Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-729); Comment Request; Extension, 52796-52797 [E9-24575]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES 52796 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 14, 2009 / Notices (6) Who are DOE decision making personnel? Decision-making personnel are those DOE employees who are or may reasonably be expected to be involved in formulating a rulemaking. (7) What are the disclosure requirements applicable in ‘‘permit-butdisclose’’ proceedings? For the proceedings listed above, inperson meetings or telephone calls between DOE and an interested party or parties will require a memorandum memorializing the meeting to be placed in the public docket. The memorandum should include a summary of the issues discussed as well as a list of attendees and date of the meeting. The interested party or parties must complete the memorandum and submit it to DOE for inclusion in the public docket within one week of the meeting. The DOE reserves the right to supplement these public filings with additional information as necessary or to demand that the party making the filing do so (i.e., if DOE believes that important information was omitted or characterized incorrectly). If outside parties bring documents to give DOE employees, the employees should inform the outside parties that those documents will be put in the record. If the outside parties do not want DOE employees to put their documents in the record, they should not, except as specified in this response, provide the documents to or leave the documents with DOE. Interested parties may submit documents under a request for confidential treatment; however, a public version of these documents must be provided for the record for DOE to rely on the information as part of a rulemaking. In addition, DOE will make its own determination on whether documents should be released in response to a request for the documents under the Freedom of Information Act. (8) What communications are not covered by the ex parte guidance? Phone calls that DOE employees or contractors initiate to gather information as part of the rulemaking process need not be memorialized. If new data is obtained as a result of such contacts after issuance of the notice of proposed rulemaking, it may be necessary to seek public comment on the data for DOE to rely on the data in the final rule. (9) What is DOE’s role in ex parte communications? To safeguard the integrity of DOE’s rulemaking process, the primary goal of DOE employees in ex parte communications is to listen and ask clarifying questions. The DOE will not engage in negotiation or reveal substantive aspects of the forthcoming VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:35 Oct 13, 2009 Jkt 220001 rulemakings. The DOE is the receiver of information. If meetings are held with an outside party while the rulemaking is pending, every reasonable effort will be made to meet with any other outside party who requests a similar opportunity. (10) Where should memoranda memorializing ex parte communications be sent? Memorandums memorializing ex parte communications should be provided to the e-mail address listed above, expartecommunications@hq.doe.gov. (11) How does DOE give notice of ex parte communications? DOE is currently developing a link on the homepage of the Office of the General Counsel where ex parte communications will be posted. Further information on the Web site will be provided in a future Federal Register notice. Issued in Washington, DC, on October 7, 2009. Scott Blake Harris, General Counsel. [FR Doc. E9–24717 Filed 10–13–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. IC10–729–000] Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC–729); Comment Request; Extension October 6, 2009. AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE. ACTION: Notice of proposed information collection and request for comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(a) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described below. DATES: Comments in consideration of the collection of information are due December 15, 2009. ADDRESSES: Comments may be filed either electronically or in paper format, and should refer to Docket No. IC10– 729–000. Documents must be prepared in an acceptable filing format and in compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission submission guidelines at https://www.ferc.gov/help/ submission-guide.asp. PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Comments may be filed electronically via the eFiling link on the Commission’s Web site at https://www.ferc.gov. First time users will have to establish a user name and password (https:// www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ eregistration.asp) before eFiling. The Commission will send an automatic acknowledgement to the sender’s e-mail address upon receipt of comments through eFiling. Commenters filing electronically should not make a paper filing. Commenters that are not able to file electronically must send an original and two (2) copies of their comments to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. Users interested in receiving automatic notification of activity in this docket may do so through eSubscription (at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ esubscription.asp). In addition, all comments and FERC issuances may be viewed, printed or downloaded remotely through FERC’s Web site using the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link and searching on Docket Number IC10–729. For user assistance, contact FERC Online Support (e-mail at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or call tollfree at (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Brown may be reached by telephone at (202) 502–8663, by fax at (202) 273–0873, and by e-mail at ellen.brown@ferc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FERC–729 (‘‘Electric Transmission Facilities,’’ OMB Control No. 1902–0238) covers the reporting requirements 1 of 18 CFR part 50, and, as relates to transmission facilities, 18 CFR 380.3(c)(3), 380.5(b)(14), 380.6(a)(5), 380.15(d), and 380.16. The purpose of these regulations is to implement the Commission’s mandates under EPAct 2005 section 1221 which authorizes the Commission to issue permits under FPA section 216(b) for electric transmission facilities and the Commission’s delegated responsibility to coordinate all other Federal authorizations under FPA section 216(h). The related FERC regulations 1 These requirements were promulgated by Order 689, issued November 16, 2006, in Docket No. RM06–12, in accordance with section 1221 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005: (a) To establish filing requirements and procedures for entities