Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics (Renewal); EPA ICR #2248.03; OMB Control Number 2030-0045, 37760-37762 [E7-13421]

Download as PDF 37760 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 132 / Wednesday, July 11, 2007 / Notices jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Boulder Canyon Project, Central Arizona Project, Central Valley Project, Colorado River Storage Project, Colorado River Basin Project, FalconAmistad Project, Parker-Davis Project, and the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. Each of these projects is a separate entity with its own geographic area, power marketing criteria, revenue requirements, and power and energy rates. Consideration of the PURPA standards was on a Western-wide basis, as opposed to a project-by-project or system-by-system basis. A brochure entitled ‘‘Preconsideration of Sections 1251, 1252, and 1254 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005’’ was prepared and made available for public review in September 2006, and posted at https://www.wapa.gov/dsw/pwrmkt/ PURPA/. A public hearing was held on October 26, 2006, at Western’s Corporate Service Office in Lakewood, CO, and written comments on Western’s consideration of the standards were received through November 10, 2006. In addition to the publication of this notice, Western’s final action will also be made available to the public at https://www.wapa.gov/dsw/pwrmkt/ PURPA/. Response to Comments Western received comments from three entities within the comment period. Two entities supported Western’s initial preconsideration to forego the implementation of the PURPA standards. A third entity expressed a similar agreement with Western’s initial assessment regarding fossil fuel generation efficiency standards, (Section 1251(a)(13)), and smart metering, (Section 1252(a)(14)). However, the same entity did express several other concerns. 1. An objection was raised regarding Western’s assertion that there was no need for action in response to the net metering standard, (Section 1251(a)(11)). The entity requested a guarantee of net metering services, as opposed to being covered by a broad categorization of Western’s primary customers. This commenter represents a group of Federal agencies that are end users of electricity and are not utilities. Applying a net metering standard to a customer served by multiple power suppliers presents unique challenges. Western currently has an ongoing metering issue with a Federal agency customer regarding a renewable energy system that has proven quite difficult to resolve. Western believes that these situations are better dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Western prefers to establish policy on an agency-wide basis and not by exception for a narrow VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:56 Jul 10, 2007 Jkt 211001 segment of our customer base. However, Western commits to work with its end use customers in a targeted and focused manner to provide assistance in implementing net metering services. 2. In the case of fuel sources, (Section 1251(a)(12)), Western was asked to adopt this standard on a contingent basis. The thought was that if Western’s mission changes over the next decade in response to increased demand, the diversification standard would become relevant and should be held as a contingent standard to cover that possibility. Western does not own generation and predominately markets hydroelectric power. Western sees no value in adopting a diverse fuel source standard when Congress has not given us authority to generate power. If Congress authorizes Western to own generating resources at some point in the future, Western will consider implementing a fuel source diversity standard at that time. 3. Regarding interconnection (Section 1254(a)(15)), one commenter indicated substantial interest in energy conservation and was interested in preserving a requirement through the proposed standard that Western aid them, as a retail customer, in adopting energy conservation measures, such as interconnection service to on-site generation facilities. Western is primarily a bulk wholesale electric provider that provides a very limited amount of energy to end-use loads. Western’s power is marketed by individual projects primarily to preference customers, most of which are electric utilities. These electric utilities in turn blend the Federal hydropower resource into their resource base and sell it to their retail customers. Those preference customers would principally be responsible for interconnection service ‘‘to the local distribution facilities’’, as opposed to Western. Western’s facilities are primarily bulk transmission system facilities. Western’s policies and procedures for interconnections to its power system are set forth in Western’s Open Access Transmission Tariff which is on file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. These policies and procedures will be used to manage all interconnection requests that Western receives. Western commits to work with its end use customers as needed on a case-by-case basis to address consumer interconnection issues. 4. One entity indicated that its interests were not represented by the general treatment that has been given to Western’s customer base in considering the proposed standards. This PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 commenter stated that the customer had substantial and ongoing renewable energy and energy conservation programs that would be positively impacted by the adoption of the PURPA standards. The guarantees provided under those standards are essential to planning and the viability of renewable energy and conservation programs. For the reasons already expressed in response to comments on the net metering and consumer interconnection standards, Western prefers to establish policy on an agency-wide basis and not by exception for a narrow segment of our customer base. Western intends to support ongoing customer renewable energy and energy conservation in a targeted manner on a case-by-case basis. Environmental Compliance In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.); the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); and DOE NEPA Implementing Procedures and Guidelines (10 CFR part 1021), Western has determined this action is categorically excluded from preparing an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Determination Under Executive Order 12866 Western has an exemption from centralized regulatory review under Executive Order 12866; accordingly, no clearance of this notice by the Office of Management and Budget is required. Dated: June 29, 2007. Timothy J. Meeks, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7–13417 Filed 7–10–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OARM–2006–0835; FRL–8338–4] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics (Renewal); EPA ICR #2248.03; OMB Control Number 2030– 0045 Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document E:\FR\FM\11JYN1.SGM 11JYN1 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 132 / Wednesday, July 11, 2007 / Notices 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 schedule to expire on November 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 September 10, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OARM–2006–0835 by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: simms.rosyletta@epa.gov. • Fax: (202) 564–4613. • Mail: Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 3600A, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: Office of Environmental Information Docket, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., EPA West, Room 3334, 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–OARM–2006– 0835. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at https:// 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 https:// 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:56 Jul 10, 2007 Jkt 211001 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, 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: (1) Rosyletta Simms, Office of Human Resources, Mail Code MC 3600A, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW., Washington DC, 20460; telephone number: (202) 564– 7897; e-mail address: simms.rosyletta@epa.gov. Or, (2) Mirza P. Baig, Office of Civil Rights, Mail Code MC 1201A, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 564–7288; e-mail address: baig.mirza@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–OARM–2006–0835, which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Office of Environmental Information Docket Room, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., EPA West, Room 3334, 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 Office of Environmental Information Docket is 202–566–0219. Use https://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 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37761 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? Docket ID No.: EPA–OARM–HQ– 2006–0835. Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action is any person applying for a job at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Title: Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics (Renewal). ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2248.03. ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on November 30, 2007. An Agency may not conduct or E:\FR\FM\11JYN1.SGM 11JYN1 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 37762 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 132 / Wednesday, July 11, 2007 / Notices 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: The purpose of this information collection request is to seek approval to use the Environmental Protection Agency’s USAJOBS-EZhire, vacancy announcement and job application system to collect gender, race, national origin and disability information from employees within the agency and outside job applicants. All job applicants, whether internal or external, would be asked to complete, on a voluntary basis, an ‘‘Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics.’’ The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Management Directive 715 (MD 715), requires agencies to: (1) Maintain a system that collects and maintains accurate information on the race, national origin, gender and disability of agency employees in accordance with 29 CFR, paragraph 1614.601); (2) maintain a system that tracks applicant flow data, which identifies applicants by race, national origin, gender, and disability status and disposition of all applications; and (3) maintain a tracking system of recruitment activities to permit analyses of these efforts in any examination of potential barriers to equality of opportunity. MD 715 requires agencies to ‘‘conduct an internal review and analysis of the effects of all current and proposed policies, practices, procedures and conditions that directly or indirectly,’’ relate to the employment of individuals with disabilities based on their race, national origin, gender and disabilities. EPA must collect and evaluate information and data necessary to make an informed assessment about the extent to which the Agency is meeting its responsibility to provide employment opportunities for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, especially those with targeted disabilities. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 28 minutes total. Burden means the total time, effort, or VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:56 Jul 10, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 provides a detailed explanation of the Agency’s estimate, which is only briefly summarized here: Estimated total number of potential respondents: 32,590 respondents. Frequency of response: One time completion of questionnaire per respondent. Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 32,590. Estimated total annual burden hours: 15,209. Estimated total annual costs: $83,486. This includes an estimated labor burden cost of $83,486 and no capital/start-up or operations and maintenance costs. Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval? No. 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 persons listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Dated: July 3, 2007. Kenneth T. Venuto, Director, Office of Human Resources, Office of Administration and Resources Management. [FR Doc. E7–13421 Filed 7–10–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–TRI–2007–0355; FRL–8338–6] Agency Information Collection Activities, Proposed Collections; Toxic Chemical Release Reporting; Request for Comments on Proposed Renewals of Form R (EPA ICR No. 1363.15, OMB Control No. 2070–0093 ) and Form A Certification Statement (EPA ICR No. 1704.09, OMB Control No. 2070–0143) 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 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew existing approved Information Collection Requests (ICRs) for the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting Form R and the Form A Certification Statement. Both ICRs are scheduled to expire on January 31, 2008. Before submitting the ICRs to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting public comments on the proposed information collections, incorporating proposed minor changes, as described in this notice. Comments must be submitted to EPA on or before September 10, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– TRI–2007–0355, by one of the following methods: (1) U.S. Government Web site for Federal Rulemaking, https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. (2) E-mail: oei.docket@epa.gov. (3) Fax: 202–566–9744. (4) Mail: Office of Environmental Information (OEI) Docket, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. (5) Hand Delivery: Public Reading Room, EPA West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20004. Such deliveries are only accepted during the docket’s normal hours of operations: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: To submit a comment to the docket, direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–TRI–2007– 0355. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public DATES: E:\FR\FM\11JYN1.SGM 11JYN1

