Change Requests

Key Information

Previous ICR	202102-2060-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This Information Collection Request (ICR) is entitled Information Collection Activities Associated with SmartWay Transport Partnership, EPA ICR number 2265.05, OMB Control Number 2060-0663. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the SmartWay Transport Partnership (SmartWay) to help businesses and individuals protect the environment, improve air quality, and maximize the energy efficiency of their transportation and logistics management choices. SmartWay is a voluntary program that focuses on increasing efficiency and lowering emissions generated by goods movement. EPA encourages businesses that transport and move goods to adopt energy-efficient strategies and technologies that reduce fuel use, air pollution, and energy costs. EPA administers a streamlined reporting process for organizations that join SmartWay and has created incentives for improvement such as the SmartWay Excellence Awards Program. EPA also makes reporting tools and other resources available on the Internet to help SmartWay partners evaluate and track their environmental performance and the value of investing in transportation management year-over-year improvements. This ICR examines the information collected under SmartWay from organizations active in the transportation sector. Sections 1 through 5 of this supporting statement describe the collections (in terms of the need and utility of the data collected). These sections also outline respondent and Agency activities. In Section 6, EPA estimates the annual hour and cost burden to respondents and the Agency as a result of the data collections.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202203-0648-004

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This is a request for an extension of an existing information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Education is sponsoring data collection efforts on its Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program. B-WET advances NOAA’s mission by awarding education grants that foster an environmentally literate citizenry who have the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to protect watersheds and related ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. B-WET currently funds projects in seven regions (California, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of America, Hawaii, New England, and the Pacific Northwest). To ensure high-quality educational activities funded by B-WET, we created a cross-region, internal evaluation system that collects information from B-WET awardees and their teacher participants to provide ongoing monitoring of program implementation and to identify opportunities for improved program outcomes. B-WET awardees and teacher participants complete online survey forms to provide data for the evaluation system. Awardees are surveyed once per year of the project and teachers are surveyed twice, once after completing professional development programs and once after teaching their students about watersheds. Information collected from awardees includes program elements such as program duration, format, audience, location, support and/or materials offered, and topics covered. Information collected from teacher professional development participants includes teaching methodologies, program satisfaction, program coverage, suggestions for improvement, and teaching confidence. This data collection effort benefits those who receive B-WET grants and project participants of those grants by providing regular program improvements that they can leverage to implement successful projects. The B-WET evaluation system is designed to collect data on a continuous basis (annually for grantees and as described above for teachers). However, data collection is currently paused due to the fact that the national evaluation instruments are not designed to assess project implementation during the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This request is to initiate a new collection of information from members of the recreational and commercial fishing communities along the U.S. Pacific Coast to support expansion of fishery-independent groundfish research surveys conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) and Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC). This collection will generate information essential for the expansion of existing industry-collaborative research surveys, eliminate spatial gaps in survey coverage, and provide information for the monitoring, assessment, and management of ecologically and economically important groundfish stocks. Due to the paucity of data for many species and the resulting uncertainty surrounding the health of these stocks, large areas of the coast have been closed to most fishing as a precautionary measure, which has been economically damaging to the recreational and commercial fishing communities. Partnering with these communities will close data gaps, reduce scientific uncertainty, and enable more effective management of U.S. Pacific Coast groundfish stocks. NMFS will generate a spreadsheet template that will be distributed on a voluntary basis to members of the recreational and commercial fishing communities along the U.S. Pacific Coast to solicit information about potential sampling locations to include in an expansion of existing research surveys. Specifically, NMFS requests data including GPS coordinates depth, seafloor type, target species, and recommended gear types for consideration as potential new sampling locations. Respondents will include existing contacts and research partners within the industry as well as individuals recommended by industry leaders and liaisons along the coast to ensure broad spatial coverage. NMFS plans to place no restrictions on broader distributions by primary respondents to other knowledgeable members of the fishing community (i.e., secondary respondents) on a voluntary basis.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202206-0938-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations with D-SNPs and States use the information in the contract to provide benefits, or arrange for the provision of Medicaid benefits, to which an enrollee is entitled. CMS reviews the D-SNP contract with the State Medicaid agency to ensure that it meets the requirements at § 422.107.

