Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request, 67155-67158 [E6-19514]

Download as PDF sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 223 / Monday, November 20, 2006 / Notices Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’ Burden: We have identified no paperwork ‘‘non-hour cost’’ burdens associated with the collection of information. Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. Comments: Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) requires each agency ‘‘* * * to provide notice* * * and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information * * *’’ Agencies must specifically solicit comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To comply with the public consultation process, on April 10, 2006, we published a Federal Register notice (71 FR 18113) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided the required 60-day comment period. In addition, 30 CFR 254.9 displays the OMB control number, specifies that the public may comment at anytime on the collection of information required in the 30 CFR 254 regulations, and provides the address to which they should send comments. We have received no comments in response to those efforts. If you wish to comment in response to this notice, you may send your comments to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to ensure maximum consideration, OMB should receive public comments by December 20, 2006. Public Comment Procedures: MMS’s practice is to make comments, including names and addresses of respondents, available for public review. If you wish your name and/or address to be withheld, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. MMS will honor the request VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:10 Nov 17, 2006 Jkt 211001 to the extent allowable by the law; however, anonymous comments will not be considered. There may be circumstances in which we would withhold from the record a respondent’s identity, as allowable by the law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. In addition, you must present a rationale for withholding this information. This rationale must demonstrate that disclosure ‘‘would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.’’ Unsupported assertions will not meet this burden. In the absence of exceptional, documentable circumstances, this information will be released. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety. MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz, (202) 208–7744. Dated: October 16, 2006. E.P. Danenberger, Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs. [FR Doc. E6–19513 Filed 11–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of a revision of an information collection (1010–0071). AGENCY: SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR part 203, ‘‘Relief or Reduction in Royalty Rates.’’ This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements. Submit written comments by December 20, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this information collection directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 67155 Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior via OMB e-mail: (OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov); or by fax (202) 395–6566; identify with (1010– 0071). Submit a copy of your comments to the Department of the Interior, MMS, via: • MMS’s Public Connect on-line commenting system, https:// ocsconnect.mms.gov. Follow the instructions on the Web site for submitting comments. • E-mail MMS at rules.comments@mms.gov. Use Information Collection Number 1010– 0071 in the subject line. • Fax: 703–787–1093. Identify with Information Collection Number 1010– 0071. • Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Attention: Rules Processing Team (RPT), 381 Elden Street, MS–4024, Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817. Please reference ‘‘Information Collection 1010–0071’’ in your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Rules Processing Team, (703) 787–1600. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the ICR and regulations that require the subject collection of information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: 30 CFR part 203, ‘‘Relief or Reduction in Royalty Rates.’’ OMB Control Number: 1010–0071. Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, as amended by Public Law 104–58, Deep Water Royalty Relief Act (DWRRA), gives the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) the authority to reduce or eliminate royalty or any net profit share specified in OCS oil and gas leases to promote increased production. The DWRRA also authorized the Secretary to suspend royalties when necessary to promote development or recovery of marginal resources on producing or non-producing leases in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude. Section 302 of the DWRRA provides that new production from a lease in existence on November 28, 1995, in a water depth of at least 200 meters, and in the GOM west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude qualifies for royalty suspension in certain situations. To grant a royalty suspension, the Secretary must determine that the new production or development would not be economic in the absence of royalty relief. The Secretary must then determine the volume of production on E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM 20NON1 67156 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 223 / Monday, November 20, 2006 / Notices which no royalty would be due in order to make the new production from the lease economically viable. This determination is done on a case-by-case basis. Production from leases in the same water depth and area issued after November 28, 2000, also can qualify for royalty suspension in addition to any that may be included in their lease terms. In addition, Federal policy and statute