Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use Exemption From the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide (Applications, Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal); EPA ICR No. 2031.03, OMB Control No. 2060-0482, 12725-12728 [E8-4697]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 47 / Monday, March 10, 2008 / Notices
Second Revised Sheet 27 et al. to its
FERC Gas Tariff, Third Revised Volume
1, to be effective April 1, 2008.
Filed Date: 02/29/2008.
Accession Number: 20080304–0037.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
Docket Numbers: RP08–252–000.
Applicants: Viking Gas Transmission
Company.
Description: Viking Gas Transmission
Co submits its Twenty-Second Revised
Sheet 5B to its FERC Gas Tariff, First
Revised Volume 1, to become effective
April 1, 2008.
Filed Date: 02/29/2008.
Accession Number: 20080304–0041.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
Docket Numbers: RP08–253–000.
Applicants: Viking Gas Transmission
Company.
Description: Viking Gas Transmission
Company submits Thirteenth Revised
Sheet 5C, to its FERC Gas Tariff, First
Revised Volume 1, to become effective
April 1, 2008.
Filed Date: 02/29/2008.
Accession Number: 20080304–0031.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
Docket Numbers: RP08–254–000.
Applicants: National Fuel Gas Supply
Corporation.
Description: National Fuel Gas Supply
Corporation submits 112th Revised
Sheet 9 to its FERC Gas Tariff, Fourth
Revised Volume 1, to become effective
March 1, 2008 under RP08–254.
Filed Date: 02/29/2008.
Accession Number: 20080304–0032.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
Docket Numbers: RP08–255–000.
Applicants: Arcadia Gas Storage, LLC.
Description: Arcadia Gas Storage, LLC
submits its advance notification of
construction facilities.
Filed Date: 03/03/2008.
Accession Number: 20080304–0267.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, March 17, 2008.
Docket Numbers: RP08–256–000.
Applicants: TransColorado Gas
Transmission Company LLC.
Description: TransColorado Gas
Transmission Co, LLC submits First
Revised Sheet 1 et al. to its FERC Gas
Tariff, Second Revised Volume 1, to
become effective April 1, 2008.
Filed Date: 03/03/2008.
Accession Number: 20080304–0239.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, March 17, 2008.
Any person desiring to intervene or to
protest in any of the above proceedings
must file in accordance with Rules 211
and 214 of the Commission’s Rules of
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:39 Mar 07, 2008
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Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211
and § 385.214) on or before 5 p.m.
Eastern time on the specified comment
date. It is not necessary to separately
intervene again in a subdocket related to
a compliance filing if you have
previously intervened in the same
docket. Protests will be considered by
the Commission in determining the
appropriate action to be taken, but will
not serve to make protestants parties to
the proceeding. Anyone filing a motion
to intervene or protest must serve a copy
of that document on the Applicant. In
reference to filings initiating a new
proceeding, interventions or protests
submitted on or before the comment
deadline need not be served on persons
other than the Applicant.
The Commission encourages
electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper, using the
FERC Online links at https://
www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic
service, persons with Internet access
who will eFile a document and/or be
listed as a contact for an intervenor
must create and validate an
eRegistration account using the
eRegistration link. Select the eFiling
link to log on and submit the
intervention or protests.
Persons unable to file electronically
should submit an original and 14 copies
of the intervention or protest to the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
888 First St., NE., Washington, DC
20426.
The filings in the above proceedings
are accessible in the Commission’s
eLibrary system by clicking on the
appropriate link in the above list. They
are also available for review in the
Commission’s Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC. There is an
eSubscription link on the Web site that
enables subscribers to receive e-mail
notification when a document is added
to a subscribed dockets(s). For
assistance with any FERC Online
service, please e-mail
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call
(866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202) 502–8659.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–4632 Filed 3–7–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2008–0153; FRL–8540–5]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Protection of
Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use
Exemption From the Phaseout of
Methyl Bromide (Applications,
Recordkeeping, and Periodic
Reporting) (Renewal); EPA ICR No.
