Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; EPA's In-Use Vehicle Testing Programs; EPA ICR No. 0222.08, OMB Control No. 2060-0086, 19925-19927 [E7-7542]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Notices
proposed project must submit the
competing application itself, or a notice
of intent to file such an application, to
the Commission on or before the
specified comment date for the
particular application (see 18 CFR 4.36).
Submission of a timely notice of intent
allows an interested person to file the
competing preliminary permit
application no later than 30 days after
the specified comment date for the
particular application. A competing
preliminary permit application must
conform with 18 CFR 4.30(b) and 4.36.
n. Competing Development
Application—Any qualified
development applicant desiring to file a
competing development application
must submit to the Commission, on or
before a specified comment date for the
particular application, either a
competing development application or a
notice of intent to file such an
application. Submission of a timely
notice of intent to file a development
application allows an interested person
to file the competing application no
later than 120 days after the specified
comment date for the particular
application. A competing license
application must conform with 18 CFR
4.30(b) and 4.36.
o. Notice of Intent—A notice of intent
must specify the exact name, business
address, and telephone number of the
prospective applicant, and must include
an unequivocal statement of intent to
submit, if such an application may be
filed, either a preliminary permit
application or a development
application (specify which type of
application). A notice of intent must be
served on the applicant(s) named in this
public notice.
p. Proposed Scope of Studies under
Permit—A preliminary permit, if issued,
does not authorize construction. The
term of the proposed preliminary permit
would be 36 months. The work
proposed under the preliminary permit
would include economic analysis,
preparation of preliminary engineering
plans, and a study of environmental
impacts. Based on the results of these
studies, the Applicant would decide
whether to proceed with the preparation
of a development application to
construct and operate the project.
q. Comments, Protests, or Motions to
Intervene—Anyone may submit
comments, a protest, or a motion to
intervene in accordance with the
requirements of Rules of Practice and
Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214.
In determining the appropriate action to
take, the Commission will consider all
protests or other comments filed, but
only those who file a motion to
intervene in accordance with the
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Commission’s Rules may become a
party to the proceeding. Any comments,
protests, or motions to intervene must
be received on or before the specified
comment date for the particular
application.
r. Filing and Service of Responsive
Documents—Any filings must bear in
all capital letters the title
‘‘COMMENTS’’, ‘‘NOTICE OF INTENT
TO FILE COMPETING APPLICATION’’,
‘‘COMPETING APPLICATION’’,
‘‘PROTEST’’, or ‘‘MOTION TO
INTERVENE’’, as applicable, and the
Project Number of the particular
application to which the filing refers.
Any of the above-named documents
must be filed by providing the original
and the number of copies provided by
the Commission’s regulations to: The
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20426. An additional
copy must be sent to Director, Division
of Hydropower Administration and
Compliance, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, at the above-mentioned
address. A copy of any notice of intent,
competing application or motion to
intervene must also be served upon each
representative of the Applicant
specified in the particular application.
s. Agency Comments—Federal, state,
and local agencies are invited to file
comments on the described application.
A copy of the application may be
obtained by agencies directly from the
Applicant. If an agency does not file
comments within the time specified for
filing comments, it will be presumed to
have no comments. One copy of an
agency’s comments must also be sent to
the Applicant’s representatives.
Philis J. Posey,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E7–7514 Filed 4–19–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0286; FRL–8302–2]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; EPA’s In-Use
Vehicle Testing Programs; EPA ICR
No. 0222.08, OMB Control No. 2060–
0086
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In compliance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document
announces that EPA is planning to
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19925
submit a request to renew an existing
approved Information Collection
Request (ICR) to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). This
ICR is scheduled to expire on September
30, 2007. Before submitting the ICR to
OMB for review and approval, EPA is
soliciting comments on specific aspects
of the proposed information collection
as described below.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on
or before June 19, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2007–0286, by one of the
following methods:
• www.regulations.gov: Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• Fax: (202) 566–1741
• Mail: EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–0286,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Mailcode: 6102T, Docket1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460.
