[Federal Register: May 26, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 99)]
[Notices]
[Page 24850-24851]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26my09-65]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OEI-2009-0328, FRL-8909-4]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; Regulations.gov Information Collection; OMB Control
No. 2025-0008, EPA ICR No. 2357.02
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to
submit a request to replace an emergency Information Collection Request
(ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This emergency ICR
was approved by OMB on May 18, 2009. Before submitting this ICR to OMB
for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects
of the proposed information collection as described below.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 27, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OEI-
2009-0328, to (1) EPA online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred
method), by e-mail to brackett.shanita@epa.gov, by mail to: EPA Docket
Center, Environmental Protection Agency, mail code 28221T, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, or by hand delivery: EPA
Docket Center, EPA West Bldg, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only accepted during the
Docket's normal hours of operation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shanita Brackett, OEI/OIC/CStD at the
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., (MC 2822-
T), Washington, DC 20460; telephone number (202) 566-1008; fax
number(202) 566-1611: e-mail address: brackett.shanita@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?
Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically
solicits 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. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.
What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA?
You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your
comments.
1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific
examples.
2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used
that support your views.
4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified
under DATES.
7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the ICR
title on the first page of your response. You may also provide the
Federal Register citation.
What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does this Apply To?
Title: Regulations.gov Information Collection.
OMB Control Number: 2025-0008.
Abstract: In response to the Presidential memorandum, the
eRulemaking Program will launch the Regulations.gov `feedback exchange'
Web site in May 2009. This interactive Web site will showcase new
technologies being considered for Regulations.gov. The `feedback
exchange' will serve as a learning laboratory for open government,
enabling the public to provide input on the Regulations.gov interface,
build a community of practice on the Federal regulatory development
process, and ensure that the eRulemaking Program can efficiently manage
federal resources by testing new tools before they are launched.
The Regulations.gov `feedback exchange' Web site will provide the
public with a preview of new technologies considered for
Regulations.gov. It will also enable the public to provide feedback on
these technologies. Technologies considered for the Regulations.gov
`feedback exchange' include: User Profiles; Comment Threads and Wikis;
Ratings, Polls, and Tagging; an interactive Educational Tool; and an
Information Export capability. These technologies will be deployed
iteratively, with components deployed upon the site's release in May
2009 and during subsequent upgrades to the Web site. User profiles
enable the public to register on the site and pre-load submitter
information for later use as well as save their own personalized
searches, RSS feeds, and e-mail alerts without the use of persistent
cookies. Comment Threads allow the public to enter into virtual
conversations with one another about a topic. Wikis enable the public
to collaboratively develop and modify narrative descriptions about a
topic. Ratings and Polls allow the public to indicate a preference for
a topic or issue via the selection of stars or thumbs up/thumbs down
icons which graphically provide an at-a-glance indication of public
sentiment and can simplify navigation. Tagging provides the public with
the ability to tag or label information they or someone else has posted
to the site to ease navigation and to promote the formation of common
interest categories. The Educational Tool will inform the public about
the Federal rulemaking process through interactive text and images. The
Data Export capability enables the public to download and review the
contents of a rulemaking docket as well as mix and match such
information with other information in a new way (also known as a
``mash-up''). The Regulations.gov ``feedback exchange'' will rely on
feedback from Government, Industry, Academia and Citizenry to improve
Regulations.gov as time goes on.
Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 35
hours per year. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This
includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire,
install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of
collecting, validating, and verifying
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information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and
providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any
previously applicable instructions and requirements which have
subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a
collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the
collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the
information.
The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate,
which is only briefly summarized here:
Affected Entities: Anyone that chooses to visit Regulations.gov.
Estimated Total Number of Potential Respondents: 1,000.
Estimated Total Number of Potential Responses: 7,000.
Frequency of Response: Occasionally.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 35 hours.
Estimated Total Annual Capital and Operations and Maintenance
Costs: $ 0.
What Is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR?
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 pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Dated: May 19, 2009.
John Moses,
Director, Collection Strategies Division.
[FR Doc. E9-12132 Filed 5-22-09; 8:45 am]
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