require us to recover the cost of services that confer special benefits to identifiable non-Federal recipients. The Independent Offices Appropriation Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A–25, and the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104–133 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 1996) authorize the Minerals Management Service (MMS) to collect these fees to reimburse us for the cost to process applications or assessments. Regulations at 30 CFR part 203 implement these statutes and policy and require respondents to pay a fee to request royalty relief. Section 203.3 states that, ‘‘We will specify the necessary fees for each of the types of royalty-relief applications and possible MMS audits in a Notice to Lessees. We will periodically update the fees to reflect changes in costs as well as provide other information necessary to administer royalty relief.’’ The MMS use the information to make decisions on the economic viability of leases requesting a suspension or elimination of royalty or net profit share. These decisions have enormous monetary impacts to both the lessee and the Federal Government. Royalty relief can lead to increased production of natural gas and oil, creating profits for lessees and royalty and tax revenues for the government that they might not otherwise receive. We could not make an informed decision without the collection of information required by 30 CFR part 203. We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary according to 30 CFR parts 203.6(b) and 250, and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2). No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are required to obtain a benefit. Frequency: On occasion. Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 130 Federal OCS oil and gas lessees. Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ‘‘Hour’’ Burden: The estimated annual ‘‘hour’’ burden for this information collection is a total of 4,721 hours. The following chart details the individual components and estimated hour burdens. In calculating the burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary and took that into account in estimating the burden. Application fees Citation 30 CFR 203 Reporting or recordkeeping requirement 30 CFR part 203 43(a); 46(a) .................................................... 43(b)(1), (2), (d), (e) ...................................... Notify MMS of intent to begin drilling ........... Notify MMS that production has begun, request extension, request confirmation of the size of RSV. Provide data from well to confirm and attest well drilled was an unsuccessful certified well and request supplement. Application—leases that generate earnings that cannot sustain continued production (end-of-life lease). 46 ................................................................... 51; 83; 84 ....................................................... 55 ................................................................... 61; 62; 64; 65; 71; 83; 85–89 ........................ 61; 62; 64; 65; 203.71; 203.83; 203.85–89 ... Renounce relief arrangement (end-of-life) (seldom, if ever will be used; minimal burden to prepare letter). Application—leases in designated areas of GOM deep water acquired in lease sale before 11/28/95 or after 11/28/00 and are producing (deep water expansion project). Application—leases in designated areas of deep water GOM, acquired in lease sale before 11/28/95 or after 11/28/00, that have not produced (pre-act or post-2000 deep water leases). Application—preview assessment (seldom if ever will be used as applicants generally opt for binding determination by MMS instead). 74; 75 ............................................................. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 61; 62; 64; 65; 71; 83; 85–89 ........................ Redetermination ........................................... 70; 81; 90; 91 ................................................ Submit fabricator’s confirmation report ........ 70; 81; 90; 92 ................................................ Submit post-production development report 70; 79(a) ........................................................ Request reconsideration of MMS field designation. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:34 Nov 17, 2006 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Hour burden Average number of annual responses Annual burden hours 1 2 45 15 45 30 8 10 80 1 Application every 3 years 34 (rounded) 100 Application 1⁄3 × $8,000 = $2,667 (rounded)* Audit 1⁄3 × $12,500 = $4,167 (rounded) 1 1 Letter every 3 years 1 (rounded) 2,000 2,000 1 Application every 3 years 667 (rounded) Application 1⁄3 × $19,500 = $6,500 1 Application every 3 667 (rounded) years Application 1⁄3 × $34,000 = $11,334 (rounded)* Audit 1⁄3 × $37,500 = $12,500 900 1 Application every 3 300 years Application 1⁄3 × $34,000 = $11,334 (rounded) 500 1 Redetermination 167 (rounded) every 3 years Application 1⁄3 × $16,000 = $5,334 (rounded)* 20 1 Report every 3 7 (rounded) years 50 1 Report* every 3 17 (rounded) years 400 1 Request every 3 134 (rounded) years E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM 20NON1 67157 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 223 / Monday, November 20, 2006 / Notices Application fees Citation 30 CFR 203 Reporting or recordkeeping requirement 30 CFR part 203 77 ................................................................... Renounce relief arrangement (deep water) (seldom, if ever will be used; minimal burden to prepare letter). Request extension of deadline to start construction. Application—apart from formal programs for royalty relief for marginal producing lease (Special Case Relief). 79(c) ............................................................... 80 ................................................................... 