• Hand Delivery: Docket Center,
(EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington,
DC. 20460. Such deliveries are only
accepted during the Docket’s normal
hours of operation, and special
arrangements should be made for
deliveries of boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2007–
0286. EPA’s policy is that all comments
received will be included in the public
docket without change and may be
made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided, unless
the comment includes information
claimed to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise
protected through www.regulations.gov
or e-mail. The www.regulations.gov Web
site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system,
which means EPA will not know your
identity or contact information unless
you provide it in the body of your
comment. If you send an e-mail
comment directly to EPA without going
through www.regulations.gov your email address will be automatically
captured and included as part of the
comment that is placed in the public
docket and made available on the
Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, EPA recommends that you
include your name and other contact
information in the body of your
comment and with any disk or CD–ROM
you submit. If EPA cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties
and cannot contact you for clarification,
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EPA may not be able to consider your
comment. Electronic files should avoid
the use of special characters, any form
of encryption, and be free of any defects
or viruses. For additional information
about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA
Docket Center homepage at https://
www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lynn Sohacki, Compliance and
Innovative Strategies Division, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 2000
Traverwood, Ann Arbor, Michigan
48105; telephone number: 734–214–
4851; fax number: 734–214–4869; e-mail
address: sohacki.lynn@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
How Can I Access the Docket and/or
Submit Comments?
EPA has established a public docket
for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA–
HQ–OAR–2007–0286, which is
available for online viewing at
www.regulations.gov, or in person
viewing at the Air Docket in the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West,
Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave.,
NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC
Public Reading Room is open from 8
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
telephone number for the Reading Room
is 202–566–1744, and the telephone
number for the Air Docket is 202–566–
1742.
Use www.regulations.gov to obtain a
copy of the draft collection of
information, submit or view public
comments, access the index listing of
the contents of the docket, and to access
those documents in the public docket
that are available electronically. Once in
the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in
the docket ID number identified in this
document.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
What Information Is EPA Particularly
Interested in?
Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of
the PRA, EPA specifically solicits
comments and information to enable it
to:
(i) Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the Agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
(ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the
Agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
(iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
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(iv) 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, e.g., permitting
electronic submission of responses. In
particular, EPA is requesting comments
from very small businesses (those that
employ less than 25) on examples of
specific additional efforts that EPA
could make to reduce the paperwork
burden for very small businesses
affected by this collection.
What Should I Consider When I
Prepare My Comments for EPA?
You may find the following
suggestions helpful for preparing your
comments:
1. Explain your views as clearly as
possible and provide specific examples.
2. Describe any assumptions that you
used.
3. Provide copies of any technical
information and/or data you used that
support your views.
4. If you estimate potential burden or
costs, explain how you arrived at the
estimate that you provide.
5. Offer alternative ways to improve
the collection activity.
6. Make sure to submit your
comments by the deadline identified
under DATES.
7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA,
be sure to identify the docket ID number
assigned to this action in the subject
line on the first page of your response.
You may also provide the name, date,
and Federal Register citation.
What Information Collection Activity or
ICR Does This Apply to?
Affected entities: Entities potentially
affected by this action are owners of
motor vehicles.
Title: EPA’s In-Use Vehicle and
Engine Testing Programs.
ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 0222.08,
OMB Control No. 2060–0086.
ICR status: This ICR is currently
scheduled to expire on September 30,
2007. 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. The OMB control
numbers for EPA’s regulations in title 40
of the CFR, after appearing in the
Federal Register when approved, are
listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed
either by publication in the Federal
Register or by other appropriate means,
such as on the related collection
instrument or form, if applicable. The
display of OMB control numbers in
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certain EPA regulations is consolidated
in 40 CFR part 9.
Abstract: EPA has ongoing programs
to evaluate the emission performance of
in-use light-duty (passenger car and
light truck) motor vehicles, heavy-duty
trucks, and nonroad vehicles and
engines. These are referred to
collectively as EPA’s in-use vehicle
testing programs. They operate in
conjunction with testing of prototype
vehicles prior to use (manufacturer and
EPA confirmatory testing for
certification) and the mandatory
manufacturer’s in-use testing program
(IUVP) for light-duty vehicles. They
derive from the Clean Air Act’s charge
that EPA insure that motor vehicles
comply with emissions requirements
throughout their useful lives. The
primary purpose of the program is
information gathering. Nevertheless,
EPA can require a recall if it receives
information, from whatever source,
including in-use testing, that a
‘‘substantial number’’ of any class or
category of vehicles or engines, although
properly maintained and used, do not
conform to the emission standards,
when in actual use throughout their
useful life.