seeking to construct or to modify electric transmission facilities, and (b) to coordinate the processing of Federal authorizations and the environmental review of electric transmission facilities in designated national interest electric transmission corridors. (Order 689 is available in FERC’s eLibrary at https://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/ intermediate.asp?link_file=yes&doclist=4455911.) E:\FR\FM\14OCN1.SGM 14OCN1 52797 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 14, 2009 / Notices seek to develop a timely review process for siting of proposed electric transmission facilities. The regulations provide for, among other things, an extensive pre-application process that will facilitate maximum participation from all interested entities and individuals to provide them with a reasonable opportunity to present their views and recommendations, with respect to the need for and impact of the facilities, early in the planning stages of the proposed facilities as required under FPA section 216(d). Additionally, under FPA section 216(b)(1)(C), FERC has the authority to issue a permit to construct electric transmission facilities if a state has withheld approval for more than a year or has conditioned its approval in such a manner that it will not significantly reduce transmission congestion or is not economically feasible. FERC envisions that, under certain circumstances, the Commission’s review of the proposed facilities may take place after one year of the state’s review. Accordingly, under section 50.6(e)(3) the Commission will not accept applications until one year after the state’s review and then from applicants who can demonstrate that a state may withhold or condition approval of proposed facilities to such an extent that the facilities will not be constructed.2 In cases where FERC’s jurisdiction rests on FPA section 216(b)(1)(C),3 the pre-filing process should not commence until one year after the relevant State applications have been filed. This will give the States one full year to process an application without any intervening Federal proceedings, including both the prefiling and application processes. Once that year is complete, an applicant may seek to commence FERC’s pre-filing process. Thereafter, once the pre-filing process is complete, the applicant may submit its application for a construction permit. The environmental report includes information on areas such as: aquatic life, wildlife, and vegetation and the expected impacts on them; cultural resources; socioeconomics; geological resources; soils, land use, recreation, and aesthetics; alternatives; buildings; and reliability and safety. Without the information collection, FERC would not be able to fulfill its statutory mandates to review requests for permits for transmission facilities, and to coordinate related Federal authorizations. Action: FERC is requesting a threeyear extension of the current FERC–729 reporting requirements, with no change. Burden Statement: The estimated, annual public reporting burden for FERC–729 follows. Annual No. of respondents Average No. of responses per respondent Average burden hours per response Total annual burden hours (1) FERC information collection (2) (3) (1) × (2) × (3) 10 1 9,600 96,000 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES FERC–729 ....................................................................................................... The total estimated annual cost burden 4 to respondents is $7,680,000 (96,000 hours × $80 per hour 4). The reporting burden includes the total time, effort, or financial resources expended to generate, maintain, retain, disclose, or provide the information including: (1) Reviewing instructions; (2) developing, acquiring, installing, and utilizing technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, verifying, processing, maintaining, disclosing and providing information; (3) adjusting the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; (4) training personnel to respond to a collection of information; (5) searching data sources; (6) completing and reviewing the collection of information; and (7) transmitting, or otherwise disclosing the information. The estimate of cost for respondents is based upon salaries for professional and clerical support, as well as direct and indirect overhead costs. Direct costs include all costs directly attributable to providing this information, such as administrative costs and the cost for information technology. Indirect or overhead costs are costs incurred by an organization in support of its mission. These costs apply to activities which benefit the whole organization rather than any one particular function or activity. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) 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; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 2 However, the Commission will not issue a permit authorizing construction of the proposed facilities until, among other things, it finds that the state has, in fact, withheld approval for more than a year or had so conditioned its approval. 3 In all other instances (i.e., where the state does not have jurisdiction to act or otherwise to consider interstate benefits, or the applicant does not qualify to apply for a permit with the State because it does not serve end use customers in the State), the prefiling process may be commenced at any time. 4 Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics ‘‘Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2008–09 Edition,’’ Occupational Employment Statistics (Occupational Employment and Wages, for May 2008, for Lawyers (23–1011), posted at https:// VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:35 Oct 13, 2009 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–24575 Filed 10–13–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. ER09–408–000; ER09–408– 001] Notice of Amended Filing; PacifiCorp October 6, 2009. Take notice that on October 5, 2009, PacifiCorp submitted a filing consisting of 12 unexecuted transmission service agreements between PacifiCorp and CEP Funding, LLC. This filing modifies PacifiCorp’s December 12, 2008 filing in this proceeding. www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes231011.htm), FERC is using $80 per hour. Other professions (such as engineers and administrators) are involved in preparing the filing. We are using $80 per hour as a high-end figure to include all of the professions involved with preparation of the filing. E:\FR\FM\14OCN1.SGM 14OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52796-52797]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24575]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. IC10-729-000]


Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-729); Comment 
Request; Extension

October 6, 2009.
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE.

ACTION: Notice of proposed information collection and request for 
comments.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(a) 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is soliciting public 
comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described 
below.

DATES: Comments in consideration of the collection of information are 
due December 15, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be filed either electronically or in paper 
format, and should refer to Docket No. IC10-729-000. Documents must be 
prepared in an acceptable filing format and in compliance with the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission submission guidelines at https://www.ferc.gov/help/submission-guide.asp.
    Comments may be filed electronically via the eFiling link on the 
Commission's Web site at https://www.ferc.gov. First time users will 
have to establish a user name and password (https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/eregistration.asp) before eFiling. The Commission will send an 
automatic acknowledgement to the sender's e-mail address upon receipt 
of comments through eFiling.
    Commenters filing electronically should not make a paper filing. 
Commenters that are not able to file electronically must send an 
original and two (2) copies of their comments to: Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission, 888 First Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20426.
    Users interested in receiving automatic notification of activity in 
this docket may do so through eSubscription (at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp). In addition, all comments and FERC 
issuances may be viewed, printed or downloaded remotely through FERC's 
Web site using the ``eLibrary'' link and searching on Docket Number 
IC10-729. For user assistance, contact FERC Online Support (e-mail at 
ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or call toll-free at (866) 208-3676, or for 
TTY, contact (202) 502-8659).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Brown may be reached by 
telephone at (202) 502-8663, by fax at (202) 273-0873, and by e-mail at 
ellen.brown@ferc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FERC-729 (``Electric Transmission 
Facilities,'' OMB Control No. 1902-0238) covers the reporting 
requirements \1\ of 18 CFR part 50, and, as relates to transmission 
facilities, 18 CFR 380.3(c)(3), 380.5(b)(14), 380.6(a)(5), 380.15(d), 
and 380.16.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These requirements were promulgated by Order 689, issued 
November 16, 2006, in Docket No. RM06-12, in accordance with section 
1221 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005: (a) To establish filing 
requirements and procedures for entities seeking to construct or to 
modify electric transmission facilities, and (b) to coordinate the 
processing of Federal authorizations and the environmental review of 
electric transmission facilities in designated national interest 
electric transmission corridors. (Order 689 is available in FERC's 
eLibrary at https://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/intermediate.asp?link_file=yes&doclist=4455911.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The purpose of these regulations is to implement the Commission's 
mandates under EPAct 2005 section 1221 which authorizes the Commission 
to issue permits under FPA section 216(b) for electric transmission 
facilities and the Commission's delegated responsibility to coordinate 
all other Federal authorizations under FPA section 216(h). The related 
FERC regulations