80 ................................................................... Application—apart from formal programs for royalty relief for marginal expansion project or marginal non-producing lease (Special Case Relief). 81; 83–89 ....................................................... Required reports ........................................... 83 ................................................................... Application—short form to add or assign pre-Act lease. 91 ................................................................... Retain supporting cost records for post-production development/fabrication reports (records retained as usual/customary business practice; minimal burden to make available at MMS request). Hour burden sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:10 Nov 17, 2006 Jkt 211001 Annual burden hours 1 1 Letter every 3 years 1 (rounded) 2 1 Request every 3 years 2 applications 1 (rounded) 250 500 Application 2 × $8,000** = $16,000 Audit 1 × $10,000 = $10,000 GOM 2 Applications 2000 1,000 Application 2 × $19,500** = $39,000 Audit 1 × $20,000 = $20,000 POCS 1 Application 40 40 Application 1 × $6,500*** = $6,500 Burden included with 0 applications 40 1 Application every 3 14 (rounded) years Application 1⁄3 × $1,000 = $334 (rounded) 8 2 Recordkeepers 16 Total Annual Burden ............................... Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’ Burden: There are two non-hour costs associated with this information collection. The estimated non-hour cost burden is $280,670. This estimate is based on: (a) Application and audit fees. The total annual estimated cost burden for these fees is $145,670 (refer to burden chart). (b) Cost of reports prepared by independent certified public accountants. Under § 203.81, a report prepared by an independent certified public accountant (CPA) must accompany the application and postproduction report (expansion project, short form, and preview assessment applications are excluded). The OCS Lands Act applications will require this report only once; the DWRRA applications will require this report at two stages—with the application and post-production development report for successful applicants. MMS estimates approximately three submissions each year at an average cost of $45,000 per report, for a total estimated annual cost burden of $135,000. The total of the two burdens is estimated at $280,670. Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an Average number of annual responses 89 Responses 4,721 Hours Total Fees = $145,670 agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. Comments: Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) requires each agency ‘‘* * * to provide notice * * * and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information * * * ’’ Agencies must specifically solicit comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To comply with the public consultation process, on March 15, 2006, we published a Federal Register notice (71 FR 13420) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided the PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 required 60-day comment period. In addition, § 203.82 provides the OMB control number for the information collection requirements imposed by the 30 CFR part 203 regulations. The regulation also informs the public that they may comment at any time on the collections of information and provides the address to which they should send comments. We received two comments in response to these efforts. Neither comment was germane to the IC cost or hour burden or the subject of the collection itself. If you wish to comment in response to this notice, you may send your comments to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to ensure maximum consideration, OMB should receive public comments by December 20, 2006. Public Comment Procedures: MMS’s practice is to make comments, including names and addresses of respondents, available for public review. If you wish your name and/or address to be withheld, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. MMS will honor the request to the extent allowable by the law; however, anonymous comments will E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM 20NON1 67158 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 223 / Monday, November 20, 2006 / Notices not be considered. There may be circumstances in which we would withhold from the record a respondent’s identity, as allowable by the law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. In addition, you must present a rationale for withholding this information. This rationale must demonstrate that disclosure ‘‘would constitute an unwarranted invasion of primary.’’ Unsupported assertions will not meet this burden. In the absence of exception, documentable circumstances, this information will be released. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety. MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz, (202) 208–7744. Dated: September 12, 2006. E.P. Danenberger, Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs. [FR Doc. E6–19514 Filed 11–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Final General Management Plan and Comprehensive River Management Plan/Middle and South Forks of the Kings River and North Fork of the Kern River; Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Tulare and Fresno Counties, California; Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement Summary: Pursuant to § 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91–190, as amended), and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500– 1508), the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the General Management Plan (GMP) and Comprehensive River Management for the Middle and South Forks Kings River and the North Fork Kern River and for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks located in California. The