Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities, 3461-3462 [2018-01324]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 17 / Thursday, January 25, 2018 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES records must be maintained in accordance with state law. Rule 3a–8 contains an additional requirement that is also a collection of information within the meaning of the PRA. The board of directors of a company that relies on the safe harbor under rule 3a–8 must adopt a written policy with respect to the company’s capital preservation investments. We expect that the board of directors will base its decision to adopt the resolution discussed above, in part, on investment guidelines that the company will follow to ensure its investment portfolio is in compliance with the rule’s requirements. The collection of information imposed by rule 3a–8 is voluntary because the rule is an exemptive safe harbor, and therefore, R&D companies may choose whether or not to rely on it. The purposes of the information collection requirements in rule 3a–8 are to ensure that: (i) The board of directors of an R&D company is involved in determining whether the company should be considered an investment company and subject to regulation under the Act, and (ii) adequate records are available for Commission review, if necessary. Rule 3a–8 would not require the reporting of any information or the filing of any documents with the Commission. Commission staff estimates that there is no annual recordkeeping burden associated with the rule’s requirements. Nevertheless, the Commission requests authorization to maintain an inventory of one burden hour for administrative purposes. Commission staff estimates that approximately 65,139 R&D companies may take advantage of rule 3a–8.2 Given that the board resolutions and investment guidelines will generally need to be adopted only once (unless relevant circumstances change),3 the Commission believes that all the R&D companies that existed prior to the adoption of rule 3a–8 adopted their board resolutions and established written investment guidelines in 2003 when the rule was adopted. We expect that R&D companies formed subsequent to the adoption of rule 3a–8 would adopt the board resolution and investment guidelines simultaneously with their formation documents in the 2 See National Science Foundation/Division of Science Resources Statistics, Business Research and Development and Innovation Survey: 2013 (results published August 2, 2016). 3 In the event of changed circumstances, the Commission believes that the board resolution and investment guidelines will be amended and recorded in the ordinary course of business and would not create additional time burdens. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:37 Jan 24, 2018 Jkt 244001 ordinary course of business.4 Therefore, we estimate that rule 3a–8 does not impose additional burdens. 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 control number. The public may view the background documentation for this information collection at the following website, www.reginfo.gov. Comments should be directed to: (i) Desk Officer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10102, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, or by sending an email to: Shagufta_ Ahmed@omb.eop.gov; and (ii) Pamela Dyson, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Remi Pavlik-Simon, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549 or send an email to: PRA_Mailbox@ sec.gov. Comments must be submitted to OMB within 30 days of this notice. Dated: January 19, 2018. Eduardo A. Aleman, Assistant Secretary. BILLING CODE 8011–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Sunshine Act Meetings; Unified Carrier Registration Plan Board of Directors Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Unified Carrier Registration Plan Board of Directors Meeting. AGENCY: The meeting will be held on January 30, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central Standard Time. PLACE: The meeting will be open to the public at the; Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, and via conference call. Those not attending the meeting in person may call toll-free; 1–877–422– 1931, passcode 2855443940, to listen and participate in the meeting. STATUS: Open to the public. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: The Unified Carrier Registration Plan Board of TIME AND DATE: 4 In order for these companies to raise sufficient capital to fund their product development stage, Commission staff believes that they will need to present potential investors with investment guidelines. Investors generally want to be assured that the company’s funds are invested consistent with the goals of capital preservation and liquidity. Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Directors (the Board) will continue its work in developing and implementing the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement and to that end, may consider matters properly before the Board. An agenda for this meeting is available at: https://ucrplan.org. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Avelino Gutierrez, Chair, Unified Carrier Registration Board of Directors at (505) 827–4565. Issued on: January 22, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. [FR Doc. 2018–01454 Filed 1–23–18; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No. PHMSA–2017–0082] Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: [FR Doc. 2018–01340 Filed 1–24–18; 8:45 am] PO 00000 3461 On October 18, 2017, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice in the Federal Register to invite comments on an information collection under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control No. 2137–0629 to revise Form PHMSA F 7100.1–1 Annual Report—Gas Distribution System, and the instructions associated with this Form. During the 60-day comment period, PHMSA received five comments in response to this information collection from the stakeholders. PHMSA is publishing this notice to respond to the comments received and to announce that the information collection will be submitted to OMB for approval. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 26, 2018. ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the burden estimate, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503. You may also send comments by email to OIRAsubmission@omb.eop.