Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Information Collection Activities Associated With EPA's ENERGY STAR Program in the Residential Sector, 23671-23672 [2023-08153]

Download as PDF ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 18, 2023 / Notices constitutes a major rate adjustment, as defined by 10 CFR 903.2(d). In accordance with 10 CFR 903.15, 10 CFR 903.16, and 10 CFR 904.7(e), DSW will hold public information and public comment forums for this rate adjustment. DSW will review and consider all timely public comments at the conclusion of the consultation and comment period and adjust the proposal as appropriate. The FY 2024 base charge and rates will then be approved on a provisional basis. WAPA is establishing rates for BCP electric service in accordance with section 302 of the DOE Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7152). This provision transferred to, and vested in, the Secretary of Energy certain functions of the Secretary of the Interior, along with the power marketing functions of Reclamation. Those functions include actions that specifically apply to the BCP. Pursuant to the BCP Electric Service Contracts, the calculated base charge and rates for FY 2024 shall become effective, provisionally, upon approval by the Deputy Secretary of Energy subject to final approval by FERC. Under the DOE Organization Act, the Secretary of Energy holds plenary authority over DOE affairs with respect to the Power Marketing Administrations, and the Secretary of Energy may therefore exercise the Deputy Secretary’s contractual authority in this context. By Delegation Order No. S1–DEL–RATES–2016, effective November 19, 2016, the Secretary of Energy delegated: (1) the authority to develop power and transmission rates to the WAPA Administrator; (2) the authority to confirm, approve, and place such rates into effect on an interim basis to the Deputy Secretary of Energy; and (3) the authority to confirm, approve, and place into effect on a final basis, or to remand or disapprove such rates, to FERC. Based upon the governing terms of the BCP Electric Service Contracts and Delegation Order No. S1–DEL– RATES–2016, the Deputy Secretary will provisionally approve the FY 2024 base charge and rates for BCP electric service, subject to final approval by FERC. This rate action is issued under the Delegation Order and DOE’s procedures for public participation in rate adjustments set forth at 10 CFR parts 903 and 904.3 Availability of Information All brochures, studies, comments, letters, memorandums, or other documents that DSW initiates or uses to 3 50 FR 37835 (Sept. 18, 1985) and 84 FR 5347 (Feb. 21, 2019). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Apr 17, 2023 Jkt 259001 develop the proposed formula rates for electric service and the base charge and rates are available for inspection and copying at the Desert Southwest Customer Service Regional Office, located at 615 South 43rd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. Many of these documents and supporting information are also available on WAPA’s website at: www.wapa.gov/regions/DSW/Rates/ Pages/boulder-canyon-rates.aspx. Ratemaking Procedure Requirements Environmental Compliance WAPA is in the process of determining whether an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement should be prepared or if this action can be categorically excluded from those requirements.4 Determination Under Executive Order 12866 WAPA has an exemption from centralized regulatory review under Executive Order 12866; accordingly, no clearance of this notice by the Office of Management and Budget is required. Signing Authority This document of the Department of Energy was signed on March 31, 2023, by Tracey A. LeBeau, Administrator, Western Area Power Administration, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. Signed in Washington, DC, on April 12, 2023. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. 2023–08127 Filed 4–17–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P 4 In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), and DOE NEPA Implementing Procedures and Guidelines (10 CFR part 1021). PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 23671 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OAR–2004–0500; FRL–10882–01– OAR; EPA ICR No. 2193.05] Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Information Collection Activities Associated With EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program in the Residential Sector Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program in the Residential Sector’’ (EPA ICR No. 2193.05, OMB Control No. 2060–0586) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which was approved through January 30, 2024. 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 OMB control number. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 20, 2023. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2004–0500, online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by email to a-and-r-Docket@ epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Zachary Shadid, Energy Star Residential Branch, Mail code 6202A, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 343– 9058; fax number: (202) 343–2204; email address: shadid.zachary@epa.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that the EPA will SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18APN1.SGM 18APN1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 23672 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 74 / Tuesday, April 18, 2023 / Notices be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202–566–1744. For additional information about EPA’s public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets. Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate 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; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through 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. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. Abstract: EPA first developed energy efficiency guidelines for new homes in 1995. ENERGY STAR’s new construction programs promote costeffective, whole house energy efficiency that is independently verified by third party professionals. Through 2022, there have been more than 2.3 million ENERGY STAR certified new homes built in the U.S. Since participation in the ENERGY STAR program is voluntary, organizations are not required to submit information to EPA. Information received is not of a confidential nature. EPA has developed this ICR to obtain authorization to collect information for the following activities: Joining the ENERGY STAR Program and Related Activities: An organization interested in joining ENERGY STAR as a partner is asked to submit a partnership agreement establishing its commitment to ENERGY STAR. Partners agree to undertake efforts such as educating their staff and the public about their partnership with ENERGY VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Apr 17, 2023 Jkt 259001 STAR, developing and implementing a plan to improve energy performance in homes, and highlighting achievements utilizing the ENERGY STAR label. Verification of ENERGY STAR Guidelines: The purpose of the verification process is to objectively and independently ensure the quality of home construction and improvements with respect to ENERGY STAR guidelines. Under ENERGY STAR’s Certified Homes program, verification of a home’s energy efficiency occurs when site-built home builders, multifamily high-rise developers, or plants producing manufactured and modular homes want to apply the ENERGY STAR label on homes. The verification process for site-built homes involves the home builder, the third-party verification organization (Home Energy Rating Providers and Home Energy Raters), and the Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) contractor. These organizations complete four checklists as part of the verification process. The verification process for multifamily high-rise units involves the developer and a Licensed Professional (architect or engineer), who submit information both pre-construction and post-construction to ensure that program prerequisites and energy conservation measures are properly installed and meet ENERGY STAR requirements. In addition, plants producing manufactured and modular homes must undergo a certification process to ensure that they consistently produce and install homes that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines. Also, under ENERGY STAR’s HVAC Verified Installation program, local program sponsors promote the installation of HVAC systems in homes to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines. Sponsors oversee contractors who perform the installations, perform tests, and report the results to the sponsors. Sponsors submit periodic reports to EPA on these activities. Evaluation: Partners and other program participants are asked to periodically submit information to EPA as needed to assist in evaluating ENERGY STAR’s effectiveness in helping organizations promote energy efficiency in homes, to assess partners’ level of interest and ability in promoting ENERGY STAR in the residential sector, and to determine the impact that ENERGY STAR has on residential energy use and the supply and demand for energy-efficient homes and home improvement products and services. Periodic Reporting: Some partners are asked to submit information to EPA periodically to assist EPA in tracking and measuring progress in building and promoting ENERGY STAR certified PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 homes and installing and promoting energy-efficient improvements. ENERGY STAR Awards: Each year, partners are eligible for an ENERGY STAR award, which recognizes organizations demonstrating outstanding support in promoting ENERGY STAR. An application is submitted to EPA by interested partners. Form Numbers: 5900–06, 5900–08, 5900–17, 5900–33, 5900–172, 5900–175, 5900–176, 5900–178, 5900–179, 5900– 180, 5900–183, 5900–184, 5900–186, 5900–188, 5900–189, 5900–194, 5900– 266, 5900–267, 5900–268, 5900–269, 5900–270, 5900–271, 5900–272. Respondents/affected entities: Home builders, modular and manufactured home manufacturing plants, developers, verification organizations, oversight organizations, energy efficiency program sponsors (e.g., national, regional, state, or local government entities, utilities), architects, engineers, home plan designers, retailers, contractors, and homeowners. Respondent’s obligation to respond: Voluntary. Estimated number of respondents: 132,000 (total). Frequency of response: Once, quarterly, annually, and occasionally. Total estimated burden: 177,847 hours (per year). The burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b). Total estimated cost: $14,747,008 (per year). This includes an estimated cost of $14,747,008 for labor and $0 for capital investment, operation and maintenance. Changes in Estimates: The burden estimates presented in this notice are from the last approval. EPA is currently evaluating and updating these estimates as part of the ICR renewal process. EPA will discuss its updated estimates, as well as changes from the last approval, in the next Federal Register notice to be issued for this renewal. Jean Lupinacci, Director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection, Office of Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 2023–08153 Filed 4–17–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID 136314] Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records; Correction Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new system of records; Correction. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\18APN1.SGM 18APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 18, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23671-23672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08153]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0500; FRL-10882-01-OAR; EPA ICR No. 2193.05]


Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; 
Information Collection Activities Associated With EPA's ENERGY STAR 
Program in the Residential Sector

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to 
submit an information collection request (ICR), ``EPA's ENERGY STAR 
Program in the Residential Sector'' (EPA ICR No. 2193.05, OMB Control 
No. 2060-0586) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review 
and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on 
specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described 
below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which was approved 
through January 30, 2024. 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 OMB control number.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 20, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2004-0500, online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by 
email to [email protected], or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, 
Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.
    EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the 
public docket without change including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information 
claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Zachary Shadid, Energy Star 
Residential Branch, Mail code 6202A, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 
(202) 343-9058; fax number: (202) 343-2204; email address: 
[email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail 
the information that the EPA will

[[Page 23672]]

be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The 
docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the 
EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, 
Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-
1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit 
https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting 
comments and information to enable it to: (i) evaluate whether the 
proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper 
performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the 
information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate 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; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, including 
through 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. EPA 
will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. 
The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and 
approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice 
to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to 
submit additional comments to OMB.
    Abstract: EPA first developed energy efficiency guidelines for new 
homes in 1995. ENERGY STAR's new construction programs promote cost-
effective, whole house energy efficiency that is independently verified 
by third party professionals. Through 2022, there have been more than 
2.3 million ENERGY STAR certified new homes built in the U.S.
    Since participation in the ENERGY STAR program is voluntary, 
organizations are not required to submit information to EPA. 
Information received is not of a confidential nature. EPA has developed 
this ICR to obtain authorization to collect information for the 
following activities:
    Joining the ENERGY STAR Program and Related Activities: An 
organization interested in joining ENERGY STAR as a partner is asked to 
submit a partnership agreement establishing its commitment to ENERGY 
STAR. Partners agree to undertake efforts such as educating their staff 
and the public about their partnership with ENERGY STAR, developing and 
implementing a plan to improve energy performance in homes, and 
highlighting achievements utilizing the ENERGY STAR label.
    Verification of ENERGY STAR Guidelines: The purpose of the 
verification process is to objectively and independently ensure the 
quality of home construction and improvements with respect to ENERGY 
STAR guidelines. Under ENERGY STAR's Certified Homes program, 
verification of a home's energy efficiency occurs when site-built home 
builders, multifamily high-rise developers, or plants producing 
manufactured and modular homes want to apply the ENERGY STAR label on 
homes. The verification process for site-built homes involves the home 
builder, the third-party verification organization (Home Energy Rating 
Providers and Home Energy Raters), and the Heating, Ventilation, and 
Cooling (HVAC) contractor. These organizations complete four checklists 
as part of the verification process. The verification process for 
multifamily high-rise units involves the developer and a Licensed 
Professional (architect or engineer), who submit information both pre-
construction and post-construction to ensure that program prerequisites 
and energy conservation measures are properly installed and meet ENERGY 
STAR requirements. In addition, plants producing manufactured and 
modular homes must undergo a certification process to ensure that they 
consistently produce and install homes that meet ENERGY STAR 
guidelines. Also, under ENERGY STAR's HVAC Verified Installation 
program, local program sponsors promote the installation of HVAC 
systems in homes to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines. Sponsors oversee 
contractors who perform the installations, perform tests, and report 
the results to the sponsors. Sponsors submit periodic reports to EPA on 
these activities.
    Evaluation: Partners and other program participants are asked to 
periodically submit information to EPA as needed to assist in 
evaluating ENERGY STAR's effectiveness in helping organizations promote 
energy efficiency in homes, to assess partners' level of interest and 
ability in promoting ENERGY STAR in the residential sector, and to 
determine the impact that ENERGY STAR has on residential energy use and 
the supply and demand for energy-efficient homes and home improvement 
products and services.
    Periodic Reporting: Some partners are asked to submit information 
to EPA periodically to assist EPA in tracking and measuring progress in 
building and promoting ENERGY STAR certified homes and installing and 
promoting energy-efficient improvements.
    ENERGY STAR Awards: Each year, partners are eligible for an ENERGY 
STAR award, which recognizes organizations demonstrating outstanding 
support in promoting ENERGY STAR. An application is submitted to EPA by 
interested partners.
    Form Numbers: 5900-06, 5900-08, 5900-17, 5900-33, 5900-172, 5900-
175, 5900-176, 5900-178, 5900-179, 5900-180, 5900-183, 5900-184, 5900-
186, 5900-188, 5900-189, 5900-194, 5900-266, 5900-267, 5900-268, 5900-
269, 5900-270, 5900-271, 5900-272.
    Respondents/affected entities: Home builders, modular and 
manufactured home manufacturing plants, developers, verification 
organizations, oversight organizations, energy efficiency program 
sponsors (e.g., national, regional, state, or local government 
entities, utilities), architects, engineers, home plan designers, 
retailers, contractors, and homeowners.
    Respondent's obligation to respond: Voluntary.
    Estimated number of respondents: 132,000 (total).
    Frequency of response: Once, quarterly, annually, and occasionally.
    Total estimated burden: 177,847 hours (per year). The burden is 
defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).
    Total estimated cost: $14,747,008 (per year). This includes an 
estimated cost of $14,747,008 for labor and $0 for capital investment, 
operation and maintenance.
    Changes in Estimates: The burden estimates presented in this notice 
are from the last approval. EPA is currently evaluating and updating 
these estimates as part of the ICR renewal process. EPA will discuss 
its updated estimates, as well as changes from the last approval, in 
the next Federal Register notice to be issued for this renewal.

Jean Lupinacci,
Director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division, Office of 
Atmospheric Protection, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 2023-08153 Filed 4-17-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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