purpose and need for the plans is to establish a park vision for the next 15–20 years, provide direction for the management of wild and scenic rivers, replace an outdated master plan, guide management of cultural and natural resources, address unresolved issues in specific areas, and address the VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:10 Nov 17, 2006 Jkt 211001 changing context of the parks within the regional ecosystem. Proposed Plan and Alternatives: The final EIS describes and analyzes five alternatives which respond to both NPS planning requirements and to the issues identified during the public scoping process. The No-Action alternative would continue current management direction, and it is the baseline for comparing the other alternatives (it was originally Alternative B when the alternatives were first presented to the public in the winter of 2000). The Preferred Alternative would accommodate sustainable growth and visitor enjoyment, protect ecosystem diversity, and preserve basic character while adapting to changing user groups (this was also determined to be ‘‘environmentally preferred’’). Alternative A would emphasize natural ecosystems and biodiversity, with reduced use and development; Alternative C would preserve the parks’ traditional character and retain the feel of yesteryear, with guided growth; and Alternative D would preserve the basic character and adapt to changing user groups. Also included is a comprehensive river management plan for the portions of the Middle and South Forks of the Kings River and the North Fork of the Kern River, which have been designated by Congress as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. The purpose of the river management plan is to provide direction and overall guidance on the management of lands and uses within the river corridors. Regarding wilderness, although the GMP does address compatibility of the alternatives with the park’s backcountry and wilderness values, there is no new wilderness designation proposed under any of the alternatives. The foreseeable environmental consequences of each alternative, and appropriate mitigation strategies, are identified and analyzed in the EIS. Public Review and Changes in the Final Document: Prior to development of the Draft EIS, nine scoping meetings were held, seven planning newsletters issued; alternatives planning workshops were held in seven cities; and the parks regularly communicated with the cooperating association and concessioners authorized to operate in the parks. Meetings and contacts have occurred with special use permittees, private landowners; and numerous other stakeholders. The project mailing list included more than 3700 entries. The Draft EIS was available for 150 days review during May–October, 2004. It was made available at local area libraries, and could be reviewed PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 electronically via https://www.nps.gov/ seki or https://planning.den.nps.gov/seki. Printed and CD copies were sent upon request, and also distributed to agencies and organizations listed as recipients in the Consultation and Coordination section of the EIS. Public meetings to facilitate review and comment on the Draft EIS were held during the comment period both in the parks, as well as in the following locations: Thee Rivers, Visalia, Fresno/Clovis, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Bishop. Approximately 400 comments were received; this information resulted in minor corrections and clarifications to the Draft EIS/GMP. Editorial changes and additional explanatory text on topics of interest were incorporated. There were no substantive changes due to public commentary. Following the closure of the public comment period, Pub. L. 108–447 was enacted and changes to the document to accommodate this public law were made with regard to two areas with special use permits: (1) The law that appended the Mineral King area to the park in 1978 required that use of cabins at Mineral King be phased out upon the deaths of the permittees of record. Pub. L. 108–447 amended Pub. L. 95–625 by authorizing indefinite extension of special use permits to heirs, successors and assigns; and (2) Pub. L. 108–447 amended Pub. L. 99–338 to allow the Secretary to permit Southern California Edison Co. up to two additional ten-year permit periods of hydroelectric operations until 2026. Description of Alternatives: The Final EIS for the GMP/Comprehensive River Management Plans includes four action alternatives and a no-action alternative which continues current management. The Comprehensive River management Plan would be common to every alternative. The No-Action Alternative (Continue Current Management): The parks are managed as they are now in accordance with approved plans (such as development concept plans, and the 1996 Giant Forest Interim Management Plan); negative resource impacts and visitor demands are mitigated by relocating development, reducing some uses, or confining new developed areas. Visitor uses are reassessed and revised as new information about natural and cultural resource impacts and visitor needs emerges. Current facilities are inadequate for park needs and visitor use levels, and crowding is common in some areas. Preferred Alternative: The parks’ appeal is broadened to be more relevant to diverse user groups, Increased day use is accommodated, and overnight visitation is retained. The integrity of E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM 20NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 223 (Monday, November 20, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67155-67158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19514]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment Request

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Notice of a revision of an information collection (1010-0071).

