Agency Information Collection Activities; Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf, 88811-88813 [2024-26064]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices comment submissions. The BLM and FWS considered all comments received during the extended comment period in the preparation of the Final Supplemental EIS. Substantive public comments and ongoing agency coordination led to several changes from the Draft Supplemental EIS. Additional data became available after publication of the Draft Supplemental EIS that is incorporated into the analysis in the Final Supplemental EIS, including vegetation Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring data for the three ROW alternatives in the NCA, corrected boundaries for two Land and Water Conservation Fund-acquired parcels, updated traffic modeling results for each ROW alternative, and the identification of additional environmental justice concerns, primarily for the ROW alternatives that would reconfigure existing roadways. The BLM and FWS responded to substantive comments and made appropriate revisions in the Final Supplemental EIS or explained why a comment did not warrant a change, as documented in Appendix F of the Final Supplemental EIS. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Lead and Cooperating Agencies The BLM and FWS are co-lead agencies. Cooperating agencies are the State of Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality, State of Utah Trust Lands Administration, Washington City, Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization, City of St. George, City of Ivins, Santa Clara City, City of Hurricane, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, and the Shivwits Band of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. Additional Information The BLM is using the NEPA process to comply with section 106 of the NHPA (54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3), including the public involvement requirements of section 106. Information about historic and cultural resources within the area potentially affected by the proposed project has been included in the Final Supplemental EIS. The BLM, in consultation with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and consulting parties, initially began developing a Memorandum of Agreement to resolve adverse effects to historic properties. Based on ongoing consultation with the SHPO, the BLM determined that a Programmatic Agreement—rather than a Memorandum of Agreement—is more appropriate to document its compliance with section 106 because of the uncertainties associated with non-Federal lands VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 within Zone 6, which may lose their enhanced protections and become subject to future development and other activities that could result in subsequent adverse effects to historic properties. The BLM will develop, sign, and implement a programmatic agreement in accordance with 36 CFR 800.14(b) to serve as the binding commitment to resolve adverse effects to historic properties on Federal lands. The programmatic agreement will lay out the framework that the BLM, UDOT, Tribes, and other signatories to the agreement will use to fund, develop, and implement a Historic Properties Treatment Plan for historic properties that may be adversely affected by project-related actions. The BLM and FWS will continue to consult with Tribal Nations on a government-to-government basis in accordance with Executive Order 13175, BLM Manual Section 1780, and other Departmental policies. Tribal concerns, including impacts on Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources, will be given due consideration. Matthew A. Preston, Acting State Director. Anna Munoz, Deputy Regional Director. [FR Doc. 2024–25903 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4331–25–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management [OMB Control Number 1010–0072; Docket ID: BOEM–2024–0007] Agency Information Collection Activities; Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1010–0072 with revisions. DATES: Comments must be received by the OMB desk officer no later than December 9, 2024. ADDRESSES: Submit your written comments on this ICR to the OMB’s SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00115 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 88811 desk officer for the Department of the Interior at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. From the www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain landing page, find this information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. Please provide a copy of your comments by parcel delivery service or U.S. mail to the BOEM Information Collection Clearance Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia 20166; or by email to anna.atkinson@ boem.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1010–0072 in the subject line of your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Atkinson by email at anna.atkinson@boem.gov, or by telephone at 703–787–1025. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside of the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, BOEM provides the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps BOEM assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand BOEM’s information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. Title of Collection: Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf (Applicable, in part, to 30 CFR part 580). Abstract: This ICR covers the information collection requirements in 30 CFR part 580, ‘‘Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur 1 on the Outer Continental Shelf [OCS],’’ which involves commercial prospecting and scientific research. This request also includes information collection requirements related to authorizations of noncommercial geological and 1 BOEM acknowledges that the generally and scientifically accepted spelling for this compound is sulfur. Throughout this notice, BOEM uses the spelling consistent with its current regulations. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 88812 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices geophysical (G&G) exploration issued pursuant to section 11 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). 43 U.S.C. 1340. Section 11(a)(1) of the OCSLA states that ‘‘any person authorized by the Secretary [of the Interior] may conduct geological and geophysical explorations in the Outer Continental Shelf, which do not interfere with or endanger actual operations under any lease maintained or granted pursuant to this subchapter, and which are not unduly harmful to aquatic life in such area.’’ See 43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1). The OCSLA defines the term ‘‘exploration’’ to mean the process of searching for minerals by, among other things, ‘‘geophysical surveys where magnetic, gravity, seismic, or other systems are used to detect or imply the presence of such minerals.’’ See 43 U.S.C. 1331(k). Section 11(g) authorizes permits or authorizations for geological exploration only if the Secretary determines that the applicant is qualified and the exploration will not interfere with operations on an existing lease, unduly harm aquatic life in the area, result in pollution, create hazardous or unsafe conditions, unreasonably interfere with other uses of the area, nor disturb any site, structure, or object of historical or archaeological significance. See 43 U.S.C. 1340(g). BOEM considers applications for commercial prospecting and noncommercial exploration for marine minerals, as well as scientific research related to marine minerals. Under 30 CFR part 580, G&G prospecting by any person on unleased lands or on lands leased to a third party requires a BOEM permit. A permit also is required to conduct scientific research activities that involve the use of solid or liquid explosives, the drilling of a deep stratigraphic test, or the development of data and information for proprietary use or sale. See 30 CFR 580.11(a). Otherwise, G&G activities conducted for scientific or academic purposes require only the submission of a scientific research notice. See 30 CFR 580.11(b). G&G activities are also conducted for noncommercial exploration purposes and may include, for example, searching for sand, gravel, and other sources of sediment for potential use in qualifying beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects. See 43 U.S.C. 1337(k). Because 30 CFR part 580 does not apply to noncommercial exploration, such G&G activities would be authorized directly pursuant to section 11 of the OCSLA. As a Federal agency, BOEM must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 4321 et seq.), Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), among other laws. Compliance with the Endangered Species Act requires BOEM to carry out any agency action in a manner that is not likely to jeopardize protected species or adversely modify designated critical habitat and to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, as applicable, before engaging in a discretionary action that may affect a protected species. Applicants must submit Form BOEM– 0134, ‘‘Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific Research on the Outer Continental Shelf Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur,’’ to provide the information necessary to evaluate their requests to conduct G&G activities for commercial prospecting, noncommercial exploration, and certain scientific research activities that do not involve explosives, deep stratigraphic drilling, or proprietary interests in the collected data. BOEM uses the submitted information for several purposes: (1) to ensure there will be no undue adverse effects to the marine, coastal, or human environment, personal harm, unsafe operations and conditions, nor unreasonable interferences with other uses; (2) to enhance personal and operational safety; (3) to analyze and evaluate preliminary or planned mining activities; (4) to monitor progress and activities on the OCS; (5) to acquire G&G data and information collected under a Federal permit or authorization; and (6) to determine eligibility for reimbursement from the Government for certain costs. Upon approval, BOEM issues applicants a permit or an authorization (as currently titled Form BOEM–0135, ‘‘Permit for Geophysical Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf,’’ or Form BOEM– 0136, ‘‘Permit for Geological Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geological Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf’’). BOEM may use the data and information collected during G&G activities to understand the characteristics of marine mineralbearing physiographic regions of the OCS. The data and information aids BOEM in analyzing and weighing the PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 potential for environmental damage, the discovery of marine minerals, and any associated impacts on adjacent coastal States. OMB Control Number: 1010–0072. Form Number: BOEM–0134, ‘‘Requirements for Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific Research on the OCS Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur.’’ The following forms are the permit forms issued by BOEM based on information provided in BOEM–0134: BOEM–0135, ‘‘Permit for Geophysical Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf.’’ BOEM–0136, ‘‘Permit for Geological Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geological Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf.’’ Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved information collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Permittees, applicants, and other respondents, including those required to only file notices (scientific research). Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 45 responses. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 826 hours. Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory or required to retain or obtain a benefit. Frequency of Collection: On occasion, annual, or as specified in permits. Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Cost Burden: $4,024 non-hour cost burden. The current approved annual burden hours are equal to 730 hours. This ICR increases annual burdens by 96 hours to a total of 826 hours, based on BOEM’s recent collection of data and information. The changes in annual burden hours include the following: • For subpart B, BOEM is increasing the annual burden hours from 24 to 72 hours, due to an increase in the estimated time needed to file a notice to conduct scientific research activities related to hard minerals (+48 hours). • For subpart D, BOEM is increasing annual burden hours from 40 to 96 hours, due to an increase in the estimated time per response (from 8 to 16 hours per response) and an increase in the number of submissions for notification and submission of G&G data and information from 5 submissions to 6 (+56 hours). • For subpart D, BOEM is also decreasing annual burden hours from 8 E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices to 4 hours, due to a reduction in the number of submissions of G&G data and information related to a contractor’s commitment not to sell, trade, license, or disclose data from 2 submissions to 1 (¥4 hours). • BOEM is also decreasing annual burden hours from 6 to 2 hours, due to a decrease in the number of respondents required by the issued permits to retain G&G data and information from 6 respondents to 2 (¥4 hours). A Federal Register notice with a 60day public comment period on the proposed ICR was published on June 24, 2024 (89 FR 52501). BOEM received two comments. One commenter opposes the disturbance to the ocean floor, and the other does not support the granting of permits due to environmental impacts. These comments do not change the purpose of or need for the ICR, nor does it affect the cost or hour burden. BOEM is again soliciting comments on the proposed ICR. BOEM is especially interested in public comments addressing the following issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of BOEM? (2) What can BOEM do to ensure that this information is processed and used in a timely manner? (3) Is the burden estimate accurate? (4) How might BOEM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected? (5) How might BOEM minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including minimizing the burden through the use of information technology? Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record and will be available for public review on www.reginfo.gov. BOEM will include or summarize each comment in its ICR to OMB for approval of this information collection. You should be aware that your entire comment—including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information included in your comment—may be made publicly available at any time. Even if BOEM withholds your personally identifiable information in the context of this ICR, your comment is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552). Your information will only be withheld if a determination is made that one of the FOIA exemptions to disclosure applies. Such a determination will be made in accordance with the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) FOIA implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2) and applicable law. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 For BOEM to consider withholding from disclosure your personally identifiable information, you must identify, in a cover letter, any information contained in the submittal of your comments that, if released, would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of your personal privacy. You must also briefly describe any possible harmful consequences of the disclosure of information, such as embarrassment, injury, or other harm. BOEM will make available for public inspection, in their entirety, all comments submitted by organizations and businesses, or by individuals identifying themselves as representatives of organizations or businesses. BOEM protects proprietary information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), DOI’s implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and 30 CFR part 581.7, promulgated pursuant to the OCSLA) (43 U.S.C. 1352(c)). 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. The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Karen Thundiyil, Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. [FR Doc. 2024–26064 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4340–98–P INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 337–TA–1414] Certain Semiconductor Devices and Products Containing the Same; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting an Unopposed Motion To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation U.S. International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission (‘‘Commission’’) has determined not to review an initial determination (‘‘ID’’) (Order No. 7) of the presiding administrative law judge (‘‘ALJ’’), granting an unopposed motion to amend the complaint and notice of investigation to correct the corporate title of Respondent Innoscience (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 88813 Innoscience (Suzhou) Technology Holding Co., Ltd. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joelle Justus, Esq., Office of the General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202) 205–2593. Copies of non-confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation may be viewed on the Commission’s electronic docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov. For help accessing EDIS, please email EDIS3Help@usitc.gov. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its internet server at https://www.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission’s TDD terminal on (202) 205–1810. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission instituted this investigation on August 30, 2024, based on a complaint filed by Infineon Technologies Americas Corp. and Infineon Technologies Austria AG (collectively, ‘‘Complainants’’). 89 FR 70667–68 (Aug. 30, 2024). The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. 1337, in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain semiconductor devices and products containing the same by reason of infringement of claims 1–4, 6, 9, and 17 of U.S. Patent No. 9,899,481; claims 1, 2, 8–10, and 13–15 of U.S. Patent No. 8,686,562; claims 1–4, 8, and 9 of U.S. Patent No. 9,070,755; and claims 1, 2, and 10 of U.S. Patent No. 8,264,003. Id. at 70667. The complaint further alleges that a domestic industry exists. Id. The Commission’s notice of investigation named as respondents Innoscience (Suzhou) Technology Company, Ltd., of Lili Town, China; Innoscience (Suzhou) Semiconductor Co., Ltd., of Lili Town, China; Innoscience (Zhuhai) Technology Company, Ltd., of Guangdong, China; and Innoscience America, Inc., of Santa Clara, California. Id. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations is not participating in the investigation. Id. On October 1, 2024, Complainants filed an unopposed motion to amend the complaint and notice of investigation to correct the corporate title of Respondent Innoscience (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. to Innoscience (Suzhou) Technology Holding Co., Ltd. No response to the motion was filed. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 88811-88813]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-26064]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[OMB Control Number 1010-0072; Docket ID: BOEM-2024-0007]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Commercial Prospecting, 
Noncommercial Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other 
Than Oil, Gas, and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes this information 
collection request (ICR) to renew Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
control number 1010-0072 with revisions.

DATES: Comments must be received by the OMB desk officer no later than 
December 9, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Submit your written comments on this ICR to the OMB's desk 
officer for the Department of the Interior at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. From the www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain landing page, 
find this information collection by selecting ``Currently under 
Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. 
Please provide a copy of your comments by parcel delivery service or 
U.S. mail to the BOEM Information Collection Clearance Officer, Anna 
Atkinson, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, 
Sterling, Virginia 20166; or by email to [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 1010-0072 in the subject line of your 
comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Atkinson by email at 
[email protected], or by telephone at 703-787-1025. Individuals in 
the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a 
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access 
telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside of the United 
States should use the relay services offered within their country to 
make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, BOEM provides the general public and other Federal 
agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and 
continuing collections of information. This helps BOEM assess the 
impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the 
public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand BOEM's 
information collection requirements and provide the requested data in 
the desired format.
    Title of Collection: Commercial Prospecting, Noncommercial 
Exploration, and Scientific Research for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, 
and Sulfur on the Outer Continental Shelf (Applicable, in part, to 30 
CFR part 580).
    Abstract: This ICR covers the information collection requirements 
in 30 CFR part 580, ``Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and 
Sulphur \1\ on the Outer Continental Shelf [OCS],'' which involves 
commercial prospecting and scientific research. This request also 
includes information collection requirements related to authorizations 
of noncommercial geological and

[[Page 88812]]

geophysical (G&G) exploration issued pursuant to section 11 of the 
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). 43 U.S.C. 1340.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ BOEM acknowledges that the generally and scientifically 
accepted spelling for this compound is sulfur. Throughout this 
notice, BOEM uses the spelling consistent with its current 
regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 11(a)(1) of the OCSLA states that ``any person authorized 
by the Secretary [of the Interior] may conduct geological and 
geophysical explorations in the Outer Continental Shelf, which do not 
interfere with or endanger actual operations under any lease maintained 
or granted pursuant to this subchapter, and which are not unduly 
harmful to aquatic life in such area.'' See 43 U.S.C. 1340(a)(1). The 
OCSLA defines the term ``exploration'' to mean the process of searching 
for minerals by, among other things, ``geophysical surveys where 
magnetic, gravity, seismic, or other systems are used to detect or 
imply the presence of such minerals.'' See 43 U.S.C. 1331(k). Section 
11(g) authorizes permits or authorizations for geological exploration 
only if the Secretary determines that the applicant is qualified and 
the exploration will not interfere with operations on an existing 
lease, unduly harm aquatic life in the area, result in pollution, 
create hazardous or unsafe conditions, unreasonably interfere with 
other uses of the area, nor disturb any site, structure, or object of 
historical or archaeological significance. See 43 U.S.C. 1340(g).