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Dow by telephone at 202–366– SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM 25JAN1 3462 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 17 / Thursday, January 25, 2018 / Notices 1246, by fax at 202–366–4566, or by mail at U.S. Department of Transportation, PHMSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, PHP–30, Washington, DC 20590–0001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, requires PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected entities an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping requests. This notice identifies the proposed changes to the information collection that PHMSA will submit to OMB for approval. In order to improve the data collection processes, PHMSA is revising the Gas Distribution Annual Report Form PHMSA F 7100.1–1, and the instructions associated with this Form. PHMSA will remove ‘‘Other’’ as a selection for Operator Type in Part A7 and add guidance for the proper selection to the instructions. By eliminating ‘‘Other’’ as a selection, PHMSA will obtain more accurate data about the types of gas distribution operators. PHMSA is also changing the instructions for PHMSA Form 7100.1–1, Gas Distribution System Annual Report, related to calculating the percent of lost and unaccounted for (LAUF) gas and negative percent values. PHMSA will calculate the percent of LAUF gas by dividing the LAUF volume by the gas consumption volume. PHMSA will allow a negative value to be reported for the percent of LAUF gas. These changes will harmonize the PHMSA and Energy Information Administration (EIA) methodologies for calculating the percent of LAUF gas. PHMSA received five comments in response to the revision of this information collection. Four comments came from anonymous sources and one comment came from The American Public Gas Association (APGA). sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES A. Summary of Comment PHMSA has proposed changing the denominator from ‘‘volume of input’’ to ‘‘volume consumed’’ when calculating the percent of lost and unaccounted for gas. This change would match the methodology used by the EIA. APGA recommends no change to the methodology for calculating the percent of lost and unaccounted for gas since a percent is not reported to the EIA. Also, changing the denominator for calculating percent would make analysis of multi-year trends more difficult. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:37 Jan 24, 2018 Jkt 244001 B. PHMSA Response Each year, EIA publishes volume data in a document titled: Natural Gas Annual. In Table A1 of the calendar year 2016 Natural Gas Annual, the EIA calculates ‘‘Losses and Unaccounted as a percent of Total Consumption.’’ PHMSA’s proposal aligns with the EIA methodology in the Natural Gas Annual. Regarding the impact of the methodology change on the analysis of multi-year trends, the impact would be minimal. For example, using calendar year 2016 EIA data for Massachusetts, the percent using the current PHMSA methodology yields a value of 3.2 percent. When using the EIA methodology, the value is 3.3 percent. II. Summary of Impacted Collection Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, requires PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected agencies an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping requests. This notice identifies an information collection request that PHMSA will submit to OMB for revision. The changes proposed by PHMSA would have no effect on the calendar year 2017 data collection now in progress. The changes would be implemented when operators submit calendar year 2018 data early in calendar year 2019. The following information is provided for this information collection: (1) Title of the information collection; (2) OMB control number; (3) Current expiration date; (4) Type of request; (5) Abstract of the information collection activity; (6) Description of affected public; (7) Estimate of total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden; and (8) Frequency of collection. PHMSA will request a three-year term of approval for this information collection activity. PHMSA requests comments on the following information collection: 1. Title: Annual Report for Gas Distribution Pipeline Operators. OMB Control Number: 2137–0629. Current Expiration Date: 1/31/2018. Type of Request: Revision. Abstract: PHMSA intends to revise the form and instructions for the gas distribution annual report PHMSA F 7100.1–1. Affected Public: Gas distribution pipeline operators. Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden: Total Annual Responses: 1,446. Total Annual Burden Hours: 24,582. Frequency of Collection: Annually. Comments are invited on: (a) The need for the renewal and revision of these collections of PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 information for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques. Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended; and 49 CFR 1.48. Issued in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2018, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.97. Alan K. Mayberry, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 2018–01324 Filed 1–24–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Senior Executive Service; Departmental Performance Review Board Treasury Department. Notice of members of the Departmental Performance Review Board (PRB). AGENCY: ACTION: This notice announces the appointment of members of the Departmental PRB. The purpose of this PRB is to review and make recommendations concerning proposed performance appraisals, ratings, bonuses and other appropriate personnel actions for incumbents of SES positions for which the Secretary or Deputy Secretary is the appointing authority. These positions include SES bureau heads, deputy bureau heads and certain other positions. The Board will perform PRB functions for other key bureau positions if requested. DATES: Membership is effective on the date of this notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia J. Markham, Director, Office of Executive Resources, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, ATTN: 1722 Eye Street, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20220, Telephone: (202) 927–4370. Composition of Departmental PRB: The Board shall consist of at least three members. In the case of an appraisal of a career appointee, more than half the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25JAN1.SGM 25JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 17 (Thursday, January 25, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3461-3462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01324]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-2017-0082]


Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: On October 18, 2017, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration (PHMSA) published a notice in the Federal Register to 
invite comments on an information collection under Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) Control No. 2137-0629 to revise Form PHMSA F 7100.1-1 
Annual Report--Gas Distribution System, and the instructions associated 
with this Form.
    During the 60-day comment period, PHMSA received five comments in 
response to this information collection from the stakeholders. PHMSA is 
publishing this notice to respond to the comments received and to 
announce that the information collection will be submitted to OMB for 
approval.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 26, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the burden estimate, including 
suggestions for reducing the burden, to OMB, Attention: Desk Officer 
for the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, 725 17th Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20503. You may also send comments by email to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Dow by telephone at 202-366-

[[Page 3462]]

1246, by fax at 202-366-4566, or by mail at U.S. Department of 
Transportation, PHMSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, PHP-30, Washington, 
DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, requires 
PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected entities 
an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping 
requests. This notice identifies the proposed changes to the 
information collection that PHMSA will submit to OMB for approval. In 
order to improve the data collection processes, PHMSA is revising the 
Gas Distribution Annual Report Form PHMSA F 7100.1-1, and the 
instructions associated with this Form. PHMSA will remove ``Other'' as 
a selection for Operator Type in Part A7 and add guidance for the 
proper selection to the instructions. By eliminating ``Other'' as a 
selection, PHMSA will obtain more accurate data about the types of gas 
distribution operators.
    PHMSA is also changing the instructions for PHMSA Form 7100.1-1, 
Gas Distribution System Annual Report, related to calculating the 
percent of lost and unaccounted for (LAUF) gas and negative percent 
values. PHMSA will calculate the percent of LAUF gas by dividing the 
LAUF volume by the gas consumption volume. PHMSA will allow a negative 
value to be reported for the percent of LAUF gas. These changes will 
harmonize the PHMSA and Energy Information Administration (EIA) 
methodologies for calculating the percent of LAUF gas.
    PHMSA received five comments in response to the revision of this 
information collection. Four comments came from anonymous sources and 
one comment came from The American Public Gas Association (APGA).

A. Summary of Comment

    PHMSA has proposed changing the denominator from ``volume of 
input'' to ``volume consumed'' when calculating the percent of lost and 
unaccounted for gas. This change would match the methodology used by 
the EIA. APGA recommends no change to the methodology for calculating 
the percent of lost and unaccounted for gas since a percent is not 
reported to the EIA. Also, changing the denominator for calculating 
percent would make analysis of multi-year trends more difficult.

B. PHMSA Response

    Each year, EIA publishes volume data in a document titled: Natural 
Gas Annual. In Table A1 of the calendar year 2016 Natural Gas Annual, 
the EIA calculates ``Losses and Unaccounted as a percent of Total 
Consumption.'' PHMSA's proposal aligns with the EIA methodology in the 
Natural Gas Annual. Regarding the impact of the methodology change on 
the analysis of multi-year trends, the impact would be minimal. For 
example, using calendar year 2016 EIA data for Massachusetts, the 
percent using the current PHMSA methodology yields a value of 3.2 
percent. When using the EIA methodology, the value is 3.3 percent.

II. Summary of Impacted Collection

    Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, requires 
PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected agencies 
an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping 
requests. This notice identifies an information collection request that 
PHMSA will submit to OMB for revision. The changes proposed by PHMSA 
would have no effect on the calendar year 2017 data collection now in 
progress. The changes would be implemented when operators submit 
calendar year 2018 data early in calendar year 2019.
    The following information is provided for this information 
collection: (1) Title of the information collection; (2) OMB control 
number; (3) Current expiration date; (4) Type of request; (5) Abstract 
of the information collection activity; (6) Description of affected 
public; (7) Estimate of total annual reporting and recordkeeping 
burden; and (8) Frequency of collection. PHMSA will request a three-
year term of approval for this information collection activity. PHMSA 
requests comments on the following information collection:
    1. Title: Annual Report for Gas Distribution Pipeline Operators.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0629.
    Current Expiration Date: 1/31/2018.
    Type of Request: Revision.
    Abstract: PHMSA intends to revise the form and instructions for the 
gas distribution annual report PHMSA F 7100.1-1.
    Affected Public: Gas distribution pipeline operators.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Total Annual Responses: 1,446.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 24,582.
    Frequency of Collection: Annually.
    Comments are invited on:
    (a) The need for the renewal and revision of these collections of 
information for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (b) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques.

    Authority:  The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35, as amended; and 49 CFR 1.48.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2018, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Alan K. Mayberry,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 2018-01324 Filed 1-24-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
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