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

SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we 
are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information 
collection request (ICR) to renew approval of the paperwork 
requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR part 203, ``Relief or 
Reduction in Royalty Rates.'' This notice also provides the public a 
second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these 
regulatory requirements.

DATES: Submit written comments by December 20, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this information collection 
directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for 
the Department of the Interior via OMB e-mail: (OIRA--
DOCKET@omb.eop.gov); or by fax (202) 395-6566; identify with (1010-
0071).
    Submit a copy of your comments to the Department of the Interior, 
MMS, via:
     MMS's Public Connect on-line commenting system, https://
ocsconnect.mms.gov. Follow the instructions on the Web site for 
submitting comments.
     E-mail MMS at rules.comments@mms.gov. Use Information 
Collection Number 1010-0071 in the subject line.
     Fax: 703-787-1093. Identify with Information Collection 
Number 1010-0071.
     Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the 
Interior, Minerals Management Service, Attention: Rules Processing Team 
(RPT), 381 Elden Street, MS-4024, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please 
reference ``Information Collection 1010-0071'' in your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Rules Processing Team, 
(703) 787-1600. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon to obtain a copy, 
at no cost, of the ICR and regulations that require the subject 
collection of information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: 30 CFR part 203, ``Relief or Reduction in Royalty Rates.''
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0071.
    Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, as amended 
by Public Law 104-58, Deep Water Royalty Relief Act (DWRRA), gives the 
Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) the authority to reduce or 
eliminate royalty or any net profit share specified in OCS oil and gas 
leases to promote increased production. The DWRRA also authorized the 
Secretary to suspend royalties when necessary to promote development or 
recovery of marginal resources on producing or non-producing leases in 
the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude.
    Section 302 of the DWRRA provides that new production from a lease 
in existence on November 28, 1995, in a water depth of at least 200 
meters, and in the GOM west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude 
qualifies for royalty suspension in certain situations. To grant a 
royalty suspension, the Secretary must determine that the new 
production or development would not be economic in the absence of 
royalty relief. The Secretary must then determine the volume of 
production on

[[Page 67156]]

which no royalty would be due in order to make the new production from 
the lease economically viable. This determination is done on a case-by-
case basis. Production from leases in the same water depth and area 
issued after November 28, 2000, also can qualify for royalty suspension 
in addition to any that may be included in their lease terms.
    In addition, Federal policy and statute require us to recover the 
cost of services that confer special benefits to identifiable non-
Federal recipients. The Independent Offices Appropriation Act (31 
U.S.C. 9701), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-25, and 
the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133 110 Stat. 1321, April 
26, 1996) authorize the Minerals Management Service (MMS) to collect 
these fees to reimburse us for the cost to process applications or 
assessments.
    Regulations at 30 CFR part 203 implement these statutes and policy 
and require respondents to pay a fee to request royalty relief. Section 
203.3 states that, ``We will specify the necessary fees for each of the 
types of royalty-relief applications and possible MMS audits in a 
Notice to Lessees. We will periodically update the fees to reflect 
changes in costs as well as provide other information necessary to 
administer royalty relief.''
    The MMS use the information to make decisions on the economic 
viability of leases requesting a suspension or elimination of royalty 
or net profit share. These decisions have enormous monetary impacts to 
both the lessee and the Federal Government. Royalty relief can lead to 
increased production of natural gas and oil, creating profits for 
lessees and royalty and tax revenues for the government that they might 
not otherwise receive. We could not make an informed decision without 
the collection of information required by 30 CFR part 203.