2031.03, OMB Control No. 2060–0482
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
submit a request to renew an existing
approved Information Collection
Request (ICR) to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). This
ICR, 2031.02, is scheduled to expire on
August 31, 2008. In addition, EPA is
also planning to renew and transfer the
burden from EPA ICRs 2179.02 and
2179.03 into this ICR. Those ICRs are
scheduled to expire on August 31, 2008,
and November 30, 2008, respectively.
Thus, EPA seeks to create a single
comprehensive ICR for the methyl
bromide CUE program. 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 May 9, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OAR–2008–0153 by one of the following
methods:
• https://www.regulations.gov: Follow
the on-line instructions for submitting
comments.
• E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov.
• Fax: 202–566–1741.
• Mail: EPA–HQ–OAR–2008–0153,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Mailcode: 6205J, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
• Hand Delivery: EPA–HQ–OAR–
2008–0153, Air and Radiation Docket at
EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue,
NW., Room B108, Mail Code 6102T,
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–2008–
0153. EPA’s policy is that all comments
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 47 / Monday, March 10, 2008 / Notices
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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 https://
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 https://
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:
Jeremy Arling, Stratospheric Protection
Division, Office of Atmospheric
Programs, (6205J), Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number: (202) 343–9055; fax
number: (202) 343–2338; e-mail address:
arling.jeremy@epa.gov. You may also
visit the Ozone Depletion Web site of
EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Division
at: https://www.epa.gov/ozone/
strathome.html for further information
about EPA’s Stratospheric Ozone
Protection regulations, the science of
ozone layer depletion, and related
topics.
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–2008–0153, which is
available for online viewing at https://
www.regulations.gov, or in person
viewing at the Air and Radiation Docket
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16:39 Mar 07, 2008
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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 Air and Radiation
Docket is 202–566–1742.
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.
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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 producers,
importers, distributors, and custom
applicators of methyl bromide,
organizations, consortia, and
associations of methyl bromide users, as
well as individual methyl bromide
users.
Title: Agency Information Collection
Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Protection of
Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use
Exemption from the Phaseout of Methyl
Bromide (Applications, Recordkeeping,
and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal).
ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2031.03,
OMB Control No. 2060–0482.
ICR status: EPA ICR 2031.02 is
currently scheduled to expire on August
31, 2008. In addition, EPA ICR 2179.02
and 2179.03 are scheduled to expire on
August 31, 2008, and November 30,
2008, respectively. 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 is seeking to renew
EPA ICR 2031.02 which allows EPA to
collect CUE applications from regulated
entities on an annual basis. EPA is also
seeking to renew and transfer the
burden from EPA ICR 2179.02 and
2179.03 which require the submission
of data from regulated industries to the
EPA and require recordkeeping of key
documents to ensure compliance with
the Montreal Protocol on Substances
that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol)
and the CAA.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 47 / Monday, March 10, 2008 / Notices
Entities applying for this exemption
are asked to submit to EPA applications
with necessary data to evaluate the need
for a critical use exemption. This
information collection is conducted to
meet U.S. obligations under Article 2H
of the Montreal Protocol on Substances
that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol).
The information collection request is
required to obtain a benefit under
section 604(d)(6) of the CAA, added by
section 764 of the 1999 Omnibus
Consolidated and Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations Act (Pub.
L. 105–277; October 21, 1998).
Since 2002, entities have applied to
EPA for a critical use exemption that
would allow for the continued
production and import of methyl
bromide after the phaseout in January
2005. These exemptions are for
consumption only in those agricultural
sectors that have demonstrated that
there are no technically or economically
feasible alternatives to methyl bromide.
The applications are rigorously assessed
and analyzed by EPA staff, including
experts from the Office of Pesticide
Programs. On an annual basis, EPA uses
the data submitted by end users to
create a nomination of critical uses
which the U.S. Government submits to
the Protocol’s Ozone Secretariat for
review by an international panel of
experts and advisory bodies. These
advisory bodies include the Methyl
Bromide Technical Options Committee
(MBTOC) and the Technical and
Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP).
The uses authorized internationally by
the Parties to the Protocol are made
available in the U.S. on an annual basis.