The program has two components:
Light-duty, and heavy-duty and
nonroad. The light-duty component can
be broken down into three closelyrelated headings. The first is a
surveillance program that selects
approximately 50 classes of passenger
cars and light trucks for in-use testing,
at EPA’s testing facility, of
approximately 150 vehicles (three in
each class on average). In rare cases
surveillance testing may be followed by
compliance testing (only one such class
in the last five years).The purpose of a
compliance phase is to develop
additional information related to test
failures observed in a class during
surveillance testing. The second
heading is testing of a subset of
approximately 35 vehicles from the
surveillance recruitment for operation of
on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems.
The third category is special
investigations involving testing of
vehicles to address specific issues. The
number of vehicles procured under this
category varies widely from year to year,
but this request asks for approval of the
information burden corresponding to 25
such vehicles per year for the next three
years.
Participation in the light-duty
surveys, as well as the vehicle testing,
is strictly voluntary. A group of 25 to 50
potential participants is identified from
state vehicle registration records. They
are asked to return a postcard indicating
their willingness to participate and if so,
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to verify some limited vehicle
information. Three of those who return
the card are called and asked about a
half dozen questions concerning vehicle
condition, and operation and
maintenance. Additional groups of
potential participants may be contacted
until a sufficient number of vehicles has
been obtained. Owners verify the survey
information when they deliver their
vehicles to EPA, voluntarily provide
maintenance records for copying, and
receive a loaner car or a cash incentive.
Procurement and testing are different
for the heavy-duty and nonroad in-use
testing program. All testing is done by
installing ‘‘Rover’’ portable emissions
monitoring devices on the vehicle or
engine during a period of operation.
Heavy-duty trucks, those commonly
referred to as over 3⁄4 ton capacity, are
usually employed commercially;
typically they are part of a fleet of
identical (or very similar) vehicles.
Consequently, EPA employs a slightly
different method to obtain them.
Potential owners/lessees can be found
in registrations lists; engine
manufacturers will also supply
identities of their customers. In
addition, EPA has a network of entities
who have shown a willingness to
participate over the years. Once a
potential source is identified, EPA will
make a brief telephone call to the fleet
manager to ascertain if they wish to
participate. If the response is positive,
EPA’s contractors will frequently visit
the fleet to install the testing
instruments at the company’s service
facility or government garage.
Otherwise, the lessee will be within
driving distance of the testing grounds
and the devices will be installed there.
The procedure for nonroad vehicles and
engines (e.g., farm tractors, compressors)
is similar; in some cases the vehicle or
engine may be rented for the day.
Therefore, EPA makes far fewer inquires
than with individual owners of light
vehicles in the process of procuring an
estimated 126 vehicles and engines a
year for this program. As with the lightduty component, all participation is
strictly voluntary.
Burden Statement: The annual public
reporting and recordkeeping burden for
this collection of information is
estimated to average 0.15 hours per
response. 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 purposes
of collecting, validating, and verifying
information, processing and
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maintaining information, and disclosing
and providing information; adjust the
existing ways to comply with any
previously applicable instructions and
requirements which have subsequently
changed; train personnel to be able to
respond to a collection of information;
search data sources; complete and
review the collection of information;
and transmit or otherwise disclose the
information.
The ICR Supporting Statement
provides a detailed explanation of the
Agency’s estimate, which is only briefly
summarized here:
Estimated total number of potential
respondents: Approximately 4,411
owners/lessees receive EPA’s
solicitations to participate and
approximately 336 do participate.
Frequency of response: On Occasion.
Estimated total average number of
responses for each respondent: One.
Estimated total annual burden hours:
658.
Estimated total annual costs: $49,320.
This includes an estimated burden cost
of $49,320 and an estimated cost of $0
for capital investment or maintenance
and operational costs.
Are There Changes in the Estimates
From the Last Approval?
There is an increase of 58 hours in the
total estimated respondent burden
compared with that identified in the ICR
currently approved by OMB. This
increase reflects EPA’s updating of
burden estimates based upon historical
information on the scope of EPA’s inuse testing programs and the number of
vehicles and engines tested. Note: This
ICR was previously titled, ‘‘Investigation
into Possible Noncompliance of Motor
Vehicles’’.
What Is the Next Step in the Process for
This ICR?
EPA will consider the comments
received and amend the ICR as
appropriate. The final ICR package will
then be submitted to OMB for review
and approval pursuant to 5 CFR
1320.12. At that time, EPA will issue
another Federal Register notice
pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to
announce the submission of the ICR to
OMB and the opportunity to submit
additional comments to OMB. If you
have any questions about this ICR or the
approval process, please contact the
technical person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Dated: April 16, 2007.