    We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary 
according to 30 CFR parts 203.6(b) and 250, and the Freedom of 
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR 
part 2). No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are 
required to obtain a benefit.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 130 
Federal OCS oil and gas lessees.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Hour'' Burden: The 
estimated annual ``hour'' burden for this information collection is a 
total of 4,721 hours. The following chart details the individual 
components and estimated hour burdens. In calculating the burdens, we 
assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal 
course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary 
and took that into account in estimating the burden.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Reporting or                           Application fees
                                   recordkeeping     -----------------------------------------------------------
     Citation 30 CFR 203         requirement 30 CFR     Hour     Average number of annual
                                      part 203         burden           responses            Annual burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43(a); 46(a).................  Notify MMS of intent         1  45                           45
                                to begin drilling.
43(b)(1), (2), (d), (e)......  Notify MMS that              2  15                           30
                                production has
                                begun, request
                                extension, request
                                confirmation of the
                                size of RSV.
46...........................  Provide data from            8  10                           80
                                well to confirm and
                                attest well drilled
                                was an unsuccessful
                                certified well and
                                request supplement.
51; 83; 84...................  Application--leases        100  1 Application every 3 years  34 (rounded)
                                that generate
                                earnings that cannot
                                sustain continued
                                production (end-of-
                                life lease).
                                                            Application \1/3\ x $8,000 = $2,667 (rounded)*
                                                               Audit \1/3\ x $12,500 = $4,167 (rounded)
55...........................  Renounce relief              1  1 Letter every 3 years       1 (rounded)
                                arrangement (end-of-
                                life) (seldom, if
                                ever will be used;
                                minimal burden to
                                prepare letter).
61; 62; 64; 65; 71; 83; 85-89  Application--leases      2,000  1 Application every 3 years  667 (rounded)
                                in designated areas
                                of GOM deep water
                                acquired in lease
                                sale before 11/28/95
                                or after 11/28/00
                                and are producing
                                (deep water
                                expansion project).
                                                                 Application \1/3\ x $19,500 = $6,500
61; 62; 64; 65; 203.71;        Application--leases      2,000  1 Application every 3 years  667 (rounded)
 203.83; 203.85-89.             in designated areas
                                of deep water GOM,
                                acquired in lease
                                sale before 11/28/95
                                or after 11/28/00,
                                that have not
                                produced (pre-act or
                                post-2000 deep water
                                leases).
                                                           Application \1/3\ x $34,000 = $11,334 (rounded)*
                                                                    Audit \1/3\ x $37,500 = $12,500
61; 62; 64; 65; 71; 83; 85-89  Application--preview       900  1 Application every 3 years  300
                                assessment (seldom
                                if ever will be used
                                as applicants
                                generally opt for
                                binding
                                determination by MMS
                                instead).
                                                            Application \1/3\ x $34,000 = $11,334 (rounded)
74; 75.......................  Redetermination......      500  1 Redetermination every 3    167 (rounded)
                                                                years
                                                            Application \1/3\ x $16,000 = $5,334 (rounded)*
70; 81; 90; 91...............  Submit fabricator's         20  1 Report every 3 years       7 (rounded)
                                confirmation report.
70; 81; 90; 92...............  Submit post-                50  1 Report* every 3 years      17 (rounded)
                                production
                                development report.
70; 79(a)....................  Request                    400  1 Request every 3 years      134 (rounded)
                                reconsideration of
                                MMS field
                                designation.

[[Page 67157]]

 
77...........................  Renounce relief              1  1 Letter every 3 years       1 (rounded)
                                arrangement (deep
                                water) (seldom, if
                                ever will be used;
                                minimal burden to
                                prepare letter).
79(c)........................  Request extension of         2  1 Request every 3 years      1 (rounded)
                                deadline to start
                                construction.
80...........................  Application--apart         250  2 applications               500
                                from formal programs
                                for royalty relief
                                for marginal
                                producing lease
                                (Special Case
                                Relief).
