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]
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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
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16:36 Mar 12, 2021
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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.
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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
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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]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