Margo Tsirigotis Oge,
Director, Office of Transportation and Air
Quality.
[FR Doc. E7–7542 Filed 4–19–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[ER-FRL–6686–2]
Environmental Impact Statements and
Regulations; Availability of EPA
Comments
Availability of EPA comments
prepared pursuant to the Environmental
Review Process (ERP), under section
309 of the Clean Air Act and Section
102(2)(c) of the National Environmental
Policy Act as amended. Requests for
copies of EPA comments can be directed
to the Office of Federal Activities at
202–564–7167.
An explanation of the ratings assigned
to draft environmental impact
statements (EISs) was published in the
Federal Register dated April 6, 2007 (72
FR 17156).
Draft EISs
EIS No. 20060469, ERP No. D–FHW–
D40338–00, U.S. 301 Project
Development, Transportation
Improvements from MD State Line to
DE–1, South of the Chesapeake and
Delaware Canal, New Castle County,
DE.
Summary: EPA expressed
environmental concerns about wetland
impacts and requested additional
wetlands mitigation.
Rating EC2.
EIS No. 20070014, ERP No. D–FHW–
F40439–WI, WI–15 Expansion, from
New London to Greenville, Funding,
U.S. Army COE 404 Permit,
Outagamie County, WI.
Summary: EPA expressed
environmental concerns about wetland
and water quality impacts, air toxics,
and noise exposure.
Rating EC2.
EIS No. 20070030, ERP No. D–IBR–
J28022–00, Red River Valley Water
Supply Project, Development and
Delivery of a Bulk Water Supply to
meet Long-Term Water Needs of the
Red River Valley, Implementation, ND
and MN.
Summary: EPA expressed
environmental concerns about potential
impacts of Missouri River Basin
depletion and ecological impacts from
potential introduction of invasive
species. EPA provided
recommendations for biota transfer
water treatment, adaptive management,
and drought contingency measures.
Rating EC1.
EIS No. 20070050, ERP No. D–FRC–
G02015–00, East Texas to Mississippi
Expansion Project, Construction and
Operation of 243.3 miles Natural Gas
Pipeline to Transport Natural Gas
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 76 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19925-19927]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7542]
=======================================================================
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0286; FRL-8302-2]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; EPA's In-Use Vehicle Testing Programs; EPA ICR No.
0222.08, OMB Control No. 2060-0086
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to
submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection
Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is
scheduled to expire on September 30, 2007. Before submitting the ICR to
OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific
aspects of the proposed information collection as described below.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 19, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2007-0286, by one of the following methods:
www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for
submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 566-1741
Mail: EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0286, Environmental Protection
Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, Docket1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460.
Hand Delivery: Docket Center, (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room
B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 20460. Such
deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of
operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of
boxed information.
Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2007-0286. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided,
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail.
The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system,
which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-
mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov
your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part
of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available
on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends
that you include your name and other contact information in the body of
your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read
your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification,
[[Page 19926]]
EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should
avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be
free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's
public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https://
www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynn Sohacki, Compliance and
Innovative Strategies Division, Office of Transportation and Air
Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood, Ann
Arbor, Michigan 48105; telephone number: 734-214-4851; fax number: 734-
214-4869; e-mail address: sohacki.lynn@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments?
EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0286, which is available for online viewing at
www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave.,
NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The
telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the
telephone number for the Air Docket is 202-566-1742.
Use www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of
information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing
of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the
public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system,
select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number identified in this
document.
What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?
Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
(i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
(ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
to be collected; and
(iv) 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, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.
What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your
comments:
1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific
examples.
2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used
that support your views.
4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified
under DATES.
7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal
Register citation.
What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to?
Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are
owners of motor vehicles.
Title: EPA's In-Use Vehicle and Engine Testing Programs.
ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 0222.08, OMB Control No. 2060-0086.
ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on September
30, 2007. 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. The OMB control numbers for EPA's
regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal
Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed
either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate
means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if
applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
Abstract: EPA has ongoing programs to evaluate the emission
performance of in-use light-duty (passenger car and light truck) motor
vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and nonroad vehicles and engines. These
are referred to collectively as EPA's in-use vehicle testing programs.