                                                                  Application 2 x $8,000** = $16,000
                                                                      Audit 1 x $10,000 = $10,000
80...........................  Application--apart         GOM  2 Applications               2000
                                from formal programs    1,000
                                for royalty relief
                                for marginal
                                expansion project or
                                marginal non-
                                producing lease
                                (Special Case
                                Relief).
                                                                  Application 2 x $19,500** = $39,000
                                                                      Audit 1 x $20,000 = $20,000
                                                      POCS 40  1 Application                40
                                                                  Application 1 x $6,500*** = $6,500
81; 83-89....................  Required reports.....    Burden included with applications   0
83...........................  Application--short          40  1 Application every 3 years  14 (rounded)
                                form to add or
                                assign pre-Act lease.
                                                              Application \1/3\ x $1,000 = $334 (rounded)
91...........................  Retain supporting            8  2 Recordkeepers              16
                                cost records for
                                post-production
                                development/
                                fabrication reports
                                (records retained as
                                usual/customary
                                business practice;
                                minimal burden to
                                make available at
                                MMS request).
    Total Annual Burden......                         .......  89 Responses                 4,721 Hours
                                                                         Total Fees = $145,670
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-Hour Cost'' Burden: 
There are two non-hour costs associated with this information 
collection. The estimated non-hour cost burden is $280,670. This 
estimate is based on:
    (a) Application and audit fees. The total annual estimated cost 
burden for these fees is $145,670 (refer to burden chart).
    (b) Cost of reports prepared by independent certified public 
accountants. Under Sec.  203.81, a report prepared by an independent 
certified public accountant (CPA) must accompany the application and 
post-production report (expansion project, short form, and preview 
assessment applications are excluded). The OCS Lands Act applications 
will require this report only once; the DWRRA applications will require 
this report at two stages--with the application and post-production 
development report for successful applicants. MMS estimates 
approximately three submissions each year at an average cost of $45,000 
per report, for a total estimated annual cost burden of $135,000.
    The total of the two burdens is estimated at $280,670.
    Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) 
provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 
Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated 
to respond.
    Comments: Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
seq.) requires each agency ``* * * to provide notice * * * and 
otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies 
concerning each proposed collection of information * * * '' Agencies 
must specifically solicit comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the 
proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to 
perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) 
evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information; (c) enhance the quality, 
usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 
minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    To comply with the public consultation process, on March 15, 2006, 
we published a Federal Register notice (71 FR 13420) announcing that we 
would submit this ICR to OMB for approval. The notice provided the 
required 60-day comment period. In addition, Sec.  203.82 provides the 
OMB control number for the information collection requirements imposed 
by the 30 CFR part 203 regulations. The regulation also informs the 
public that they may comment at any time on the collections of 
information and provides the address to which they should send 
comments. We received two comments in response to these efforts. 
Neither comment was germane to the IC cost or hour burden or the 
subject of the collection itself.
    If you wish to comment in response to this notice, you may send 
your comments to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of this 
notice. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information 
collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to ensure maximum 
consideration, OMB should receive public comments by December 20, 2006.
    Public Comment Procedures: MMS's practice is to make comments, 
including names and addresses of respondents, available for public 
review. If you wish your name and/or address to be withheld, you must 
state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. MMS will honor 
the request to the extent allowable by the law; however, anonymous 
comments will

[[Page 67158]]

not be considered. There may be circumstances in which we would 
withhold from the record a respondent's identity, as allowable by the 
law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must 
state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. In addition, 
you must present a rationale for withholding this information. This 
rationale must demonstrate that disclosure ``would constitute an 
unwarranted invasion of primary.'' Unsupported assertions will not meet 
this burden. In the absence of exception, documentable circumstances, 
this information will be released. All submissions from organizations 
or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as 
representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be 
made available for public inspection in their entirety.
    MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz, (202) 
208-7744.

    Dated: September 12, 2006.
E.P. Danenberger,
Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs.
 [FR Doc. E6-19514 Filed 11-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P
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