Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Information Collection Activities Associated With EPA's ENERGY STAR Program in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors; EPA ICR No. 1772, OMB Control No. 2060-0347, 40183-40186 [E9-19188]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 11, 2009 / Notices transmission system, such as the development of inter-regional transmission facilities, the integration of large amounts of location-constrained generation, and the interconnection of distributed energy resources. The attached agenda provides details on the topics that will be discussed on the panels at each of the three conferences as well as the topics panelists should be prepared to address. As provided for in the June 30 notice, those wishing to participate as panelists should submit a request form, as indicated below, describing the topic(s) they wish to address. Those wishing to 40183 attend each conference are also asked to complete the registration form, as indicated below. A final notice with a list of the panelists for each conference will be issued in advance of the conferences. Location Further information September 3, 2009 Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 North 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. September 10, 2009 Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Atlanta Airport, 1900 Sullivan Road, Atlanta, GA 30337. September 21, 2009 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Date Marriott Philadelphia Airport, One Arrivals Road, Philadelphia, PA 19153. Entities located within the ColumbiaGrid, Northern Tier Transmission Group, WestConnect, and CAISO footprints, and other entities in the WECC region that are not a part of any of these subregional groups. Staff also requests a representative of WECC’s Transmission Expansion Planning Policy Committee attend this technical conference. For further information, see calendar listing, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/ EventCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=4744&CalType=%20& CalendarID=116&Date=09/03/2009&View=Listview. Those wishing to participate as a panelist on one of the panels in the attached agenda should submit a request form by close of business on August 13, 2009, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/trans-09–03speaker-form.asp. Those that plan to attend the Phoenix conference should submit the registration form, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/trans-09-03form.asp Entities located in the states represented in the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC) and entities located in the Southwest Power Pool footprint. For further information, see calendar listing, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/ EventCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=4745&CalType=%20& CalendarID=116&Date=09/10/2009&View=Listview. Those wishing to participate as a panelist on one of the panels in the attached agenda should submit a request form by close of business on August 20, 2009, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/trans-09-10speaker-form.asp Those that plan to attend the Atlanta conference should submit the registration form, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/trans-09-10form.asp. Entities located within the Midwest ISO, PJM, New York ISO, and ISO New England footprints, MAPP/MAPP Participants, and adjacent areas. For further information, see calendar listing, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/ EventCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=4746&CalType=%20& CalendarID=116&Date=09/21/2009&View=Listview. Those wishing to participate as a panelist on one of the panels in the attached agenda should submit a request form by close of business on August 31, 2009, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/trans-09-21speaker-form.asp. Those that plan to attend the Philadelphia conference should submit the registration form, located at: https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/trans09-21-form.asp. In the event a transmission provider is uncertain as to which technical conference is the appropriate forum for discussion of its planning process, such transmission providers should contact Commission staff in advance to discuss the matter. Lastly, a comment date will be set at a later date allowing for the filing of post-conference comments. For further information about these conferences, please contact: Zeny Magos (Technical Information), Office of Energy Market Regulation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502– 8244, zeny.magos@ferc.gov. John Cohen (Legal Information), Office of the General Counsel—Energy VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:51 Aug 10, 2009 Jkt 217001 Markets, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, (202) 502– 8705, john.cohen@ferc.gov. Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–19138 Filed 8–10–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P PO 00000 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2006–0407; FRL–8943–4] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Information Collection Activities Associated With EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors; EPA ICR No. 1772, OMB Control No. 2060–0347 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11AUN1.SGM 11AUN1 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES 40184 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 11, 2009 / Notices U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2010. 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 October 13, 2009. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2006–0407, by one of the following methods: • www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov. • Fax: 202–566–9744. • Mail: Air and Radiation Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. • Hand Delivery: Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/ DC), EPA West Building, 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–OAR–2006– 0407. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:51 Aug 10, 2009 Jkt 217001 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: Mary Susan Bailey, Climate Protection Partnerships Division, Mailcode: 6202J, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–343– 9014; fax number: 202–343–2204; e-mail address: bailey.marysusan@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments? EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–OAR–2006–0407, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Building, 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 and Radiation Docket is 202–566–1742. Use www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the docket ID number identified in this document. What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in? Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically solicits comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (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 affected by this action are participants in EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors. Title: Information Collection Activities Associated with EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors. ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1772, OMB Control No. 2060–0347. ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on February 28, 2010. 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 E:\FR\FM\11AUN1.SGM 11AUN1 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 11, 2009 / Notices 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: ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program helping businesses and organizations as well as individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The program focuses on reducing utility-generated emissions by reducing the demand for energy. In 1991, EPA launched the Green Lights program to encourage corporations, State and local governments, colleges and universities, and other organizations to adopt energyefficient lighting as a profitable means of preventing pollution and improving lighting quality. Since then, EPA has rolled Green Lights into ENERGY STAR and expanded ENERGY STAR to encompass organization-wide energy performance improvement, such as building technology upgrades, product purchasing initiatives, and employee training. At the same time, EPA has streamlined the reporting procedures of ENERGY STAR and focused on providing incentives for improvements (e.g., ENERGY STAR Awards Program). EPA provides tools and other resources over the web to help the public overcome the barriers to evaluating their energy performance and investing in profitable improvements. EPA regularly evaluates its reporting procedures and tools to identify ways to minimize the public’s burden. For example, EPA has increasingly automated ENERGY STAR’s information collections so that organizations can submit information online instead of by mail. For several reasons, EPA has seen a dramatic increase in the public’s participation in ENERGY STAR over the past several years and expects their participation to rise even more in the coming years. President Obama has made energy efficiency an important component of the Federal government’s approach to energy management. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress and the president allocated approximately $20 billion to encourage Federal agencies, States, local governments and industry to design, improve and use energy efficient buildings and products. President Obama is currently urging Congress to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which would encourage greater energy efficiency in the nation’s buildings and homes. In addition, a growing number of State and local governments are promoting ENERGY STAR as a way for VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:51 Aug 10, 2009 Jkt 217001 the public to respond to rising energy costs and global warming. Participation in ENERGY STAR has also risen dramatically because of the efforts of trade associations, utilities, and thirdparty providers in promoting the program to the public. These organizations voluntarily transmit ENERGY STAR messages and promote the use of ENERGY STAR tools and strategies in an effort to help companies reduce their energy consumption and find more environmentally friendly ways to conduct business. To join ENERGY STAR, organizations are asked to complete a Partnership Letter or Agreement that establishes their commitment to protect the environment. Partners agree to undertake efforts such as measuring and tracking the energy performance of their facilities where possible by using tools such as those offered by ENERGY STAR, spreading the word about the importance of energy efficiency to staff and the community, supporting the ENERGY STAR Challenge, and highlighting achievements with recognition offered through ENERGY STAR. Partners also may be asked to periodically submit information to EPA as needed to assist in program implementation. For example, EPA maintains the Most Active Service and Product Providers Directory to provide the public with easy access to energy efficiency services that can help companies lower operating costs and increase their bottom line. Businesses wishing to appear in this directory are asked to submit a completed application that demonstrates that they have met specified requirements. Partnership in ENERGY STAR is voluntary and can be terminated by Partners or EPA at any time. EPA does not expect organizations to join the program unless their participation is cost-effective and otherwise beneficial for them. In addition, Partners and any other interested party can help EPA promote energy-efficient technologies by evaluating the efficiency of their buildings using EPA’s on-line tools (e.g., Portfolio Manager) and applying for recognition. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information will vary depending on the type of participant, the specific collection activity, and other factors. The annual burden for joining ENERGY STAR and conducting related activities is estimated to range from about 2 to 7 hours per respondent. This includes time for preparing and submitting the Partnership Letter or PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40185 Agreement and other information as requested. The burden for applying for an ENERGY STAR is estimated to range from about 5.5 to 10.5 hours per respondent. This includes time for reading the instructions of the benchmarking tool if needed, gathering and entering information on building characteristics and energy use into the tool, and preparing/submitting the ENERGY STAR application materials to EPA. The burden for applying for an ENERGY STAR Award is estimated to range from 2 to 26.5 hours per respondent. This includes time for preparing and submitting the awards application materials to EPA. 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 annual number of potential respondents: 6,000. Frequency of response: One-time, annually, and/or periodically, depending on the type of respondent and collection. Estimated total annual respondent burden hours: 54,500. Estimated total annual respondent costs: $5,436,710, including $3,574,491 in labor costs and $1,862,219 in O&M costs. There are no capital/start-up costs to respondents. Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval? The burden estimates presented in this document are from the last approval. EPA is currently evaluating and updating these estimates as part of the ICR renewal process. EPA will discuss its updated estimates, as well as changes from the last approval, in the next Federal Register notice to be issued for this renewal. E:\FR\FM\11AUN1.SGM 11AUN1 40186 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 11, 2009 / Notices 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 320.5(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: August 5, 2009. Kathleen Hogan, Director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division. [FR Doc. E9–19188 Filed 8–10–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8943–5] Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC); Request for Nominations for 2009 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Request for nominations for Clean Air Excellence Awards. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: EPA established the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program in February, 2000. This is an annual awards program to recognize outstanding and innovative efforts that support progress in achieving clean air. This notice announces the competition for the Year 2009 program. DATES: All submissions of entries for the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program must be postmarked by September 25, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Concerning the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program please use the CAAAC Web site and click on awards program or contact Mr. Pat Childers, U.S. EPA at 202–564–1082 or 202–564–1352 (Fax), mailing address: Office of Air and Radiation (6102A), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20004. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Awards Program Notice: Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 7403(a)(1) and (2) and sections 103(a)(1) and (2) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), notice is hereby given that the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) announces the opening of competition VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:51 Aug 10, 2009 Jkt 217001 for the Year 2009 ‘‘Clean Air Excellence Awards Program’’ (CAEAP). The intent of the program is to recognize and honor outstanding, innovative efforts that help to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The CAEAP is open to both public and private entities. Entries are limited to the United States. There are five general award categories: (1) Clean Air Technology; (2) Community Action; (3) Education/Outreach; (4) Regulatory/ Policy Innovations; (5) Transportation Efficiency Innovations; and two special awards categories: (1) Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award; and (2) Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award. Awards are given on an annual basis and are for recognition only. Entry Requirements: All applicants are asked to submit their entry on a CAEAP entry form, contained in the CAEAP Entry Package, which may be obtained from the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC) Web site at https://www.epa.gov/oar/caaac by clicking on Awards Program or by contacting Mr. Pat Childers, U.S. EPA at 202–564–1082 or 202–564–1352 Fax, mailing address: Office of Air and Radiation (6102A), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20004. The entry form is a simple, three-part form asking for general information on the applicant and the proposed entry; asking for a description of why the entry is deserving of an award; and requiring information from three (3) independent references for the proposed entry. Applicants should also submit the entry form electronically (cd preferred) and additional supporting documentation as necessary. Specific directions and information on filing an entry form are included in the Entry Package. Judging and Award Criteria: Judging will be accomplished through a screening process conducted by EPA staff, with input from outside subject experts, as needed. Members of the CAAAC will provide advice to EPA on the entries. The final award decisions will be made by the EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. Entries will be judged using both general criteria and criteria specific to each individual category. There are four (4) general criteria: (1) The entry directly or indirectly (i.e., by encouraging actions) reduces emissions of criteria pollutants or hazardous/toxic air pollutants; (2) The entry demonstrates innovation and uniqueness; (3) The entry provides a model for others to follow (i.e., it is replicable); and (4) The positive outcomes from the entry are continuing/ sustainable. Although not required to win an award, the following general PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 criteria will also be considered in the judging process: (1) The entry has positive effects on other environmental media in addition to air; (2) The entry Demonstrates effective collaboration and partnerships; and (3) The individual or organization submitting the entry has effectively measured/ evaluated the outcomes of the project, program, technology, etc. As previously mentioned, additional criteria will be used for each individual award category. These criteria are listed in the 2009 Entry Package. Dated: August 5, 2009. Patrick Childers, Designated Federal Official for Clean Air Act Advisory Committee. [FR Doc. E9–19192 Filed 8–10–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8942–9] Notice of a Regional Project Waiver of Section 1605 (Buy American requirement) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to the Hooksett, New Hampshire Sewer Commission AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The EPA is hereby granting a waiver of the Buy America requirements of ARRA Section 1605 under the authority of Section 1605(b)(2) [manufactured goods are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality] to the Hooksett, New Hampshire Sewer Commission (‘‘HSC’’) for the purchase of a foreign manufactured polyethylene Biofilm chip media. HSC’s proposed upgrade of its wastewater treatment facility upgrade will utilize an Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) process, in which the AnoxKaldnesTM Biochip-M IFAS media manufactured in Germany by Kruger, Inc. will meet the HSC’s design specifications. This is a project specific waiver and only applies to the use of the identified product for the ARRA funded project being proposed. Any other ARRA project that may wish to use the same product must apply for a separate waiver based on project specific circumstance. The Acting Regional Administrator is making this determination based on the review and recommendations of the Municipal Assistance Unit. The HSC through its design engineer has provided sufficient E:\FR\FM\11AUN1.SGM 11AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 11, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40183-40186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-19188]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0407; FRL-8943-4]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Information Collection Activities Associated With 
EPA's ENERGY STAR Program in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors; EPA 
ICR No. 1772, OMB Control No. 2060-0347