The applications will enable EPA to:
1. Maintain consistency with the
Protocol by supporting critical use
nominations to the Parties to the
Protocol, in accordance with paragraph
2 of Decision IX/6 of the Protocol;
2. Ensure that critical use exemptions
comply with section 604(d)(6);
3. Provide EPA with necessary data to
evaluate the technical and economic
feasibility of methyl bromide
alternatives in the circumstance of the
specific use, as presented in an
application for a critical use exemption;
The reported data will enable EPA to:
1. Ensure that critical use exemptions
comply with section 604(d)(6);
2. Maintain compliance with the
Protocol requirements for annual data
submission on the production of ozone
depleting substances;
3. Analyze technical use data to
ensure that exemptions are used in
accordance with requirements included
in the annual authorization
rulemakings.
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16:39 Mar 07, 2008
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EPA informs respondents that they
may assert claims of business
confidentiality for any of the
information they submit. Information
claimed confidential will be treated in
accordance with the procedures for
handling information claimed as
confidential under 40 CFR part 2,
Subpart b, and will be disclosed only if
EPA determines that the information is
not entitled to confidential treatment. If
no claim of confidentiality is asserted
when the information is received by
EPA, it may be made available to the
public without further notice to the
respondents (40 CFR 2.203). Individual
reporting data may be claimed as
sensitive and will be treated as
confidential information in accordance
with procedures outlined in 40 CFR part
2.
Burden Statement: The annual public
reporting and recordkeeping burden for
this collection of information is
estimated to average 1.6 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 annual application, reporting,
and recordkeeping burden is as follows:
75 applicants to the critical use
exemption program at 2,925 hours per
year; 4 producers and importers at a
total of 80 hours per year (quarterly
reporting); 100 distributors and
applicators at 1287.5 hours per year
(annual reporting); and 2,000 end users
at 625 hours per year (periodic
certification of purchases of critical use
methyl bromide at the time of each
purchase). The total industry burden is
therefore 4917.5 hours per year.
The annual public application burden
for this collection of information is
estimated to average 39 hours per
response (2925 hours divided by 75
responses). The annual public reporting
and recordkeeping burden for this
collection of information is estimated to
average 0.64 hours per response (1992.5
hours divided by 3,098 responses).
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Overall, the total annual public burden
(application, reporting, and
recordkeeping) for this collection of
information is estimated to average 1.6
hours per response (4917.5 hours
divided by 3,173 responses).
The total annual labor cost burden
associated with information collection
request is $993,622. EPA estimates the
costs as follows: Application costs
totaling $295,016 per year,
recordkeeping and reporting costs
totaling $631,787 per year, and self
certification by producers, importers,
distributors, and end users costing
$66,820 per year. EPA estimates the
capital costs to be $0.
Are There Changes in the Estimates
From the Last Approval?
There is a decrease of 82.5 hours in
the total estimated respondent burden
compared with that identified in the
EPA ICR 2031.02 which is currently
approved by OMB. This estimate for
total burden hours includes updated
burden estimates from the
recordkeeping and reporting ICR (EPA
ICR 2179.02 and 2179.03) as well as
EPA ICR 2031.02.
The reason for the decrease in burden
is that the Agency has six years of
experience managing the critical use
exemption program which has led to
efficiency and greater accuracy in
estimating future burden. Over the last
four years, EPA has received on average
65 applications each year, rather than
the 100 estimated in the previous ICR.
EPA continues to encourage users with
similar circumstances to utilize grower
and user organizations to aid in
completion of the application, thereby
reducing both the burden on applicants
(particularly small businesses) and the
Agency. The registration of additional
alternatives since 2002 in the U.S. may
also result in fewer applications
received. Furthermore, stakeholders are
more familiar with the critical use
exemption program and have already
organized associations to apply on
behalf of multiple growers. Other
reasons for burden reduction include
the encouragement of electronic
submission of applications and other
data and very frequent EPA
communication with methyl bromide
stakeholders.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 47 / Monday, March 10, 2008 / Notices
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: February 28, 2008.
Drusilla Hufford,
Director, Stratospheric Protection Division.