They operate in conjunction with testing of prototype vehicles prior to
use (manufacturer and EPA confirmatory testing for certification) and
the mandatory manufacturer's in-use testing program (IUVP) for light-
duty vehicles. They derive from the Clean Air Act's charge that EPA
insure that motor vehicles comply with emissions requirements
throughout their useful lives. The primary purpose of the program is
information gathering. Nevertheless, EPA can require a recall if it
receives information, from whatever source, including in-use testing,
that a ``substantial number'' of any class or category of vehicles or
engines, although properly maintained and used, do not conform to the
emission standards, when in actual use throughout their useful life.
The program has two components: Light-duty, and heavy-duty and
nonroad. The light-duty component can be broken down into three
closely-related headings. The first is a surveillance program that
selects approximately 50 classes of passenger cars and light trucks for
in-use testing, at EPA's testing facility, of approximately 150
vehicles (three in each class on average). In rare cases surveillance
testing may be followed by compliance testing (only one such class in
the last five years).The purpose of a compliance phase is to develop
additional information related to test failures observed in a class
during surveillance testing. The second heading is testing of a subset
of approximately 35 vehicles from the surveillance recruitment for
operation of on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems. The third category is
special investigations involving testing of vehicles to address
specific issues. The number of vehicles procured under this category
varies widely from year to year, but this request asks for approval of
the information burden corresponding to 25 such vehicles per year for
the next three years.
Participation in the light-duty surveys, as well as the vehicle
testing, is strictly voluntary. A group of 25 to 50 potential
participants is identified from state vehicle registration records.
They are asked to return a postcard indicating their willingness to
participate and if so,
[[Page 19927]]
to verify some limited vehicle information. Three of those who return
the card are called and asked about a half dozen questions concerning
vehicle condition, and operation and maintenance. Additional groups of
potential participants may be contacted until a sufficient number of
vehicles has been obtained. Owners verify the survey information when
they deliver their vehicles to EPA, voluntarily provide maintenance
records for copying, and receive a loaner car or a cash incentive.
Procurement and testing are different for the heavy-duty and
nonroad in-use testing program. All testing is done by installing
``Rover'' portable emissions monitoring devices on the vehicle or
engine during a period of operation. Heavy-duty trucks, those commonly
referred to as over \3/4\ ton capacity, are usually employed
commercially; typically they are part of a fleet of identical (or very
similar) vehicles. Consequently, EPA employs a slightly different
method to obtain them. Potential owners/lessees can be found in
registrations lists; engine manufacturers will also supply identities
of their customers. In addition, EPA has a network of entities who have
shown a willingness to participate over the years. Once a potential
source is identified, EPA will make a brief telephone call to the fleet
manager to ascertain if they wish to participate. If the response is
positive, EPA's contractors will frequently visit the fleet to install
the testing instruments at the company's service facility or government
garage. Otherwise, the lessee will be within driving distance of the
testing grounds and the devices will be installed there. The procedure
for nonroad vehicles and engines (e.g., farm tractors, compressors) is
similar; in some cases the vehicle or engine may be rented for the day.
Therefore, EPA makes far fewer inquires than with individual owners of
light vehicles in the process of procuring an estimated 126 vehicles
and engines a year for this program. As with the light-duty component,
all participation is strictly voluntary.
Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.15
hours per response. 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 purposes of
collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and
maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information;
adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable
instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train
personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search
data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and
transmit or otherwise disclose the information.
The ICR Supporting Statement provides a detailed explanation of the
Agency's estimate, which is only briefly summarized here:
Estimated total number of potential respondents: Approximately
4,411 owners/lessees receive EPA's solicitations to participate and
approximately 336 do participate.
Frequency of response: On Occasion.
Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent:
One.
Estimated total annual burden hours: 658.
Estimated total annual costs: $49,320. This includes an estimated
burden cost of $49,320 and an estimated cost of $0 for capital
investment or maintenance and operational costs.
Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?
There is an increase of 58 hours in the total estimated respondent
burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by
OMB. This increase reflects EPA's updating of burden estimates based
upon historical information on the scope of EPA's in-use testing
programs and the number of vehicles and engines tested. Note: This ICR
was previously titled, ``Investigation into Possible Noncompliance of
Motor Vehicles''.
What Is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR?
EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Dated: April 16, 2007.
Margo Tsirigotis Oge,
Director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
[FR Doc. E7-7542 Filed 4-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P