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44

[[Page 40184]]

U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to 
submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection 
Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is 
scheduled to expire on February 28, 2010. 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 October 13, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2006-0407, by one of the following methods:
     www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for 
submitting comments.
     E-mail: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov.
     Fax: 202-566-9744.
     Mail: Air and Radiation Docket, Environmental Protection 
Agency, Mailcode: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 
20460.
     Hand Delivery: Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket 
Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Building, 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-OAR-
2006-0407. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, 
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to 
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. 
The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, 
which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information 
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-
mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov 
your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part 
of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available 
on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends 
that you include your name and other contact information in the body of 
your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read 
your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, 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: Mary Susan Bailey, Climate Protection 
Partnerships Division, Mailcode: 6202J, Environmental Protection 
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone 
number: 202-343-9014; fax number: 202-343-2204; e-mail address: 
bailey.marysusan@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0407, which is available for online viewing at 
www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and Radiation 
Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Building, 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 and Radiation Docket is 202-
566-1742.
    Use www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft collection of 
information, submit or view public comments, access the index listing 
of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the 
public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, 
select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number identified in this 
document.

What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically 
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from 
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of 
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork 
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.

What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific 
examples.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used 
that support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified 
under DATES.
    7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page 
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to?

    Affected entities: Entities affected by this action are 
participants in EPA's ENERGY STAR Program in the Commercial and 
Industrial Sectors.
    Title: Information Collection Activities Associated with EPA's 
ENERGY STAR Program in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors.
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 1772, OMB Control No. 2060-0347.
    ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on February 
28, 2010. 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

[[Page 40185]]