[FR Doc. E8–4697 Filed 3–7–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–8536–7]
Energy Policy Act of 2005 Diesel
Emissions Reduction Program; State
Clean Diesel Grant Program Funding
Fiscal Year 2008
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of Availability of
Funding for the Fiscal Year 2008 State
Clean Diesel Grant Program Under the
2005 Energy Policy Act.
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AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Energy Policy Act of 2005
(H.R. 6) signed into law on August 8,
2005 (Pub. L. 109–58) incorporates
provisions to achieve significant
reductions in diesel emissions. Section
793 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
authorizes the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to support
grant and loan programs administered
by States that are designed to achieve
significant reductions in diesel
emissions. This program authorized in
Section 793 is referred to as the State
Clean Diesel Grant Program for this
Notice. EPA expects to have
approximately $14.8 million available
in fiscal year 2008 in the form of
assistance agreements to issue under the
State Clean Diesel Grant Program.
DATES: In order to participate, States
must notify EPA of their intent to apply
to the State Clean Diesel Grant Program
through a Notice of Intent to Apply as
described in Section 6 of this Notice on
or before April 24, 2008 at 11:59 p.m.
Pacific Time. States must submit
applications to EPA as described in
Section 6 of this Notice on or before
June 23, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific
Time. Failure to meet these deadlines
could result in ineligibility for fiscal
year 2008 funding.
Contact Information: States must
e-mail the Notice of Intent to Apply to
EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air
Quality (OTAQ) at cleandiesel@epa.gov
and include in the subject line ‘‘Intent
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16:39 Mar 07, 2008
Jkt 214001
to Apply: State Clean Diesel Grant
Program—[NAME OF STATE].’’ States
must then submit applications to the
appropriate Regional Clean Diesel
contact listed in this notice under
Section 11.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer Keller, U.S. EPA, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20460, Mail-Stop: 6405–J. Phone
(202) 343–9541, Fax (202) 343–2803,
keller.jennifer@epa.gov. You may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. This
document will also be available at the
EPA National Clean Diesel Campaign
Web site, https://www.epa.gov/
cleandiesel. Please note that due to
differences between the software used to
develop the documents and the software
into which the documents may be
downloaded, changes in format, page
length, etc., may occur.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
standards taking effect over the next
decade, millions of diesel engines
already in use will continue to emit
large amounts of nitrogen oxides,
particulate matter and air toxics, which
contribute to serious public health
problems. These emissions are linked to
premature deaths, asthma attacks, lost
work days, and other health impacts
every year.
EPA created the National Clean Diesel
Campaign (NCDC) to build on the
success of its regulatory and voluntary
efforts to reduce emissions from diesel
engines. Through this effort, EPA is
working to reduce the pollution emitted
from the existing fleet by promoting a
variety of cost-effective and innovative
emission reduction strategies.
To date more than $50 million has
been awarded to over 200 organizations
to establish new clean diesel programs.
Through NCDC, EPA will continue to
award grants and loans to assist its
eligible partners in building diesel
emission reduction programs across the
country to achieve public health goals.
(1) General Information
The programs outlined in EPAct of 2005
are part of NCDC’s Clean Diesel
a. What Is the Statutory Authority for
Programs. Information regarding the
the State Clean Diesel Grant Program?
Clean Diesel Programs can be found at
The 2005 Energy Policy Act (EPAct of
https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.
2005), Public Law 109–58, signed into
There are several programs outlined
law August 8, 2005, authorized an
in EPAct of 2005 as part of the National
annual appropriation of up to
Clean Diesel Campaign. There are two
$200,000,000 under the Diesel
main components of the program: A
Emissions Reduction portion of the
National component and a State
legislation (Subtitle G—Diesel
component. A brief description is
Emissions Reduction or ‘‘DERA’’) for
provided below.
each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011
Within the National component, 70
to remain available until expended. In
percent of the funds ($34.4 million
December 2007, Congress appropriated
FY08) are made available on a
$49.2 million under EPAct of 2005 to
competitive basis to provide grants and
help reduce harmful emissions from
low-cost revolving loans to eligible
heavy-duty diesel engines. Section 793
of EPAct of 2005 outlines provisions for entities for the deployment of verified
and certified technologies to reduce
the State Clean Diesel Grant Program
which includes that, ‘‘the Administrator diesel emissions. This program has
three separate competitions: (1) National
shall provide to States guidance for use
Clean Diesel Funding Assistance
in applying for grant or loan funds
Program: A competitive grant program
under this section.’’ Per statutory
requirements, thirty percent of the $49.2 for the deployment of EPA and/or
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
million ($14.8M for FY08), is available
certified and/or verified clean diesel
through the State Clean Diesel Grant
technologies and verified idle reduction
Program.
