The roster expedites the identification of appropriate professionals, shortens the time needed to complete contracting documents, and helps refer parties to practitioners, particularly practitioners in the locale of the dispute. Preliminary feedback from users of the roster search system indicates that: they would recommend the roster as a primary source for locating ECR practitioners; the roster increases the E:\FR\FM\20JNN1.SGM 20JNN1 35460 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 117 / Monday, June 20, 2005 / Notices likelihood of selecting appropriate practitioners; and the roster is a systematic and efficient way to identify practitioners. The roster and the referral system provide an efficient, credible and userfriendly source from which to systematically identify experienced environmental neutral professionals; increase the use of collaborative processes by providing a useful tool for locating appropriate practitioners; and provide users with a detailed Practitioner Profiles, reflecting information contained in the application, to be used as a helpful first step in the process of selecting an appropriate neutral. E. Burden Statement The application compiles data available from the resumes of dispute resolution and consensus building professionals into a format that is standardized for efficient and fair eligibility review, database searches, and retrievals. A professional needs to complete the form only one time. Once the application is approved, the roster member has continual access to his or her on-line account to update information, on a voluntary basis. The burden includes time spent to review instructions, review resume information, and enter the information in the form. Likely Respondents: Environmental dispute resolution and consensus building professionals (new respondents); existing roster members (for updating) Proposed Frequency of Response: One, with voluntary updates approximately once per year. Estimated Number of New Respondents (first extension year): 30. Estimated Number of Existing Respondents—for updating (first extension year): 125. Estimated Number of New Respondents (per year for succeeding year): 30. Estimated Number of Existing Respondents—for updating (per year for succeeding year): 125. Respondent Time Burden Estimates: Estimated Time per New Response: 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Estimated Number of Updates (per year): 1, for 125 existing respondents. Estimated Time for Update: 15 minutes. Estimated Total First Extension Year Burden: 4500 minutes (75 hours) (30 new respondents); 1875 minutes (31.25 hours) (125 updates). Estimated Total Subsequent Year Annual Burden: 4500 minutes (75 VerDate jul<14>2003 17:24 Jun 17, 2005 Jkt 205001 hours) (30 new respondents); 1875 minutes (31.25 hours) (125 updates). Respondent Cost Burden Estimates (at $150 per hour): No capital or start-up costs. Estimated Cost per Respondent (first extension year): $375 (new respondents); $38 (updates). Estimated Cost per Respondent (subsequent year): $375 (new respondents); $38 (updates). Estimated Total First Extension Year Burden: $11,250 (new respondents); $4,750 (updates). Estimated Total Subsequent Year Annual Burden: $11,250 (new respondents); $4,750 (updates). Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information and transmitting information. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 5601–5609) Dated the 14th day of June 2005. Christopher L. Helms, Executive Director, Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, and Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 05–12073 Filed 6–17–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–FN–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request National Science Foundation. Submission for OMB review; comment request. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104–13. This is the second notice for the public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 70 FR 18430, and one comment was received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725—17th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 703–292–7556. NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comment: On April 11, 2005, we published in the Federal Register (70 FR 18430) a 60-day notice of our intent to request renewal of this information collection authority from OMB. In that notice, we solicited public comments for 60 days ending June 10, 2005. On comment was received from the public notice. The comment came from B. Sachau of Floram Park, NJ, via e-mail on April 18, 2005. Ms. Sachau objected to the information collection. Ms. Sachau suggested that NSF discontinue funding education-related projects and leave education to the state and local authorities and possibly to the Department of Education. Ms. Sachau had no specific suggestions for altering the data collection plans other than to discontinue or ‘‘sunset’’ them entirely. Response: We responded to Ms. Sachau on April 27, 2005, stating that we could not comment on the political issues raised in her e-mail. We described the program and noted that NSF takes seriously its mission as E:\FR\FM\20JNN1.SGM 20JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 117 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35457-35460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12073]


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MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL 
POLICY FOUNDATION


The United States Institute for Environmental Conflict 
Resolution; Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of 
Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
Environmental Policy Foundation, U.S. Institute for Environmental 
Conflict Resolution

ACTION: Notice; U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution 
application for the National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution 
and Consensus Building Professionals.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and supporting 
regulations, this document announces that the U.S. Institute for 
Environmental Conflict Resolution (the Institute), part of the Morris 
K. Udall Foundation, is planning to submit to the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) a request for an extension for the currently approved 
information collection (ICR), OMB control Number 3320-0008: Application 
for the National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and 
Consensus Building Professionals (``National Roster of ECR 
Practitioners'' or ``roster''), currently operating pursuant to OMB 
clearance issued October 17, 2002 and which expires October 31, 2005. 
Before submitting the extension to OMB for review and approval, the 
Institute is soliciting comments regarding the information collection 
(see section C. below entitled ``Questions to Consider in Making 
Comments''). This document provides information on the continuing need 
for the Roster of ECR Practitioners Application and the information 
recorded in the application.

