Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey, 14305-14306 [2021-05231]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 48 / Monday, March 15, 2021 / Notices review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on or after the date of publication of this notice. We invite the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on December 17, 2020 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Agency: Census Bureau. Title: Quarterly Survey of Plant Capacity Utilization. OMB Control Number: 0607–0175. Form Number(s): MQ–C2. Type of Request: Regular submission, Request for an Extension, without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection. Number of Respondents: 7,500. Average Hours per Response: 2 hours and 5 minutes. Burden Hours: 62,500. Needs and Uses: The U.S. Census Bureau, on behalf of the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), within the Department of Defense (DOD), requests an extension of approval for the Quarterly Survey of Plant Capacity Utilization (QPC). The survey provides information on use of industrial capacity in manufacturing and publishing plants as defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The Survey of Plant Capacity Utilization began in the 1970’s as an annual survey that collected fourth quarter data only. The annual survey continued through 2006. In 2007, the FRB requested that the survey be converted to a quarterly survey due to the necessity for quarterly data rather than annual. The survey is the only governmental source of capacity utilization rates at industry levels. Changes in capacity utilization are considered important indicators of investment demand and inflationary pressure. For these reasons, the estimates of capacity utilization are closely monitored by government policy makers and private sector decision makers. The survey collects the value of quarterly production, the value of production that could be achieved if operating under ‘‘full production’’ capability, and the value of production that could be achieved if operating under ‘‘emergency production’’ capability. The ratio of the actual to the full is the basis of the estimates for full capacity utilization rates and similarly, the actual to the emergency for the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:36 Mar 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 emergency capacity utilization rates. The survey also collects information by shift, on work patterns at the actual production level. The FRB is the primary user of the current QPC data and expressed the need for these quarterly data. FRB publishes measures of industrial production (IP), capacity, and capacity utilization in its G.17 statistical release, which has been designated by the federal government as a Principal Federal Economic Indicator. Utilization rates from the QPC survey are a principle source for the measures of capacity and capacity utilization. The indexes of IP are either estimated from physical product data or estimated from monthly data on inputs to the production process, specifically production worker hours and an indicator of capital input. For many years, data on electric power use was used as the indicator of industry capital input. The deregulation of electricity markets led to the deterioration in the coverage and quality of the electricity data. As a result, in November 2005, the FRB discontinued its use of the industrial electric power data in the current estimates of IP. To maintain the quality of the IP index, the collection of these quarterly data, including the utilization rate data and the workweek of capital, is critical to the indicators of capital input use and industry output. The FRB uses these data in several ways. First, the QPC data are the primary source of information for the capacity indexes and utilization rates published by the FRB. Second, the QPC utilization rate data are used as indicators of output for some industries in the estimation of monthly IP. Third, the QPC utilization rate data and the workweek data are used to improve the projections of labor productivity that are used to align IP with comprehensive benchmark information from the Economic Census covering the Manufacturing sector and the Annual Survey of Manufactures. Finally, utilization rate data will assist in the assessment of recent changes in IP, as most of the high-frequency movement in utilization rates reflect production changes rather than capacity changes. The DLA uses the data to assess industrial base readiness and ramp-up time to meet demand for goods under selected national emergency scenarios. In addition to the FRB and DLA uses, these data are published on the Census Bureau’s website, https:// www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ qpc.html. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Frequency: Quarterly. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14305 Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Sections 8(b); 50 U.S.C., Section 98, et seq.; and 12 U.S.C., Section 244. This information collection request may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view the Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function and entering either the title of the collection or the OMB Control Number 0607–0175. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2021–05295 Filed 3–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–07–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Census Bureau Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey Census Bureau, Commerce. Notice of information collection, request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment on the proposed reinstatement, with change, of the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey, prior to the submission of the information collection request (ICR) to OMB for approval. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before May 14, 2021. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15MRN1.SGM 15MRN1 14306 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 48 / Monday, March 15, 2021 / Notices email to Thomas.J.Smith@census.gov. Please reference Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey in the subject line of your comments. You may also submit comments, identified by Docket Number USBC–2021–0008, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. All comments received are part of the public record. No comments will be posted to https:// www.regulations.gov for public viewing until after the comment period has closed. Comments will generally be posted without change. All Personally Identifiable Information (for example, name and address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. You may submit attachments to electronic comments in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Kelly Holder, VIUS Branch Chief, (301) 763– 3462, Kelly.A.Holder@census.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES I. Abstract The Census Bureau plans to conduct a reinstated Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS) in 2022. VIUS was the principal data source on the physical and operational characteristics of the nation’s truck population from 1963 through 2002 and was conducted every five years in conjunction with the Quinquennial Economic Census. The survey was discontinued prior to the 2007 survey due to budget constraints. The discontinuation of the survey left a significant void in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s knowledge of the U.S. truck fleet. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics is restoring the VIUS with its partners, the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. Census Bureau will collect VIUS under the mandatory requirements of Title 13, Sections 131 and 182, of the U.S.C. as in previous economic censuses. VIUS utilizes a sample of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for trucks registered in the 50 states and District of Columbia. The sample includes both personally-owned and commerciallyowned trucks. VIUS excludes trucks owned by federal, state, and local governments; ambulances; buses; motor homes; farm tractors; unpowered trailer units; and passenger cars. Since the last VIUS was conducted nearly 20 years ago, some of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:36 Mar 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 questionnaire content required updates. In particular, questions related to vehicle technology have been modified to reflect more recent safety and fuel economy features. Modified content includes emerging technologies such as driver assistance systems, collision warning and collision intervention features, driving control, and parking assistance features. New questions were also added based on stakeholder input collected during the years since the 2002 VIUS. This new content includes topics such as towing capacity, maintenance costs, time spent idling, use of overweight permits, and mileage driven while cubed out or weighed out. VIUS data are of considerable value to government, business, academia, and the general public. Data on the number and types of vehicles and how they are used are important in studying the future growth of transportation and are needed in calculating fees and cost allocations among highway users. The data also are important in evaluating safety risks to highway travelers and in assessing the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the nation’s truck fleet. II. Method of Collection The Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey will use two modes of data collection: Electronic instrument and paper questionnaire. All respondents will receive an initial letter with instructions to log into the electronic instrument. Respondents will be encouraged to use the electronic instrument method, however, a paper questionnaire will be sent as part of the non-response follow-up operation. Data are collected via two questionnaires based on truck type, one for light trucks (pickups, SUVs, minivans) and one for heavy trucks (including truck tractors). Content differs somewhat between the two forms. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0607–0892. Form Number(s): TC–9501 (Light Trucks) and TC–9502 (Heavy Trucks). Type of Review: Regular submission, Request for a Reinstatement, with Change, of a Previously Approved Collection. Affected Public: Individuals and businesses. Estimated Number of Respondents: 150,000. Estimated Time per Response: 65 minutes per vehicle. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 162,500. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (This is not the cost of PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 respondents’ time, but the indirect costs respondents may incur for such things as purchases of specialized software or hardware needed to report, or expenditures for accounting or records maintenance services required specifically by the collection.) Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Sections 131, 182, 224, and 225. IV. Request for Comments We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include, or summarize, each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2021–05231 Filed 3–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–07–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration Notice of Petitions by Firms for Determination of Eligibility To Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice and opportunity for public comment. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\15MRN1.SGM 15MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 48 (Monday, March 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14305-14306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05231]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment 
Request; Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey

AGENCY: Census Bureau, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, invites the general public and other 
Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information 
collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information 
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The 
purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment on the 
proposed reinstatement, with change, of the Vehicle Inventory and Use 
Survey, prior to the submission of the information collection request 
(ICR) to OMB for approval.

DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed 
information collection must be received on or before May 14, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by

[[Page 14306]]

email to [email protected]. Please reference Vehicle Inventory 
and Use Survey in the subject line of your comments. You may also 
submit comments, identified by Docket Number USBC-2021-0008, to the 
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. All comments 
received are part of the public record. No comments will be posted to 
https://www.regulations.gov for public viewing until after the comment 
period has closed. Comments will generally be posted without change. 
All Personally Identifiable Information (for example, name and address) 
voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do 
not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or 
protected information. You may submit attachments to electronic 
comments in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
specific questions related to collection activities should be directed 
to Kelly Holder, VIUS Branch Chief, (301) 763-3462, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to conduct a reinstated Vehicle Inventory 
and Use Survey (VIUS) in 2022. VIUS was the principal data source on 
the physical and operational characteristics of the nation's truck 
population from 1963 through 2002 and was conducted every five years in 
conjunction with the Quinquennial Economic Census. The survey was 
discontinued prior to the 2007 survey due to budget constraints. The 
discontinuation of the survey left a significant void in the U.S. 
Department of Transportation's knowledge of the U.S. truck fleet. The 
Bureau of Transportation Statistics is restoring the VIUS with its 
partners, the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of 
Energy. The U.S. Census Bureau will collect VIUS under the mandatory 
requirements of Title 13, Sections 131 and 182, of the U.S.C. as in 
previous economic censuses.
    VIUS utilizes a sample of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for 
trucks registered in the 50 states and District of Columbia. The sample 
includes both personally-owned and commercially-owned trucks. VIUS 
excludes trucks owned by federal, state, and local governments; 
ambulances; buses; motor homes; farm tractors; unpowered trailer units; 
and passenger cars.
    Since the last VIUS was conducted nearly 20 years ago, some of the 
questionnaire content required updates. In particular, questions 
related to vehicle technology have been modified to reflect more recent 
safety and fuel economy features. Modified content includes emerging 
technologies such as driver assistance systems, collision warning and 
collision intervention features, driving control, and parking 
assistance features. New questions were also added based on stakeholder 
input collected during the years since the 2002 VIUS. This new content 
includes topics such as towing capacity, maintenance costs, time spent 
idling, use of overweight permits, and mileage driven while cubed out 
or weighed out.
    VIUS data are of considerable value to government, business, 
academia, and the general public. Data on the number and types of 
vehicles and how they are used are important in studying the future 
growth of transportation and are needed in calculating fees and cost 
allocations among highway users. The data also are important in 
evaluating safety risks to highway travelers and in assessing the 
energy efficiency and environmental impact of the nation's truck fleet.

II. Method of Collection

    The Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey will use two modes of data 
collection: Electronic instrument and paper questionnaire. All 
respondents will receive an initial letter with instructions to log 
into the electronic instrument. Respondents will be encouraged to use 
the electronic instrument method, however, a paper questionnaire will 
be sent as part of the non-response follow-up operation.
    Data are collected via two questionnaires based on truck type, one 
for light trucks (pickups, SUVs, minivans) and one for heavy trucks 
(including truck tractors). Content differs somewhat between the two 
forms.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0892.
    Form Number(s): TC-9501 (Light Trucks) and TC-9502 (Heavy Trucks).
    Type of Review: Regular submission, Request for a Reinstatement, 
with Change, of a Previously Approved Collection.
    Affected Public: Individuals and businesses.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 150,000.
    Estimated Time per Response: 65 minutes per vehicle.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 162,500.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (This is not the cost of 
respondents' time, but the indirect costs respondents may incur for 
such things as purchases of specialized software or hardware needed to 
report, or expenditures for accounting or records maintenance services 
required specifically by the collection.)
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Sections 131, 182, 
224, and 225.

IV. Request for Comments

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau 
to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether 
the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy 
of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed 
collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden 
on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. We will include, or summarize, each comment in our 
request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, 
phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information 
in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--
including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly 
available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold 
your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2021-05231 Filed 3-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P


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