Key Information

SPD-15 Implementation	Yes

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This is a request for a new collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS or NOAA Fisheries) proposes to conduct a data collection intended to assist in the mandatory evaluation of the red snapper and grouper-tilefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQs) programs in the Southeast Region of the United States. Congress requires this evaluation every 5 to 7 years, as stipulated in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and its subsequent reauthorizations. The survey will gather information on demographics, knowledge and transparency about IFQ transactions, barriers obtaining and selling IFQ share and allocation, social networks' role in the fishery, multi-activity engagement within the IFQ program value chain, and factors influencing discarding practices. The collected data will support mandatory periodic evaluations of these catch share programs, inform fishery management plan amendments, and enhance socio-economic analyses of regulatory proposals. This research aims to strengthen fishery management decision-making and fulfill legal mandates under various statutes, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and Executive Order 12866.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202308-1024-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting a three-year extension of its Programmatic Clearance for NPS-Sponsored Public Surveys. The Programmatic Clearance enables NPS provide an expedited review of requests to conduct social science research (e.g., questionnaires, focus groups, interviews, etc.) in the National Park System This information collected informs and improves the services and products NPS provides to the public and thus better carry out part of its statutory mission.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202209-1024-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Authorized by the NPS Organic Act, 54 U.S.C. 100101 et seq., and Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S. Code Chapter 6A, the NPS Office of Public Health (OPH) is called upon to conduct disease surveillance, respond to urgent outbreaks, and prevent illnesses within or associated with National Parks. National Parks are federally managed lands where state and local health departments may not have jurisdiction, therefore the public health response rests with the NPS OPH. The information collected will be used to determine the agents, sources, modes of transmission, or risk factors so that effective prevention and control measures can be implemented.

Key Information

Previous ICR	201305-1625-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Recreational Boating Safety Survey aims to estimate the total population of boaters in the United States and by state and collects attitudinal data on public safety interventions such as safety equipment and boating safety courses. The survey also estimates the total boat population of paddlecraft (canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards) that are not required to be registered with a state authority like a Department of Motor Vehicles. Since the 2018 NRBSS was conducted, canoe and kayak fatalities have risen from 21% to 26% of total fatal incidents, accounting for nearly 150 deaths in 2023.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202306-1024-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Park Service (NPS) is authorized by the System Unit Resource Protection Act (54 U.S.C. 100721) to collect information that can be used to determine the economic value associated with the preservation (avoided loss) of individual members of a wildlife species population. The NPS Environmental Quality Division is requesting approval to conduct a survey to provide estimates of the full value of protecting individual animals from intentional or accidental loss. These value estimates are not currently available to the NPS and are necessary for park management decisions.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202110-1660-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Federal Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Declaration Form, FEMA Form FF-USFA-FY-21-112 (formerly 516-0-1), is used to collect basic information on life-safety systems related directly to fire-safety in hotels, motels, and similar places of accommodation applying for inclusion on the NML. In completing the form, applicants—property owners, lodging managers, or their delegates—provide basic information including identification of the owner(s) of the property, the business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), and provisions for life-safety from fire. The form requests specific responses from applicants as to the installation of smoke alarms in all guestrooms of properties submitted for listing on the NML. In addition, applicants must indicate if the lodging establishment has an automatic fire sprinkler system where the building is four stories or higher. Once approved for the NML, the database record for each lodging establishment is assigned a unique identification number (FEMA ID). The information is collected and distributed through an on-line, electronic database accessed through the USFA website. Information submitted voluntarily by lodging establishments is reviewed and if the criteria meet the requirements of Public Law 101-391, they are given a FEMA ID number and listed in the NML database. Federal travelers and the public seeking public accommodation with provisions for life-safety from fire access the NML through the on-line database and identify lodging establishments in the area to which they are traveling.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202311-1093-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Under the Youth Conservation Corps Act of August 13, 1970, as amended (U.S. 1701–1706), the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-U.S. Forest Service provide seasonal employment for eligible youth 15 through 18 years old. The Youth Conservation Corps stresses three important objectives: 1. Accomplish needed conservation work on public lands; 2. Provide gainful employment for 15 to 18 year-old males and females from all social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds; and 3. Foster, on the part of the 15 through 18 year-old youth, an understanding and appreciation of the Nation’s natural resources and heritage. Youths seeking training and employment with the Youth Conservation Corps must complete the following new common forms included in this emergency clearance request: DI-4014, “Youth Conservation Corps Application” and DI-4015, “Youth Conservation Corps Medical History.” The applicants’ parents or guardians must sign both forms. The application and medical history forms are evaluated by participating agencies to determine the eligibility of each youth for employment with the Youth Conservation Corps. Potential and actual agencies that may use the common forms included in this collection include: • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Interior); • National Park Service (Interior); and, • Other Federal Departments and Agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture).