[[Page 35458]]


DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 19, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Direct comments to Joan C. Calcagno, Roster Manager, U.S. 
Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, 130 South Scott Ave., 
Tucson, Arizona 85701. Fax: 520-670-5530. Phone: 520-670-5299. E-mail: 
roster@ecr.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions and requests for 
information, including copies of the ICR, to Joan C. Calcagno, Roster 
Manager, U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, 130 
South Scott Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85701. Fax: 520-670-5530. Phone: 520-
670-5299. E-mail: roster@ecr.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Title for the Collection of Information

    Application for National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution 
and Consensus Building Professionals (``National Roster of ECR 
Practitioners'').

B. Potentially Affected Persons

    You are potentially affected by this action if you are a dispute 
resolution or consensus building professional in the environmental or 
natural resources field who wishes to be listed on the National Roster 
of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building 
Professionals.

C. Questions To Consider in Making Comments

    The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution requests 
your comments to any of the following questions related to collecting 
information for the extension of the Application for the National 
Roster of ECR Practitioners:
    (1) Is the continued use of the application (``collection of 
information'') necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information has practical utility?
    (2) Is the agency's estimate of the time spent completing the 
application (``burden of the proposed collection of information'') 
accurate, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used?
    (3) Can you suggest ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information collected?
    (4) Can you suggest ways to minimize the burden of the collection 
of information on those who are to respond, including through the use 
of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology?

D. Abstract

    The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution plans to 
continue collecting information from environmental dispute resolution 
and consensus building neutral professionals who desire to become 
members of the National Roster of ECR Practitioners, from which the 
Institute and those involved in environmental, natural resource, or 
public lands disputes may locate providers of neutral services. 
Responses to the collection of information (the application) are 
voluntary, but required to obtain a benefit (listing on the National 
Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building 
Professionals.) An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is 
not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    Background Information: U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict 
Resolution.
    The U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution was 
created in 1998 by the Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act 
(Pub. L. 105-156). The U. S. Institute is a federal program established 
by the U. S. Congress to assist parties in resolving environmental, 
natural resource, and public lands conflicts. The Institute is part of 
the Morris K. Udall Foundation, an independent federal agency of the 
executive branch overseen by a board of trustees appointed by the 
President. The Institute serves as an impartial, non-partisan 
institution providing professional expertise, services, and resources 
to all parties involved in such disputes, regardless of who initiates 
or pays for assistance. The Institute helps parties determine whether 
collaborative problem solving is appropriate for specific environmental 
conflicts, how and when to bring all the parties to the table, and 
whether a third-party facilitator or mediator might be helpful in 
assisting the parties in their efforts to reach consensus or to resolve 
the conflict. In addition, the Institute maintains the National Roster 
of ECR Practitioners, a roster of qualified facilitators and mediators 
with substantial experience in environmental conflict resolution, and 
can help parties in selecting an appropriate neutral. The Institute 
accomplishes most of its work by partnering, contracting with, or 
referral to, experienced practitioners.

The Need for and Use of the Information Collected in the Application 
for the Roster of ECR Practitioners

    Roster of ECR Practitioners Application: The application can be 
viewed on-line from the Institute's Web site: https://www.ecr.gov 
(simply register in the application system to access and review an 
application). A hardcopy application may also be obtained from the 
Institute for those without web access (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT above).
    Background Information: The information collected in the 
application for the National Roster of ECR Practitioners is the basis 
for an on-line database, searchable by a combination of 10 criteria 
designed to locate appropriate practitioners by matching desired 
characteristics with the information in the application. The 
application was first available in September 1999 and remains available 
on a continuous basis. The Roster of ECR Practitioners first became 
operational in February 2000 with 60 members and currently includes 
over 255 members from 41 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 
Canadian provinces. They represent a broad cross-section of 
professional backgrounds and a broad distribution of case experience 
across 42 types of case issues. Each member has documented experience 
which meets the roster entry criteria, and each has experience as a 
neutral in some or all of the following: Mediation, facilitation, 
consensus building, process design, conflict assessment, system design, 
neutral evaluation/fact finding, superfund allocation, and/or 
regulatory negotiation.
    The specific entry criteria and applicable definitions are 
available from the Institute's Web site: https://ecr.gov/roster.htm. 
Generally stated, the entry criteria require that an applicant has:
    (1) Served as the lead neutral in a collaborative process (e.g., 
mediation, consensus building, conflict assessment) for at least 200 
case hours in two to ten environmental cases, and
    (2) Accumulated a total of 60 points across three categories: 
Additional case experience and complex case experience; experience as a 
trainer or trainee; and substantive work/volunteer/educational 
experience in fields related to Alternative Dispute Resolution/
Environmental Conflict Resolution, such as law, science, public 
administration.
    Use of the National Roster of ECR Practitioners: The roster search 
and referral service has been accessible through the Institute since 
February 2000. The Institute uses the roster