technologies, (2) National Clean Diesel
b. What Is the Catalog of Federal
Finance Program: A competitive grant
Domestic Assistance (CDFA) Number for program for innovative finance
the Diesel Emission Reduction Grants?
mechanisms such as national low-cost
revolving loans, and (3) Clean Diesel
The number assigned to the State
Emerging Technologies Program: A
Clean Diesel Grant Program is Program
competitive grant program to deploy
Code 66.040.
emerging technologies not yet verified
(2) Background Information
but for which an approvable application
for verification and test plan are
Reducing emissions from diesel
engines is one of the most important air received by EPA. States, as eligible
entities, may apply to all three of the
quality challenges facing the country.
competitions above, in addition to the
Even with EPA’s more stringent heavyState Clean Diesel Grant Program.
duty highway and non-road engine
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[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 47 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12725-12728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4697]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0153; FRL-8540-5]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Critical Use
Exemption From the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide (Applications,
Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal); EPA ICR No. 2031.03,
OMB Control No. 2060-0482
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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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,
2031.02, is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2008. In addition, EPA is
also planning to renew and transfer the burden from EPA ICRs 2179.02
and 2179.03 into this ICR. Those ICRs are scheduled to expire on August
31, 2008, and November 30, 2008, respectively. Thus, EPA seeks to
create a single comprehensive ICR for the methyl bromide CUE program.
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 May 9, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2008-0153 by one of the following methods:
https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov.
Fax: 202-566-1741.
Mail: EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0153, Environmental Protection
Agency, Mailcode: 6205J, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC
20460.
Hand Delivery: EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0153, Air and Radiation
Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room B108, Mail Code
6102T, 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-
2008-0153. EPA's policy is that all comments
[[Page 12726]]
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
https://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 https://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: Jeremy Arling, Stratospheric
Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, (6205J),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343-9055; fax number:
(202) 343-2338; e-mail address: arling.jeremy@epa.gov. You may also
visit the Ozone Depletion Web site of EPA's Stratospheric Protection
Division at: https://www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html for further
information about EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Protection regulations, the
science of ozone layer depletion, and related topics.
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-2008-0153, which is available for online viewing at
https://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and
Radiation 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 Air and Radiation Docket is
202-566-1742.
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?
Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are
producers, importers, distributors, and custom applicators of methyl
bromide, organizations, consortia, and associations of methyl bromide
users, as well as individual methyl bromide users.
Title: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed
Collection; Comment Request; Protection of Stratospheric Ozone:
Critical Use Exemption from the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide
(Applications, Recordkeeping, and Periodic Reporting) (Renewal).
ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2031.03, OMB Control No. 2060-0482.
ICR status: EPA ICR 2031.02 is currently scheduled to expire on
August 31, 2008. In addition, EPA ICR 2179.02 and 2179.03 are scheduled
to expire on August 31, 2008, and November 30, 2008, respectively. 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 is seeking to renew EPA ICR 2031.02 which allows EPA
to collect CUE applications from regulated entities on an annual basis.
EPA is also seeking to renew and transfer the burden from EPA ICR
2179.02 and 2179.03 which require the submission of data from regulated
industries to the EPA and require recordkeeping of key documents to
ensure compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete
the Ozone Layer (Protocol) and the CAA.
[[Page 12727]]
Entities applying for this exemption are asked to submit to EPA
applications with necessary data to evaluate the need for a critical
use exemption. This information collection is conducted to meet U.S.
obligations under Article 2H of the Montreal Protocol on Substances
that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol). The information collection
request is required to obtain a benefit under section 604(d)(6) of the
CAA, added by section 764 of the 1999 Omnibus Consolidated and
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 105-277; October 21,
1998).
Since 2002, entities have applied to EPA for a critical use
exemption that would allow for the continued production and import of
methyl bromide after the phaseout in January 2005. These exemptions are
for consumption only in those agricultural sectors that have
demonstrated that there are no technically or economically feasible
alternatives to methyl bromide. The applications are rigorously
assessed and analyzed by EPA staff, including experts from the Office
of Pesticide Programs. On an annual basis, EPA uses the data submitted
by end users to create a nomination of critical uses which the U.S.