    BOEM considers applications for commercial prospecting and 
noncommercial exploration for marine minerals, as well as scientific 
research related to marine minerals. Under 30 CFR part 580, G&G 
prospecting by any person on unleased lands or on lands leased to a 
third party requires a BOEM permit. A permit also is required to 
conduct scientific research activities that involve the use of solid or 
liquid explosives, the drilling of a deep stratigraphic test, or the 
development of data and information for proprietary use or sale. See 30 
CFR 580.11(a). Otherwise, G&G activities conducted for scientific or 
academic purposes require only the submission of a scientific research 
notice. See 30 CFR 580.11(b). G&G activities are also conducted for 
noncommercial exploration purposes and may include, for example, 
searching for sand, gravel, and other sources of sediment for potential 
use in qualifying beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects. 
See 43 U.S.C. 1337(k). Because 30 CFR part 580 does not apply to 
noncommercial exploration, such G&G activities would be authorized 
directly pursuant to section 11 of the OCSLA.
    As a Federal agency, BOEM must comply with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Endangered Species 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and National Historic Preservation Act 
(54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), among other laws. Compliance with the 
Endangered Species Act requires BOEM to carry out any agency action in 
a manner that is not likely to jeopardize protected species or 
adversely modify designated critical habitat and to consult with the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, 
as applicable, before engaging in a discretionary action that may 
affect a protected species.
    Applicants must submit Form BOEM-0134, ``Requirements for 
Geological and Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific 
Research on the Outer Continental Shelf Related to Minerals Other than 
Oil, Gas, and Sulphur,'' to provide the information necessary to 
evaluate their requests to conduct G&G activities for commercial 
prospecting, noncommercial exploration, and certain scientific research 
activities that do not involve explosives, deep stratigraphic drilling, 
or proprietary interests in the collected data. BOEM uses the submitted 
information for several purposes: (1) to ensure there will be no undue 
adverse effects to the marine, coastal, or human environment, personal 
harm, unsafe operations and conditions, nor unreasonable interferences 
with other uses; (2) to enhance personal and operational safety; (3) to 
analyze and evaluate preliminary or planned mining activities; (4) to 
monitor progress and activities on the OCS; (5) to acquire G&G data and 
information collected under a Federal permit or authorization; and (6) 
to determine eligibility for reimbursement from the Government for 
certain costs.
    Upon approval, BOEM issues applicants a permit or an authorization 
(as currently titled Form BOEM-0135, ``Permit for Geophysical 
Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration, 
or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and 
Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf,'' or Form BOEM-0136, ``Permit 
for Geological Prospecting, Authorization for Noncommercial Geological 
Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research for Minerals Other than 
Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf'').
    BOEM may use the data and information collected during G&G 
activities to understand the characteristics of marine mineral-bearing 
physiographic regions of the OCS. The data and information aids BOEM in 
analyzing and weighing the potential for environmental damage, the 
discovery of marine minerals, and any associated impacts on adjacent 
coastal States.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0072.
    Form Number: BOEM-0134, ``Requirements for Geological and 
Geophysical Prospecting, Exploration, or Scientific Research on the OCS 
Related to Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur.''
    The following forms are the permit forms issued by BOEM based on 
information provided in BOEM-0134:
    BOEM-0135, ``Permit for Geophysical Prospecting, Authorization for 
Noncommercial Geophysical Exploration, or Permit for Scientific 
Research for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer 
Continental Shelf.''
