Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Environmental and Economic Effects of Environmental Conflict Resolution at EPA; EPA ICR No. 2306.01, OMB Control No. 2090-NEW, 58580-58582 [E8-23670]

Download as PDF 58580 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Notices The project is estimated to generate an average of 54 gigawatthours annually. n. A copy of the application is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or tollfree at 1–866–208–3676, or for TTY, (202) 502–8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. You may also register online at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ esubscription.asp to be notified via e-mail of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–23621 Filed 10–6–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OGC–2007–0982; FRL–8726–1] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Environmental and Economic Effects of Environmental Conflict Resolution at EPA; EPA ICR No. 2306.01, OMB Control No. 2090– NEW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 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 for a new Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 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 December 8, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OGC–2007–0982 by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:23 Oct 06, 2008 Jkt 217001 • E-mail: oei.docket@epa.gov. • Fax: (202) 566–9744. • Mail: EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 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–OGC–2007– 0982. 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 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: William Hall, 2388A, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 564–0214; fax number: (202) 501–1715; e-mail address: hall.william@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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–OGC–2007–0982, which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at 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 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room and Docket is 202–566– 1744. 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: E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Notices 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to? Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are individuals who negotiated agreements reached in environmental conflict resolution (ECR) cases sponsored by or involving EPA. ECR is third-party assisted conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving in the context of environmental, public lands, or natural resources issues or conflicts, including matters related to energy, transportation, and land use. Affected entities may also include participants in non-ECR cases (i.e., where a third party was not involved) with similar characteristics to ECR cases that are selected for comparison. Participants in both ECR and non-ECR cases typically represent a wide range of interests, including various agencies and levels of government, industry, and environmental advocacy groups. Title: Environmental and Economic Effects of Environmental Conflict Resolution at EPA. ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2306.01, OMB Control No. 2090–NEW. ICR status: This ICR is for a new information collection activity. 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, and 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:23 Oct 06, 2008 Jkt 217001 Abstract: This information collection will enable EPA’s Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center to evaluate the environmental and economic effects of agreements reached through the Agency’s Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) process compared to decisions that might have been achieved through other decision-making processes (e.g., litigation). ECR is thirdparty assisted conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving in the context of environmental, public lands, or natural resources issues or conflicts, including matters related to energy, transportation, and land use. Information will be collected from representatives of organizations that participated in ECR decision-making processes sponsored by or involving EPA in a range of environmental cases. For purposes of comparison, information will also be collected from representatives of organizations that were involved in non-ECR (i.e., without the assistance of a third party) decision making processes that otherwise have similar characteristics to the ECR cases (e.g., similar environmental issues, similar geography). Case participants will complete a survey instrument with questions concerning the environmental effects, implementation of the agreement or decision including resources required, relations with other parties to the agreement, reasons for joining an ECR process or participating in a non-ECR decision making process, costs of the process, and quality of information held by parties when reaching agreement or making the decision. This information collection will help satisfy the joint OMB and President’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Memorandum on ECR (November 2005, available at https:// www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/jointstatement.html) that directed agencies, among other things, to ‘‘recognize and support needed upfront investments in collaborative processes and conflict resolution and demonstrate those savings in performance and accountability measures to maintain a budget neutral environment.’’ Data collected will be used to analyze and assess EPA’s ECR procedures, to ensure program activities are executed and managed in a cost-effective manner, and provide information for Agency managers and staff to use when deciding whether to use ECR, consistent with the principles of the Government Performance Results Act. This information collection will be voluntary for all respondents. As required by 5 U.S.C. 524(h), the questionnaires for parties in dispute PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58581 resolution proceedings covered by the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 will be carefully designed and administered to ensure that the identity of the parties and the specific issues in controversy will remain confidential. The questionnaires for matters that did not involve dispute resolution proceedings will allow respondents to claim that their responses contain Confidential Business Information. The Agency will protect questionnaires subject to CBI claims from disclosure to the extent authorized by 2 CFR Subpart B, Confidentiality of Business Information. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.5 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency’s estimate, which is only briefly summarized here: Estimated total number of potential respondents: 300. Frequency of response: on occasion. Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 1. Estimated total annual burden hours: 50 hours. Estimated total annual costs: $2239.00 This includes an estimated burden cost of $2239.00 and an estimated cost of $0 for capital investment or maintenance and operational costs. 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 E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1 58582 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Notices 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: September 30, 2008. Patricia K. Hirsch, Acting General Counsel, Office of General Counsel. [FR Doc. E8–23670 Filed 10–6–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2005–0120; FRL–8725–8] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Nonconformance Penalties for Heavy-Duty Engines and HeavyDuty Vehicles, Including Light-Duty Trucks (Renewal); EPA ICR Number 1285.07, OMB Control Number 2060– 0132 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that an Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before November 6, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2005–0120, to (1) EPA online using https://www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by e-mail to a-andr-Docket@epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Radiation Docket, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, and (2) OMB by mail to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nydia Yanira Reyes-Morales, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mail Code 6403J, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:23 Oct 06, 2008 Jkt 217001 number: 202–343–9264; fax number: 202–343–2804; e-mail address: reyesmorales.nydia@epa.gov. EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On June 30, 2008 (73 FR 36863), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments during the comment period. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–OAR–2005–0120, which is available for online viewing at https:// www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is 202–566–1744, and the telephone number for the Air Docket is 202–566– 1742. Use EPA’s electronic docket and comment system at https:// www.regulations.gov, to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘docket search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA’s policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at https://www.regulations.gov as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, confidential business information (CBI), or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov. Title: Nonconformance Penalties for Heavy-Duty Engines and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Including Light-Duty Trucks (Renewal). ICR numbers: EPA ICR Number 1285.07, OMB Control Number 2060– 0132. ICR Status: This ICR is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2008. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 and 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: Section 206(g) of the Clean Air Act, as amended, contains nonconformance penalty provisions (NCP) that allow manufacturers to introduce into commerce heavy-duty engines or vehicles (including light-duty trucks) that fail to comply with certain emission standards upon payment of a monetary penalty. Manufacturers who elect to use NCPs are required to test production engines and vehicles to determine the extent of their nonconformity and conduct a Production Compliance Audit (PCA). The collection activities of the nonconformance penalty program include periodic reports and other information (including the results of emission testing conducted during the PCA). EPA will use this information to ensure that manufacturers are complying with the regulations and that appropriate nonconformance penalties are being paid. Responses to this collection are voluntary. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 23 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. Respondents/Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by these actions are Automobile Manufacturers; Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturers; Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturers; Gasoline Engine and E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58580-58582]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23670]