[[Page 52797]]

seek to develop a timely review process for siting of proposed electric 
transmission facilities. The regulations provide for, among other 
things, an extensive pre-application process that will facilitate 
maximum participation from all interested entities and individuals to 
provide them with a reasonable opportunity to present their views and 
recommendations, with respect to the need for and impact of the 
facilities, early in the planning stages of the proposed facilities as 
required under FPA section 216(d).
    Additionally, under FPA section 216(b)(1)(C), FERC has the 
authority to issue a permit to construct electric transmission 
facilities if a state has withheld approval for more than a year or has 
conditioned its approval in such a manner that it will not 
significantly reduce transmission congestion or is not economically 
feasible. FERC envisions that, under certain circumstances, the 
Commission's review of the proposed facilities may take place after one 
year of the state's review. Accordingly, under section 50.6(e)(3) the 
Commission will not accept applications until one year after the 
state's review and then from applicants who can demonstrate that a 
state may withhold or condition approval of proposed facilities to such 
an extent that the facilities will not be constructed.\2\ In cases 
where FERC's jurisdiction rests on FPA section 216(b)(1)(C),\3\ the 
pre-filing process should not commence until one year after the 
relevant State applications have been filed. This will give the States 
one full year to process an application without any intervening Federal 
proceedings, including both the pre-filing and application processes. 
Once that year is complete, an applicant may seek to commence FERC's 
pre-filing process. Thereafter, once the pre-filing process is 
complete, the applicant may submit its application for a construction 
permit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ However, the Commission will not issue a permit authorizing 
construction of the proposed facilities until, among other things, 
it finds that the state has, in fact, withheld approval for more 
than a year or had so conditioned its approval.
    \3\ In all other instances (i.e., where the state does not have 
jurisdiction to act or otherwise to consider interstate benefits, or 
the applicant does not qualify to apply for a permit with the State 
because it does not serve end use customers in the State), the pre-
filing process may be commenced at any time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The environmental report includes information on areas such as: 
aquatic life, wildlife, and vegetation and the expected impacts on 
them; cultural resources; socioeconomics; geological resources; soils, 
land use, recreation, and aesthetics; alternatives; buildings; and 
reliability and safety.
    Without the information collection, FERC would not be able to 
fulfill its statutory mandates to review requests for permits for 
transmission facilities, and to coordinate related Federal 
authorizations.
    Action: FERC is requesting a three-year extension of the current 
FERC-729 reporting requirements, with no change.
    Burden Statement: The estimated, annual public reporting burden for 
FERC-729 follows.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Average No. of  Average  burden
         FERC information collection           Annual No. of    responses per      hours  per      Total annual
                                                respondents       respondent        response       burden hours
                                                         (1)              (2)              (3)   (1) x (2) x (3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-729....................................              10                1            9,600           96,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The total estimated annual cost burden \4\ to respondents is 
$7,680,000 (96,000 hours x $80 per hour \4\).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics ``Occupational 
Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2008-09 Edition,'' Occupational Employment 
Statistics (Occupational Employment and Wages, for May 2008, for 
Lawyers (23-1011), posted at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes231011.htm), FERC is using $80 per hour. Other professions (such 
as engineers and administrators) are involved in preparing the 
filing. We are using $80 per hour as a high-end figure to include 
all of the professions involved with preparation of the filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The reporting burden includes the total time, effort, or financial 
resources expended to generate, maintain, retain, disclose, or provide 
the information including: (1) Reviewing instructions; (2) developing, 
acquiring, installing, and utilizing technology and systems for the 
purposes of collecting, validating, verifying, processing, maintaining, 
disclosing and providing information; (3) adjusting the existing ways 
to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; 
(4) training personnel to respond to a collection of information; (5) 
searching data sources; (6) completing and reviewing the collection of 
information; and (7) transmitting, or otherwise disclosing the 
information.
    The estimate of cost for respondents is based upon salaries for 
professional and clerical support, as well as direct and indirect 
overhead costs. Direct costs include all costs directly attributable to 
providing this information, such as administrative costs and the cost 
for information technology. Indirect or overhead costs are costs 
incurred by an organization in support of its mission. These costs 
apply to activities which benefit the whole organization rather than 
any one particular function or activity.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the Commission, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (2) 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; (3) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including 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.

Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9-24575 Filed 10-13-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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