    BOEM-0136, ``Permit for Geological Prospecting, Authorization for 
Noncommercial Geological Exploration, or Permit for Scientific Research 
for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental 
Shelf.''
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Permittees, applicants, and other 
respondents, including those required to only file notices (scientific 
research).
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 45 responses.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 826 hours.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory or required to retain or obtain 
a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion, annual, or as specified in 
permits.
    Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Cost Burden: $4,024 non-hour cost 
burden.
    The current approved annual burden hours are equal to 730 hours. 
This ICR increases annual burdens by 96 hours to a total of 826 hours, 
based on BOEM's recent collection of data and information. The changes 
in annual burden hours include the following:
     For subpart B, BOEM is increasing the annual burden hours 
from 24 to 72 hours, due to an increase in the estimated time needed to 
file a notice to conduct scientific research activities related to hard 
minerals (+48 hours).
     For subpart D, BOEM is increasing annual burden hours from 
40 to 96 hours, due to an increase in the estimated time per response 
(from 8 to 16 hours per response) and an increase in the number of 
submissions for notification and submission of G&G data and information 
from 5 submissions to 6 (+56 hours).
     For subpart D, BOEM is also decreasing annual burden hours 
from 8

[[Page 88813]]

to 4 hours, due to a reduction in the number of submissions of G&G data 
and information related to a contractor's commitment not to sell, 
trade, license, or disclose data from 2 submissions to 1 (-4 hours).
     BOEM is also decreasing annual burden hours from 6 to 2 
hours, due to a decrease in the number of respondents required by the 
issued permits to retain G&G data and information from 6 respondents to 
2 (-4 hours).
    A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period on 
the proposed ICR was published on June 24, 2024 (89 FR 52501). BOEM 
received two comments. One commenter opposes the disturbance to the 
ocean floor, and the other does not support the granting of permits due 
to environmental impacts. These comments do not change the purpose of 
or need for the ICR, nor does it affect the cost or hour burden.
    BOEM is again soliciting comments on the proposed ICR. BOEM is 
especially interested in public comments addressing the following 
issues:
    (1) Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of BOEM?
    (2) What can BOEM do to ensure that this information is processed 
and used in a timely manner?
    (3) Is the burden estimate accurate?
    (4) How might BOEM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected?
    (5) How might BOEM minimize the burden of this collection on the 
respondents, including minimizing the burden through the use of 
information technology?
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record and will be available for public review on 
www.reginfo.gov. BOEM will include or summarize each comment in its ICR 
to OMB for approval of this information collection. You should be aware 
that your entire comment--including your address, phone number, email 
address, or other personally identifiable information included in your 
comment--may be made publicly available at any time. Even if BOEM 
withholds your personally identifiable information in the context of 
this ICR, your comment is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552). Your information will only be withheld if a 
determination is made that one of the FOIA exemptions to disclosure 
applies. Such a determination will be made in accordance with the 
Department of the Interior's (DOI) FOIA implementing regulations (43 
CFR part 2) and applicable law.
    For BOEM to consider withholding from disclosure your personally 
identifiable information, you must identify, in a cover letter, any 
information contained in the submittal of your comments that, if 
released, would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of your 
personal privacy. You must also briefly describe any possible harmful 
consequences of the disclosure of information, such as embarrassment, 
injury, or other harm. BOEM will make available for public inspection, 
in their entirety, all comments submitted by organizations and 
businesses, or by individuals identifying themselves as representatives 
of organizations or businesses.
    BOEM protects proprietary information in accordance with the 
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), DOI's implementing 
regulations (43 CFR part 2), and 30 CFR part 581.7, promulgated 
pursuant to the OCSLA) (43 U.S.C. 1352(c)).
    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.
    The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Karen Thundiyil,
Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Ocean Energy 
Management.
[FR Doc. 2024-26064 Filed 11-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4340-98-P
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