Notice of Intent to Seek Approval To Conduct an Information Collection, 13529-13530 [E8-4985]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 50 / Thursday, March 13, 2008 / Notices Request for Comments on the NEPA Review The Forest Service encourages citizens to express issues, concerns, and suggestions they may have about this proposed action. Comments should be directly related to issues associated with the proposed action, rather than general advocacy of or opposition to the project, to best assist us in the NEPA analysis. Although comments are welcome at any time during the NEPA review, they will be most useful to us if they are received within 30 days following the publication of this notice. If you have questions about this notice or the scoping process, please contact Ms. Beverley Everson, Geologist, Coronado National Forest, at telephone (520) 388– 8352 prior to submitting your comments. Written comments may be mailed or hand-delivered to Ms. Everson at Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701; sent by facsimile to (520) 388–8305; or submitted by email to commentssouthwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us. Envelopes and the subject line of email and facsimiles should include the words ‘‘Rosemont Copper Project EIS.’’ Oral and written comments may also be submitted at the open houses listed above or in person at the Forest address above. Please be advised that comments and personal information associated with them, such as names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record for this NEPA review. As such, they may be made available to a third-party in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. You may prefer to submit comments without including personal information. Or, you may request of the Forest Service that your personal information be exempted from release under the FOIA. You will subsequently be informed by the Forest Service whether or not your request qualifies for an exemption. If it does not, you will be afforded the opportunity to resubmit your comments without personal information or to withhold them altogether. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Early Notice of the Importance of Public Participation in the NEPA Process Following the 30-day scoping period announced in this notice, the Forest Service will prepare a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). Upon completion, the DEIS will be made available for a 45-day public review and comment period that will begin on the date that the EPA publishes an NOA of the DEIS in the Federal VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:19 Mar 12, 2008 Jkt 214001 Register. The Forest Service believes that, at this early stage, it is important to provide the public with notice about several court rulings related to public participation in the NEPA environmental review process. First, reviewers of a DEIS must structure their participation in the NEPA review so that it is meaningful and alerts the agency to the reviewer’s position and contentions [Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Com. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978)]. Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the DEIS stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) may be waived or dismissed by the courts [City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages. Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wise. 1980)]. Because of these court rulings, it is very important that those parties who are interested in this proposed action participate before the close of a public comment period so that substantive comments and objections are available to the Forest Service in a timely manner that will allow them to be meaningfully considered and subsequently addressed in the FEIS. To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues and concerns about the proposed action, comments on a DEIS should be as specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer to specific line numbers, pages, and/or chapters of the DEIS. Comments may address the adequacy of the DEIS or the merits of the alternatives formulated an discussed in it. For comments of this nature, reviewers may choose to refer to CEQ regulations at 40 CFR 1503.3. Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record of this NEPA review and will be available for public inspection unless exempted from such. (Authority: 40 CFR parts 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, section 21). Authorization: National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321–4346); Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); U.S. Department of Agriculture NEPA Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1 b). February 28, 2008. Jeanine A. Derby, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E8–4780 Filed 3–12–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13529 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Intent to Seek Approval To Conduct an Information Collection National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to seek approval to conduct a new information collection, the Generic Clearance for Survey Research Studies. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 12, 2008 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number 0535– NEW, Generic Clearance to Conduct Survey Research Studies, by any of the following methods: • E-mail: ombofficer@nass.usda.gov. Include docket number and title above in the subject line of the message. • Fax: (202) 720–6396. • Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD– ROM submissions to: NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336A, Mail Stop 2024, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–2024. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336A, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph T. Reilly, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720–4333. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Generic Clearance to Conduct Survey Research Studies. OMB Control Number: 0535—NEW. Type of Request: Intent to Seek Approval to Conduct an Information Collection. Abstract: The NASS of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for generic clearance that will allow NASS to rigorously develop, test, and evaluate its survey instruments and methodologies. The primary objectives of the National Agricultural Statistics Service are to prepare and issue State and national estimates of crop production, livestock production, economic statistics, and environmental statistics related to agriculture and to E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 13530 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 50 / Thursday, March 13, 2008 / Notices conduct the Census of Agriculture. This request is part of an on-going initiative to improve NASS surveys, as recommended by both its own guidelines and those of OMB. In the last decade, state-of-the art techniques have been increasingly instituted by NASS and other Federal agencies and are now routinely used to improve the quality and timeliness of survey data and analyses, while simultaneously reducing respondents’ cognitive workload and burden. The purpose of this generic clearance is to allow NASS to continue to adopt and use these state-of-the-art techniques to improve its current data collections on agriculture. They will also be used to aid in the development of new surveys. NASS envisions using a variety of survey improvement techniques, as appropriate to the individual project under investigation. These include focus groups, cognitive and usability laboratory and field techniques, exploratory interviews, behavior coding, respondent debriefing, pilot surveys, and split-panel tests. Following standard OMB requirements NASS will submit a change request to OMB individually for each survey improvement project it undertakes under this generic clearance and provide OMB with a copy of the questionnaire (if one is used), and all other materials describing the project. These data will be collected under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 2204(a). Individually identifiable data collected under this authority are governed by section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 2276, which requires USDA to afford strict confidentiality to non-aggregated data provided by respondents. This Notice is submitted in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–113) and Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995). Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for these collections of information is estimated to average from 30 minutes to 2 hours per respondent, dependant upon the survey and the technique used to test for that particular survey. Respondents: Farms, ranchers, farm managers, farm contractors, agribusinesses, and households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,100. Frequency of Responses: On occasion. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,700 hours. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from the NASS Clearance Officer, at (202) 720–2248. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:19 Mar 12, 2008 Jkt 214001 Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) 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; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record and be summarized in the request for OMB approval. Signed at Washington, DC, February 19, 2008. Joseph T. Reilly, Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. E8–4985 Filed 3–12–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–20–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Intent To Seek Reinstatement of an Information Collection National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request approval for reinstatement and revision of an information collection, the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey. Revision to previous burden hours may be needed due to changes in the size of the target population, sampling design, and/or questionnaire length. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 12, 2008 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number 0535–0234, by any of the following methods: • E-mail: ombofficer@nass.usda.gov. Include docket number above in the subject line of the message. • Fax: (202) 720–6396 • Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD– ROM submissions to: NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Room 5336A, Mail Stop 2024, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–2024. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336A, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph T. Reilly, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720–4333. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey. OMB Control Number: 0535–0234. Type of Request: Intent to Seek Approval to Reinstate and Revise an Information Collection. Abstract: The Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey is conducted every 5 years as authorized by the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 (Pub. L. No. 105–113). The 2008 Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey will use a probability sample of all farms and a sample of horticultural operations that reported irrigation on the 2007 Census of Agriculture. This irrigation survey for commodities other than horticultural specialties will provide a comprehensive inventory of farm irrigation practices with detailed data relating to acres irrigated by category of land use, acres and yields of irrigated and non-irrigated crops, quantity of water applied, and method of application to selected crops. Also included will be 2008 expenditures for maintenance and repair of irrigation equipment and facilities; purchase of energy for on-farm pumping of irrigation water; investment in irrigation equipment, facilities, and land improvement; cost of water received from off-farm water supplies; and questions related to water reuse and security. The irrigation survey for horticultural specialties will provide the land area irrigated and source of water by state, and the irrigation by method used by State. A new combined table will be published showing the total estimated quantity of water applied for crops including horticultural specialties. Irrigation data are used by the farmers, their representatives, government agencies, and many other groups concerned with the irrigation industry and water use issues. This survey will provide the only source of dependable, comparable irrigation data by State. NASS will use the information collected only for statistical purposes and will publish the data only as tabulated totals. E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 50 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13529-13530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4985]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Agricultural Statistics Service