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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OGC-2007-0982; FRL-8726-1]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Environmental and Economic Effects of Environmental 
Conflict Resolution at EPA; EPA ICR No. 2306.01, OMB Control No. 2090-
NEW

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to 
submit a request for a new Information Collection Request (ICR) to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 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 December 8, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OGC-2007-0982 by one of the following methods:
     https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: oei.docket@epa.gov.
     Fax: (202) 566-9744.
     Mail: EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Environmental Protection 
Agency, Mailcode: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 
20460.
     Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection 
Agency, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 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-OGC-2007-
0982. 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 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: William Hall, 2388A, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; 
telephone number: (202) 564-0214; fax number: (202) 501-1715; e-mail 
address: hall.william@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-OGC-2007-0982, which is available for online viewing at 
https://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at 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 8:30 a.m. 
to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
telephone number for the Reading Room and Docket is 202-566-1744.
    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:

[[Page 58581]]

    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 
individuals who negotiated agreements reached in environmental conflict 
resolution (ECR) cases sponsored by or involving EPA. ECR is third-
party assisted conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving in 
the context of environmental, public lands, or natural resources issues 
or conflicts, including matters related to energy, transportation, and 
land use. Affected entities may also include participants in non-ECR 
cases (i.e., where a third party was not involved) with similar 
characteristics to ECR cases that are selected for comparison. 
Participants in both ECR and non-ECR cases typically represent a wide 
range of interests, including various agencies and levels of 
government, industry, and environmental advocacy groups.
    Title: Environmental and Economic Effects of Environmental Conflict 
Resolution at EPA.
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2306.01, OMB Control No. 2090-NEW.
    ICR status: This ICR is for a new information collection activity. 
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, and 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: This information collection will enable EPA's Conflict 
Prevention and Resolution Center to evaluate the environmental and 
economic effects of agreements reached through the Agency's 
Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) process compared to decisions 
that might have been achieved through other decision-making processes 
(e.g., litigation). ECR is third-party assisted conflict resolution and 
collaborative problem solving in the context of environmental, public 
lands, or natural resources issues or conflicts, including matters 
related to energy, transportation, and land use.
    Information will be collected from representatives of organizations 
that participated in ECR decision-making processes sponsored by or 
involving EPA in a range of environmental cases. For purposes of 
comparison, information will also be collected from representatives of 
organizations that were involved in non-ECR (i.e., without the 
assistance of a third party) decision making processes that otherwise 
have similar characteristics to the ECR cases (e.g., similar 
environmental issues, similar geography). Case participants will 
complete a survey instrument with questions concerning the 
environmental effects, implementation of the agreement or decision 
including resources required, relations with other parties to the 
agreement, reasons for joining an ECR process or participating in a 
non-ECR decision making process, costs of the process, and quality of 
information held by parties when reaching agreement or making the 
decision.
    This information collection will help satisfy the joint OMB and 
President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Memorandum on ECR 
(November 2005, available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/joint-
statement.html) that directed agencies, among other things, to 
``recognize and support needed upfront investments in collaborative 
processes and conflict resolution and demonstrate those savings in 
performance and accountability measures to maintain a budget neutral 
environment.'' Data collected will be used to analyze and assess EPA's 
ECR procedures, to ensure program activities are executed and managed 
in a cost-effective manner, and provide information for Agency managers 
and staff to use when deciding whether to use ECR, consistent with the 
principles of the Government Performance Results Act.
    This information collection will be voluntary for all respondents. 
As required by 5 U.S.C. 524(h), the questionnaires for parties in 
dispute resolution proceedings covered by the Administrative Dispute 
Resolution Act of 1996 will be carefully designed and administered to 
ensure that the identity of the parties and the specific issues in 
controversy will remain confidential. The questionnaires for matters 
that did not involve dispute resolution proceedings will allow 
respondents to claim that their responses contain Confidential Business 
Information. The Agency will protect questionnaires subject to CBI 
claims from disclosure to the extent authorized by 2 CFR Subpart B, 
Confidentiality of Business Information.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.5 
hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial 
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or 
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This 
includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, 
install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of 
collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and 
maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; 
adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable 
instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train 
personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search 
data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and 
transmit or otherwise disclose the information.
    The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate, 
which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 300.
    Frequency of response: on occasion.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 1.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 50 hours.
    Estimated total annual costs: $2239.00 This includes an estimated 
burden cost of $2239.00 and an estimated cost of $0 for capital 
investment or maintenance and operational costs.

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

[[Page 58582]]

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: September 30, 2008.
Patricia K. Hirsch,
Acting General Counsel, Office of General Counsel.
 [FR Doc. E8-23670 Filed 10-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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