Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science; Extension of Comment Period and Notice of Public Hearing, 24255-24256 [2018-11316]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 102 / Friday, May 25, 2018 / Proposed Rules approximately 15 percent of students receive their education exclusively through distance education while 68.3 percent took no distance education courses. However, at proprietary institutions almost 59.2 percent of students were exclusively distance education students and 30.4 percent had not enrolled in any distance education courses.1 The delay in a clear State authorization rule for distance education may slow the reshuffling of the postsecondary education market or the increased participation of small entities in distance education, but that is not necessarily the case. Distance education has expanded over recent years even in the absence of a clear State authorization regime. In the analysis of the 2016 final rule, we noted that the Department estimated total State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) fees and additional State fees of approximately $7 million annually for small entities, but acknowledged that costs could vary significantly by type of institution and institutions’ resources and that these considerations may influence the extent to which small entities operate distance education programs. Small entities that do participate in the distance education sector may benefit from avoiding these fees during the delay period. If 50 percent of small entities offer distance education, the average annual cost savings per small entity during the delay would be approximately $3,280, but that would increase to $6,560 if distance education was only offered by 25 percent of small entities. This estimate assumes small entities have not already taken steps to comply with the State authorization requirements in the 2016 final rule. The Department welcomes comments on the distribution of small entities offering distance education, the estimated costs to obtain State authorization for their programs, and the extent to which small entities have already incurred costs to comply with the 2016 final rule. The Department also estimated that small entities would incur 13,981 hours of burden in connection with information collection requirements with an estimated cost of $510,991 annually. Small entities may be able to avoid some of the anticipated burden during the delay. To the extent small entities would need to spend funds to comply with State authorization requirements for distance education, the proposed delay would allow them to postpone incurring those costs. And although institutions may have incurred some of the $510,991 annual costs to prepare for the information collection requirements, it is possible that institutions could avoid up to that amount during the period of the delay. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 As indicated in the Paperwork Reduction Act section published in the 2016 final regulations, the assessed estimated burden was 152,565 hours affecting institutions with an estimated cost of $5,576,251. The table below identifies the regulatory sections, OMB Control Numbers, estimated burden hours, and estimated costs of those final regulations. OMB control No. Regulatory section 24255 Burden hours Estimated cost $36.55/hour institution 1845–0144 1845–0145 1845–0145 160 151,715 690 5,848 5,545183 25,220 Total ...................................................................................................................................... ........................ 152,565 5,576,251 Cost savings due to delayed effective date ......................................................................... amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1 600.9 ............................................................................................................................................ 668.50(b) ...................................................................................................................................... 668.50(c) ...................................................................................................................................... ........................ 152,565 5,576,251 This notice proposes to delay the effective date of the all of the cited regulations. Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Electronic Access to this Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site, you can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or PDF. To use PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site. You may also access documents of the Department published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at: www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department. 1 2017 Digest of Education Statistics Table 311.15: Number and percentage of students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by distance education participation, location of student, level of enrollment, and control and level of institution: Fall 2015 and fall 2016. Available at VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:49 May 24, 2018 Jkt 244001 requirements, Selective Service System, Student aid, Vocational education. Dated: May 22, 2018. Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education. [FR Doc. 2018–11262 Filed 5–24–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P List of Subjects ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 34 CFR Part 600 Colleges and universities, Foreign relations, Grant programs—education, Loan programs—education, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Student aid, Vocational education. 34 CFR Part 668 Administrative practice and procedure, Colleges and universities, Consumer protection, Grant programs— education, Loan programs—education, Reporting and recordkeeping PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 40 CFR Part 30 [EPA–HQ–OA–2018–0259; FRL–9978–31– ORD] RIN 2080–AA14 Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science; Extension of Comment Period and Notice of Public Hearing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). AGENCY: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/ dt17_311.15.asp?current=yes. E:\FR\FM\25MYP1.SGM 25MYP1 24256 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 102 / Friday, May 25, 2018 / Proposed Rules Proposed rule; extension of comment period; notice of public hearing. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS1 ACTION: SUMMARY: On April 30, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule titled, ‘‘Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science.’’ The EPA is extending the comment period on the proposed rule, which was scheduled to close on May 30, 2018, until August 16, 2018. The EPA is also announcing a public hearing to be held for the proposed rule. The hearing will be held on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. The EPA is making these changes in response to public requests for an extension of the comment period and for a public hearing. DATES: The public comment period for the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2018 (83 FR 18768), is being extended. Written comments must be received on or before August 16, 2018. The public hearing will be held on July 17, 2018. ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for the proposed rulemaking (available at https:// www.regulations.gov). The Docket ID No. is EPA–HQ–OA–2018–0259. Submit your comments, identified by the appropriate Docket ID, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. If you need to include CBI as part of your comment, please visit https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html for instructions. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html. Public hearing: The public hearing will be held at the Environmental Protection Agency, William Jefferson Clinton East Building, Main Floor Room 1153, 1201 Constitution Avenue NW, in Washington, DC 20460. The public hearing will convene at 8:00 a.m. EST and continue until 8:00 p.m. EST or one hour after the last registered speaker has spoken, whichever is earlier. The EPA VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:49 May 24, 2018 Jkt 244001 will make every effort to accommodate all speakers that arrive and register. Because this hearing is being held at a U.S. government facility, individuals planning to attend the hearing should be prepared to show valid picture identification to the security staff to gain access to the meeting room. No large signs will be allowed in the building, cameras may only be used outside of the building, and demonstrations will not be allowed on federal property for security reasons. If you would like to present oral testimony at the public hearing, please register online at https://www.epa.gov/ osa/strengthening-transparencyregulatory-science or contact Tom Sinks, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Science Advisor, (MC 8105R), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460, telephone (202) 564–0221, staff_osa@epa.gov, no later than 2 business days prior to the public hearing. The last day to register will be July 15, 2018. If using email, please provide the following information: Time of day you wish to speak (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.), name, affiliation, address, email address, and telephone and fax numbers. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions concerning the proposed rule, ‘‘Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science’’ should be addressed to Tom Sinks, Office of the Science Advisor, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; (202) 564–0221; email address: staff_ osa@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document extends the public comment period for the proposed rule to ensure that the public has sufficient time to review and comment on the proposal. EPA is proposing this rule under authority of 5 U.S.C. 301, in addition to the authorities listed in the April 30th document. The public hearing provides the public with an opportunity to present oral comments regarding EPA’s proposed regulation entitled ‘‘Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science.’’ This proposed regulation is intended to strengthen the transparency of EPA regulatory science. The proposed regulation provides that, for the science pivotal to its significant regulatory actions, EPA will ensure that the data and models underlying the science is publicly available in a manner sufficient for validation and analysis. EPA is proposing this rule under authority of 5 U.S.C. 301, in PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 addition to the authorities listed in the April 30th document. The public hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity to present data, views, or arguments concerning the proposal. EPA solicits comments on all aspects of the proposal and specifically on the issues identified in Section III of the April 30th document. The EPA may ask clarifying questions during the oral presentations, but will not respond to the presentations at that time. Written statements and supporting information submitted during the comment period will be considered with the same weight as any oral comments and supporting information presented at the public hearing. Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes for each commenter. The EPA encourages commenters to provide EPA with a copy of their oral testimony electronically via email or in hard copy form. The hearing schedules, including lists of speakers, will be posted on EPA’s website https://www.epa.gov/osa/ strengthening-transparency-regulatoryscience. Verbatim transcripts of the hearings and written statements will be included in the docket for the rulemaking. EPA will make every effort to follow the schedule as closely as possible on the day of the hearing; however, please plan for the hearing to run either ahead of schedule or behind schedule. Dated: May 21, 2018. Tom Sinks, Director, Office of the Science Advisor. [FR Doc. 2018–11316 Filed 5–24–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R05–OAR–2018–0008; FRL–9978–63Region 5] Air Plan Approval; Wisconsin; Particulate Matter Standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a January 4, 2018, request by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin) to revise its state implementation plan (SIP) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Wisconsin updated its ambient air quality standards for PM2.5 to be consistent with EPA’s 2012 revisions to the PM2.5 E:\FR\FM\25MYP1.SGM 25MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 102 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24255-24256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11316]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 30