Government submits to the Protocol's Ozone Secretariat for review by an
international panel of experts and advisory bodies. These advisory
bodies include the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee (MBTOC)
and the Technical and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP). The uses
authorized internationally by the Parties to the Protocol are made
available in the U.S. on an annual basis.
The applications will enable EPA to:
1. Maintain consistency with the Protocol by supporting critical
use nominations to the Parties to the Protocol, in accordance with
paragraph 2 of Decision IX/6 of the Protocol;
2. Ensure that critical use exemptions comply with section
604(d)(6);
3. Provide EPA with necessary data to evaluate the technical and
economic feasibility of methyl bromide alternatives in the circumstance
of the specific use, as presented in an application for a critical use
exemption;
The reported data will enable EPA to:
1. Ensure that critical use exemptions comply with section
604(d)(6);
2. Maintain compliance with the Protocol requirements for annual
data submission on the production of ozone depleting substances;
3. Analyze technical use data to ensure that exemptions are used in
accordance with requirements included in the annual authorization
rulemakings.
EPA informs respondents that they may assert claims of business
confidentiality for any of the information they submit. Information
claimed confidential will be treated in accordance with the procedures
for handling information claimed as confidential under 40 CFR part 2,
Subpart b, and will be disclosed only if EPA determines that the
information is not entitled to confidential treatment. If no claim of
confidentiality is asserted when the information is received by EPA, it
may be made available to the public without further notice to the
respondents (40 CFR 2.203). Individual reporting data may be claimed as
sensitive and will be treated as confidential information in accordance
with procedures outlined in 40 CFR part 2.
Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.6
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 annual application, reporting, and recordkeeping burden is as
follows: 75 applicants to the critical use exemption program at 2,925
hours per year; 4 producers and importers at a total of 80 hours per
year (quarterly reporting); 100 distributors and applicators at 1287.5
hours per year (annual reporting); and 2,000 end users at 625 hours per
year (periodic certification of purchases of critical use methyl
bromide at the time of each purchase). The total industry burden is
therefore 4917.5 hours per year.
The annual public application burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 39 hours per response (2925 hours
divided by 75 responses). The annual public reporting and recordkeeping
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.64
hours per response (1992.5 hours divided by 3,098 responses). Overall,
the total annual public burden (application, reporting, and
recordkeeping) for this collection of information is estimated to
average 1.6 hours per response (4917.5 hours divided by 3,173
responses).
The total annual labor cost burden associated with information
collection request is $993,622. EPA estimates the costs as follows:
Application costs totaling $295,016 per year, recordkeeping and
reporting costs totaling $631,787 per year, and self certification by
producers, importers, distributors, and end users costing $66,820 per
year. EPA estimates the capital costs to be $0.
Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?
There is a decrease of 82.5 hours in the total estimated respondent
burden compared with that identified in the EPA ICR 2031.02 which is
currently approved by OMB. This estimate for total burden hours
includes updated burden estimates from the recordkeeping and reporting
ICR (EPA ICR 2179.02 and 2179.03) as well as EPA ICR 2031.02.
The reason for the decrease in burden is that the Agency has six
years of experience managing the critical use exemption program which
has led to efficiency and greater accuracy in estimating future burden.
Over the last four years, EPA has received on average 65 applications
each year, rather than the 100 estimated in the previous ICR. EPA
continues to encourage users with similar circumstances to utilize
grower and user organizations to aid in completion of the application,
thereby reducing both the burden on applicants (particularly small
businesses) and the Agency. The registration of additional alternatives
since 2002 in the U.S. may also result in fewer applications received.
Furthermore, stakeholders are more familiar with the critical use
exemption program and have already organized associations to apply on
behalf of multiple growers. Other reasons for burden reduction include
the encouragement of electronic submission of applications and other
data and very frequent EPA communication with methyl bromide
stakeholders.
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
[[Page 12728]]
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: February 28, 2008.
Drusilla Hufford,
Director, Stratospheric Protection Division.
[FR Doc. E8-4697 Filed 3-7-08; 8:45 am]
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