Agencies

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37760-37762]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-13421]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OARM-2006-0835; FRL-8338-4]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National 
Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics (Renewal); EPA ICR 
2248.03; OMB Control Number 2030-0045

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document

[[Page 37761]]

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 schedule to expire on November 
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 September 10, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OARM-2006-0835 by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: simms.rosyletta@epa.gov.
     Fax: (202) 564-4613.
     Mail: Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National 
Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics, Environmental Protection 
Agency, Mailcode: 3600A, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 
20460.
     Hand Delivery: Office of Environmental Information Docket, 
1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., EPA West, Room 3334, 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-OARM-
2006-0835. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
https://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 https://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, 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: (1) Rosyletta Simms, Office of Human 
Resources, Mail Code MC 3600A, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW., Washington DC, 20460; telephone number: 
(202) 564-7897; e-mail address: simms.rosyletta@epa.gov. Or, (2) Mirza 
P. Baig, Office of Civil Rights, Mail Code MC 1201A, U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; 
telephone number: (202) 564-7288; e-mail address: baig.mirza@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-OARM-2006-0835, which is available for online viewing at 
https://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Office of 
Environmental Information Docket Room, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., EPA 
West, Room 3334, 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 Office of Environmental Information 
Docket is 202-566-0219.
    Use https://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?

    Docket ID No.: EPA-OARM-HQ-2006-0835.
    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action is 
any person applying for a job at the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency.
    Title: Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, National Origin, 
Gender, and Disability Demographics (Renewal).
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2248.03.
    ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on November 
30, 2007. An Agency may not conduct or

[[Page 37762]]

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: The purpose of this information collection request is to 
seek approval to use the Environmental Protection Agency's USAJOBS-
EZhire, vacancy announcement and job application system to collect 
gender, race, national origin and disability information from employees 
within the agency and outside job applicants. All job applicants, 
whether internal or external, would be asked to complete, on a 
voluntary basis, an ``Applicant Background Questionnaire: Race, 
National Origin, Gender, and Disability Demographics.''
    The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Management Directive 
715 (MD 715), requires agencies to: (1) Maintain a system that collects 
and maintains accurate information on the race, national origin, gender 
and disability of agency employees in accordance with 29 CFR, paragraph 
1614.601); (2) maintain a system that tracks applicant flow data, which 
identifies applicants by race, national origin, gender, and disability 
status and disposition of all applications; and (3) maintain a tracking 
system of recruitment activities to permit analyses of these efforts in 
any examination of potential barriers to equality of opportunity. MD 
715 requires agencies to ``conduct an internal review and analysis of 
the effects of all current and proposed policies, practices, procedures 
and conditions that directly or indirectly,'' relate to the employment 
of individuals with disabilities based on their race, national origin, 
gender and disabilities. EPA must collect and evaluate information and 
data necessary to make an informed assessment about the extent to which 
the Agency is meeting its responsibility to provide employment 
opportunities for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, 
especially those with targeted disabilities.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 28 
minutes total. 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 provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate, 
which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 32,590 
respondents.
    Frequency of response: One time completion of questionnaire per 
respondent.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 
32,590.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 15,209.
    Estimated total annual costs: $83,486. This includes an estimated 
labor burden cost of $83,486 and no capital/start-up or operations and 
maintenance costs.

Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?

    No.

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 persons listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: July 3, 2007.
Kenneth T. Venuto,
Director, Office of Human Resources, Office of Administration and 
Resources Management.
[FR Doc. E7-13421 Filed 7-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

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