[EPA-HQ-OA-2018-0259; FRL-9978-31-ORD]
RIN 2080-AA14


Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science; Extension of 
Comment Period and Notice of Public Hearing

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

[[Page 24256]]


ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period; notice of public 
hearing.

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

SUMMARY: On April 30, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 
proposed a rule titled, ``Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory 
Science.'' The EPA is extending the comment period on the proposed 
rule, which was scheduled to close on May 30, 2018, until August 16, 
2018. The EPA is also announcing a public hearing to be held for the 
proposed rule. The hearing will be held on July 17, 2018 in Washington, 
DC. The EPA is making these changes in response to public requests for 
an extension of the comment period and for a public hearing.

DATES: The public comment period for the proposed rule published in the 
Federal Register on April 30, 2018 (83 FR 18768), is being extended. 
Written comments must be received on or before August 16, 2018. The 
public hearing will be held on July 17, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for the proposed rulemaking 
(available at https://www.regulations.gov). The Docket ID No. is EPA-HQ-
OA-2018-0259. Submit your comments, identified by the appropriate 
Docket ID, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or withdrawn. The 
EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not 
submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. If you need to include CBI as part of your 
comment, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html for 
instructions. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be 
accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the 
official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish 
to make.
    For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment 
policy, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit 
https://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html.
    Public hearing: The public hearing will be held at the 
Environmental Protection Agency, William Jefferson Clinton East 
Building, Main Floor Room 1153, 1201 Constitution Avenue NW, in 
Washington, DC 20460. The public hearing will convene at 8:00 a.m. EST 
and continue until 8:00 p.m. EST or one hour after the last registered 
speaker has spoken, whichever is earlier. The EPA will make every 
effort to accommodate all speakers that arrive and register. Because 
this hearing is being held at a U.S. government facility, individuals 
planning to attend the hearing should be prepared to show valid picture 
identification to the security staff to gain access to the meeting 
room. No large signs will be allowed in the building, cameras may only 
be used outside of the building, and demonstrations will not be allowed 
on federal property for security reasons.
    If you would like to present oral testimony at the public hearing, 
please register online at https://www.epa.gov/osa/strengthening-transparency-regulatory-science or contact Tom Sinks, Environmental 
Protection Agency, Office of the Science Advisor, (MC 8105R), 1200 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460, telephone (202) 564-0221, 
[email protected], no later than 2 business days prior to the public 
hearing. The last day to register will be July 15, 2018. If using 
email, please provide the following information: Time of day you wish 
to speak (8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.-8:00 
p.m.), name, affiliation, address, email address, and telephone and fax 
numbers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions concerning the proposed 
rule, ``Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science'' should be 
addressed to Tom Sinks, Office of the Science Advisor, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; 
(202) 564-0221; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document extends the public comment 
period for the proposed rule to ensure that the public has sufficient 
time to review and comment on the proposal. EPA is proposing this rule 
under authority of 5 U.S.C. 301, in addition to the authorities listed 
in the April 30th document.
    The public hearing provides the public with an opportunity to 
present oral comments regarding EPA's proposed regulation entitled 
``Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science.'' This proposed 
regulation is intended to strengthen the transparency of EPA regulatory 
science. The proposed regulation provides that, for the science pivotal 
to its significant regulatory actions, EPA will ensure that the data 
and models underlying the science is publicly available in a manner 
sufficient for validation and analysis. EPA is proposing this rule 
under authority of 5 U.S.C. 301, in addition to the authorities listed 
in the April 30th document.
    The public hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity 
to present data, views, or arguments concerning the proposal. EPA 
solicits comments on all aspects of the proposal and specifically on 
the issues identified in Section III of the April 30th document. The 
EPA may ask clarifying questions during the oral presentations, but 
will not respond to the presentations at that time. Written statements 
and supporting information submitted during the comment period will be 
considered with the same weight as any oral comments and supporting 
information presented at the public hearing.
    Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes for each commenter. The 
EPA encourages commenters to provide EPA with a copy of their oral 
testimony electronically via email or in hard copy form.
    The hearing schedules, including lists of speakers, will be posted 
on EPA's website https://www.epa.gov/osa/strengthening-transparency-regulatory-science. Verbatim transcripts of the hearings and written 
statements will be included in the docket for the rulemaking. EPA will 
make every effort to follow the schedule as closely as possible on the 
day of the hearing; however, please plan for the hearing to run either 
ahead of schedule or behind schedule.

    Dated: May 21, 2018.
Tom Sinks,
Director, Office of the Science Advisor.
[FR Doc. 2018-11316 Filed 5-24-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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