Notice of Intent to Seek Approval To Conduct an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics 
Service (NASS) to seek approval to conduct a new information 
collection, the Generic Clearance for Survey Research Studies.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 12, 2008 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number 0535-
NEW, Generic Clearance to Conduct Survey Research Studies, by any of 
the following methods:
     E-mail: ombofficer@nass.usda.gov. Include docket number 
and title above in the subject line of the message.
     Fax: (202) 720-6396.
     Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions to: NASS 
Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336A, Mail 
Stop 2024, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20250-2024.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: NASS Clearance 
Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336A, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph T. Reilly, Associate 
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-4333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Generic Clearance to Conduct Survey Research Studies.
    OMB Control Number: 0535--NEW.
    Type of Request: Intent to Seek Approval to Conduct an Information 
Collection.
    Abstract: The NASS of the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) will request approval from the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) for generic clearance that will allow NASS to rigorously develop, 
test, and evaluate its survey instruments and methodologies. The 
primary objectives of the National Agricultural Statistics Service are 
to prepare and issue State and national estimates of crop production, 
livestock production, economic statistics, and environmental statistics 
related to agriculture and to

[[Page 13530]]

conduct the Census of Agriculture. This request is part of an on-going 
initiative to improve NASS surveys, as recommended by both its own 
guidelines and those of OMB.
    In the last decade, state-of-the art techniques have been 
increasingly instituted by NASS and other Federal agencies and are now 
routinely used to improve the quality and timeliness of survey data and 
analyses, while simultaneously reducing respondents' cognitive workload 
and burden. The purpose of this generic clearance is to allow NASS to 
continue to adopt and use these state-of-the-art techniques to improve 
its current data collections on agriculture. They will also be used to 
aid in the development of new surveys.
    NASS envisions using a variety of survey improvement techniques, as 
appropriate to the individual project under investigation. These 
include focus groups, cognitive and usability laboratory and field 
techniques, exploratory interviews, behavior coding, respondent 
debriefing, pilot surveys, and split-panel tests.
    Following standard OMB requirements NASS will submit a change 
request to OMB individually for each survey improvement project it 
undertakes under this generic clearance and provide OMB with a copy of 
the questionnaire (if one is used), and all other materials describing 
the project.
    These data will be collected under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 
2204(a). Individually identifiable data collected under this authority 
are governed by section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 
2276, which requires USDA to afford strict confidentiality to non-
aggregated data provided by respondents. This Notice is submitted in 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-113) 
and Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 (60 
FR 44978, August 29, 1995).
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for these collections 
of information is estimated to average from 30 minutes to 2 hours per 
respondent, dependant upon the survey and the technique used to test 
for that particular survey.
    Respondents: Farms, ranchers, farm managers, farm contractors, 
agri-businesses, and households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,100.
    Frequency of Responses: On occasion.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,700 hours.
    Copies of this information collection and related instructions can 
be obtained without charge from the NASS Clearance Officer, at (202) 
720-2248.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) 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; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 
and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record 
and be summarized in the request for OMB approval.

    Signed at Washington, DC, February 19, 2008.
Joseph T. Reilly,
Associate Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E8-4985 Filed 3-12-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-20-P

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