[[Page 35459]]

(specifically the information collected in the application) as a 
resource when making referrals to those searching for neutral ECR 
professionals with specific experience, backgrounds, or expertise 
(external referrals). The Institute also uses the roster as a resource 
when locating appropriate ECR neutral professionals with whom to 
partner/sub-contract for projects in which the Institute is involved 
(internal referrals), pursuant to the Institute's statutory direction 
to work with practitioners located near the dispute, when practicable 
and appropriate. The roster referral system is enhanced through 
cooperation with existing programs and networks of environmental 
dispute-resolution and consensus-building practitioners familiar with 
the issues in their respective states and regions.
    In October 2004, the roster became directly available on the web to 
anyone interested in locating ECR practitioners. Since then anyone 
interested in locating ECR practitioners can contact the Institute for 
a referral through the Roster Manager or register in the search system 
and search the roster themselves. The Roster Manager remains available 
to assist searchers in getting the best use of the roster search and to 
provide advice about next steps.
    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Alternative Dispute 
Resolution (ADR) personnel have had direct, electronic access to search 
the roster since February 2000. The Department of Interior Office of 
Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution and ADR personnel from 
various DOI bureaus have had direct access since November 2002. Roster 
Members have also had direct access to the search since May 2004. 
Statistics related to the use of the roster since February 2000 can be 
found in the Roster Program Overview, available from: https://ecr.gov/
roster/progsumm.html.
    Federal agencies are not required to select from the roster. 
Professionals not on the roster remain fully eligible to serve as ECR 
practitioners in disputes involving federal agencies. Finally, being 
listed on the roster does not guarantee additional work for the 
practitioner.
    Development and Need for the National Roster of ECR Practitioners: 
The roster was developed with the support of the Environmental 
Protection Agency. Based on a 1997 study concerning the potential of a 
national roster of qualified practitioners, EPA decided to support the 
development of such a roster through the Institute.
    To develop the project, the EPA and the Institute brought together 
a work group consisting of EPA dispute resolution professionals and 
contracting officers, state dispute resolution officials, private 
dispute resolution practitioners and academics. Informed in part by 
ideas from this group, the EPA and the Institute proposed roster entry 
qualifications and draft application, which were published in the 
Federal Register in November 1998. Before the entry criteria and 
application were finalized, the comments received in response to the 
Federal Register notice were reviewed. Outreach continued through 
meetings and newsletter articles, as well as individual communications 
to professional associations, state and federal government agencies, 
dispute resolution firms, individual practitioners, professional 
associations of attorneys, environmental and citizen groups.
    The roster was created, and continues to be needed, for several 
reasons. The use of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the environmental 
and public policy arena has grown markedly over the last two decades. 
In this context, ADR processes now include techniques ranging from 
conflict prevention, such as consensus building and facilitation of 
public policy dialogues, to specific dispute resolution through 
assisted negotiations and mediation. The number of environmental 
conflict resolution (ECR) practitioners has grown as the field has 
gained prominence and professionals from a variety of disciplines have 
become attracted to its advantages and opportunities.
    An essential step in any dispute resolution process occurs when 
parties select a practitioner. Parties making the selection rightfully 
expect that the practitioner will be qualified to provide the service 
sought and has experience and style matched well to the nature of the 
issues and to the parties. Thus, the National Roster of ECR 
Practitioners is designed to advance the interests of the growing field 
of dispute resolution, reflect the evolving standards of best practice, 
and help direct the expenditure of public funds for quality services.
    In fifteen years of using ADR, before the creation of the National 
Roster of ECR Practitioners, EPA found that parties to a dispute or 
controversy generated a list of desired characteristics, such as 
experience with specific types of issues, cases or disputes, location, 
and other factors, that they would use in an attempt to identify the 
right person to assist them. Locating practitioners meeting these 
criteria was often a ``hit-or-miss'' experience depending on the 
resources, available time, and experience of the parties with locating 
appropriate neutrals.
    Although the EPA operates a national service contract that manages 
major cases through a list of experienced providers, it is limited in 
scope and membership, and as a consequence it can be burdensome to use 
to identify neutrals for small or localized cases. Most other Federal 
agencies have no vehicle or information available to assist in this 
important first step to conducting a good dispute resolution process.
    More specifically, the National Roster of ECR Practitioners is 
necessary for the proper performance of the Institute's goals: to 
resolve Federal environmental disputes in a timely and constructive 
manner; to increase the appropriate use of environmental conflict 
resolution; to improve the ability of Federal agencies and other 
interested parties to engage in ECR effectively; and to promote 
collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building during the design 
and implementation of Federal environmental policies so as to prevent 
and reduce the incidence of future environmental disputes.
    In addition, the U.S. Institute's enabling legislation directs the 
Institute to work with practitioners located near the conflict whenever 
practical. Consistent with this mandate, the Institute must be able to 
identify appropriate experienced dispute resolution and consensus 
building professionals in an efficient manner.
    Finally, the Administrative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 1996 (5 
U.S.C. 571 et seq.) authorizes the Federal government to contract with 
dispute resolution professionals (e.g., facilitators or mediators) to 
assist it and other parties to disputes in reaching an agreement, 
settlement, or consensus. The ADR Act authorizes the government to take 
steps to make identifying and contracting with neutrals easier (cf. 5 
U.S.C. 573(c)).
    Thus, the goal of the National Roster of ECR Practitioners and the 
referral system is to improve access to qualified environmental dispute 
resolution and consensus building professionals for the Institute and 
others sponsoring or engaging in environmental conflict resolution 
processes. The roster expedites the identification of appropriate 
professionals, shortens the time needed to complete contracting 
documents, and helps refer parties to practitioners, particularly 
practitioners in the locale of the dispute.
    Preliminary feedback from users of the roster search system 
indicates that: they would recommend the roster as a primary source for 
locating ECR practitioners; the roster increases the