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: ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program helping businesses and 
organizations as well as individuals protect the environment through 
superior energy efficiency. The program focuses on reducing utility-
generated emissions by reducing the demand for energy. In 1991, EPA 
launched the Green Lights program to encourage corporations, State and 
local governments, colleges and universities, and other organizations 
to adopt energy-efficient lighting as a profitable means of preventing 
pollution and improving lighting quality. Since then, EPA has rolled 
Green Lights into ENERGY STAR and expanded ENERGY STAR to encompass 
organization-wide energy performance improvement, such as building 
technology upgrades, product purchasing initiatives, and employee 
training. At the same time, EPA has streamlined the reporting 
procedures of ENERGY STAR and focused on providing incentives for 
improvements (e.g., ENERGY STAR Awards Program). EPA provides tools and 
other resources over the web to help the public overcome the barriers 
to evaluating their energy performance and investing in profitable 
improvements. EPA regularly evaluates its reporting procedures and 
tools to identify ways to minimize the public's burden. For example, 
EPA has increasingly automated ENERGY STAR's information collections so 
that organizations can submit information online instead of by mail.
    For several reasons, EPA has seen a dramatic increase in the 
public's participation in ENERGY STAR over the past several years and 
expects their participation to rise even more in the coming years. 
President Obama has made energy efficiency an important component of 
the Federal government's approach to energy management. Under the 
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress and the 
president allocated approximately $20 billion to encourage Federal 
agencies, States, local governments and industry to design, improve and 
use energy efficient buildings and products. President Obama is 
currently urging Congress to pass the American Clean Energy and 
Security Act, which would encourage greater energy efficiency in the 
nation's buildings and homes.
    In addition, a growing number of State and local governments are 
promoting ENERGY STAR as a way for the public to respond to rising 
energy costs and global warming. Participation in ENERGY STAR has also 
risen dramatically because of the efforts of trade associations, 
utilities, and third-party providers in promoting the program to the 
public. These organizations voluntarily transmit ENERGY STAR messages 
and promote the use of ENERGY STAR tools and strategies in an effort to 
help companies reduce their energy consumption and find more 
environmentally friendly ways to conduct business.
    To join ENERGY STAR, organizations are asked to complete a 
Partnership Letter or Agreement that establishes their commitment to 
protect the environment. Partners agree to undertake efforts such as 
measuring and tracking the energy performance of their facilities where 
possible by using tools such as those offered by ENERGY STAR, spreading 
the word about the importance of energy efficiency to staff and the 
community, supporting the ENERGY STAR Challenge, and highlighting 
achievements with recognition offered through ENERGY STAR.
    Partners also may be asked to periodically submit information to 
EPA as needed to assist in program implementation. For example, EPA 
maintains the Most Active Service and Product Providers Directory to 
provide the public with easy access to energy efficiency services that 
can help companies lower operating costs and increase their bottom 
line. Businesses wishing to appear in this directory are asked to 
submit a completed application that demonstrates that they have met 
specified requirements.
    Partnership in ENERGY STAR is voluntary and can be terminated by 
Partners or EPA at any time. EPA does not expect organizations to join 
the program unless their participation is cost-effective and otherwise 
beneficial for them.
    In addition, Partners and any other interested party can help EPA 
promote energy-efficient technologies by evaluating the efficiency of 
their buildings using EPA's on-line tools (e.g., Portfolio Manager) and 
applying for recognition.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information will vary depending on the 
type of participant, the specific collection activity, and other 
factors. The annual burden for joining ENERGY STAR and conducting 
related activities is estimated to range from about 2 to 7 hours per 
respondent. This includes time for preparing and submitting the 
Partnership Letter or Agreement and other information as requested. The 
burden for applying for an ENERGY STAR is estimated to range from about 
5.5 to 10.5 hours per respondent. This includes time for reading the 
instructions of the benchmarking tool if needed, gathering and entering 
information on building characteristics and energy use into the tool, 
and preparing/submitting the ENERGY STAR application materials to EPA. 
The burden for applying for an ENERGY STAR Award is estimated to range 
from 2 to 26.5 hours per respondent. This includes time for preparing 
and submitting the awards application materials to EPA.
    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 annual number of potential respondents: 6,000.
    Frequency of response: One-time, annually, and/or periodically, 
depending on the type of respondent and collection.
    Estimated total annual respondent burden hours: 54,500.
    Estimated total annual respondent costs: $5,436,710, including 
$3,574,491 in labor costs and $1,862,219 in O&M costs. There are no 
capital/start-up costs to respondents.

Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?

    The burden estimates presented in this document are from the last 
approval. EPA is currently evaluating and updating these estimates as 
part of the ICR renewal process. EPA will discuss its updated 
estimates, as well as changes from the last approval, in the next 
Federal Register notice to be issued for this renewal.

[[Page 40186]]

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 320.5(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: August 5, 2009.
Kathleen Hogan,
Director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division.
[FR Doc. E9-19188 Filed 8-10-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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