[[Page 35460]]

likelihood of selecting appropriate practitioners; and the roster is a 
systematic and efficient way to identify practitioners.
    The roster and the referral system provide an efficient, credible 
and user-friendly source from which to systematically identify 
experienced environmental neutral professionals; increase the use of 
collaborative processes by providing a useful tool for locating 
appropriate practitioners; and provide users with a detailed 
Practitioner Profiles, reflecting information contained in the 
application, to be used as a helpful first step in the process of 
selecting an appropriate neutral.

E. Burden Statement

    The application compiles data available from the resumes of dispute 
resolution and consensus building professionals into a format that is 
standardized for efficient and fair eligibility review, database 
searches, and retrievals. A professional needs to complete the form 
only one time. Once the application is approved, the roster member has 
continual access to his or her on-line account to update information, 
on a voluntary basis. The burden includes time spent to review 
instructions, review resume information, and enter the information in 
the form.
    Likely Respondents: Environmental dispute resolution and consensus 
building professionals (new respondents); existing roster members (for 
updating)
    Proposed Frequency of Response: One, with voluntary updates 
approximately once per year.
    Estimated Number of New Respondents (first extension year): 30.
    Estimated Number of Existing Respondents--for updating (first 
extension year): 125.
    Estimated Number of New Respondents (per year for succeeding year): 
30.
    Estimated Number of Existing Respondents--for updating (per year 
for succeeding year): 125.
    Respondent Time Burden Estimates:
    Estimated Time per New Response: 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
    Estimated Number of Updates (per year): 1, for 125 existing 
respondents.
    Estimated Time for Update: 15 minutes.
    Estimated Total First Extension Year Burden: 4500 minutes (75 
hours) (30 new respondents); 1875 minutes (31.25 hours) (125 updates).
    Estimated Total Subsequent Year Annual Burden: 4500 minutes (75 
hours) (30 new respondents); 1875 minutes (31.25 hours) (125 updates).
    Respondent Cost Burden Estimates (at $150 per hour): No capital or 
start-up costs.
    Estimated Cost per Respondent (first extension year): $375 (new 
respondents); $38 (updates).
    Estimated Cost per Respondent (subsequent year): $375 (new 
respondents); $38 (updates).
    Estimated Total First Extension Year Burden: $11,250 (new 
respondents); $4,750 (updates).
    Estimated Total Subsequent Year Annual Burden: $11,250 (new 
respondents); $4,750 (updates).
    Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources 
expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or 
provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time 
needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize 
technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating, and 
verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and 
disclosing and providing information and transmitting information.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 5601-5609)

    Dated the 14th day of June 2005.
Christopher L. Helms,
Executive Director, Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in 
National Environmental Policy Foundation, and Federal Register Liaison 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 05-12073 Filed 6-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-FN-P
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