Key Information

Previous ICR	201910-0960-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

When SSA denies applicants’, claimants’, or beneficiaries’ requests for new or continuing disability benefits or payments, the Act entitles those applicants, claimants, or beneficiaries to request a hearing to appeal the decision. To request a hearing, individuals complete Form HA-501; the associated Modernized Claims System (MCS) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claims System interview; or the Internet application (i501). SSA uses the information to determine if the individual: (1) filed the request within the prescribed time; (2) is the proper party; and (3) took the steps necessary to obtain the right to a hearing. SSA also uses the information to determine: (1) the individual’s reason(s) for disagreeing with SSA’s prior determinations in the case; (2) if the individual has additional evidence to submit; (3) if the individual wants an oral hearing or a decision on the record; and (4) whether the individual has (or wants to appoint) a representative. The respondents are Social Security disability applicants and recipients who want to appeal SSA’s denial of their request for new or continued benefits for disability and non-medical hearing requests; and Medicare Part B recipients who must pay the Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202109-0648-006

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This request is for a renewal of a currently approved information collection through the Environmental Compliance Questionnaire for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity Applicants (Questionnaire). This Questionnaire has not been revised since 2021. This Questionnaire is used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collect information about proposed activities for the purpose of complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321-4370, and other environmental compliance requirements associated with proposed activities. NEPA requires federal agencies to take a “hard look” at the environmental consequences of all “major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.” 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C) (2023); Marsh v. Or. Natural Res. Council, 490 U.S. 360, 374 (1989). Major federal actions may include funding non-federal activities through federal financial assistance awards where federal participation in the funded activity is expected to be significant, or where the private action is “federalized” through receipt of more than a minimal amount of federal funding. The Questionnaire is used in conjunction with NOAA’s Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Key Information

Previous ICR	202110-1625-006

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This collection is required to ensure that certain vessels are not loaded deeper than appropriate for safety. Vessels over 150 gross tons or 79 feet in length engaged in commerce on international or coastwise voyages by sea are required to obtain a Load Line Certificate. Title 46 U.S. Code sections 5101 through 5116 are the statutory authorities.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202107-1902-019

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Absent Commission authorization, section 305(b)(1) of the Federal Power Act (FPA) (with some exceptions) prohibits an officer or director of a public utility from holding the position of officer or director of more than one public utility, and prohibits an officer or director or a public utility from also holding the position of officer or director any one of the following entities: • Any bank, trust company, banking association, or firm that is authorized by law to underwrite or participate in the marketing of securities of a public utility; or • Any company supplying electrical equipment to such utility. In order to obtain Commission authorization to hold one or more of the prohibited positions, an applicant must provide information that enables the Commission to determine that neither public nor private interests will be adversely affected. FERC-520 consists of information collection activities that officers and directors of public utilities may use to seek authorization to hold interlocking positions. These activities take the form of a "full application," an "informational report," or a "notice of change."

Key Information

Previous ICR	202111-1902-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The FERC Form No. 580 (Form 580) interrogatory is conducted every two years. On this form the Commission collects information from public utilities subject to its jurisdiction that own or operate power plants that generate a minimum of 50MW. Presently there are approximately 40 public utilities that file the form. The information collected through the Form 580 interrogatory is used by Commission staff to review utility purchase and cost recovery practices through AACs (automatic adjustment clauses) to ensure efficient use of resources, in compliance with the statute and with Commission regulations promulgated in 18 CFR §35.14. The information is also used by the Commission and the public to evaluate costs in individual rate filings and to supplement periodic utility audits. We include the administrative non-substantive changes updates for the period covered. For example, the year range will change from “2022-2023” to "2024-2025."

Key Information

Previous ICR	202202-1902-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

According to Section 203 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), FERC approval is required for transactions in which a public utility disposes of jurisdictional facilities, merges such facilities with facilities owned by another person, or acquires the securities of another public utility. Under the statute, FERC must find that the proposed transaction will be consistent with the public interest. The information collected under the FERC-519 enables the Commission to meet its statutory responsibilities regarding public utility disposition, merger, consolidation of facilities, purchase, or acquisition oversight and enforcement in accordance with the FPA as referenced above. Without this information, FERC would be unable to meet these responsibilities. The required information includes descriptions of corporate attributes of the party or parties to the proposed transaction (e.g. a sale, lease, or other disposition, merger, or consolidation of facilities, or purchase of other acquisition of the securities of a public utility and the facilities or other property involved in the transaction), statements about effect of the transaction, and the applicant’s proof that the transaction will be consistent with the public interest.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202403-1902-015

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The following list outlines four circumstances under which the FERC-546 information collection requirements for certificated rates must be met: A company decides to: 1. Construct and operate a new jurisdictional pipeline; 2. Expand its certificated pipeline capacity by constructing a lateral pipeline, adding compression or providing storage at incremental or cost-based rates; 3. Build a new liquefied natural gas facility; or 4. Provide gas storage and negotiate market based rates. Under the circumstances 1-3, the company must file its FERC-546 cost data along with an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under the statutory requirements of NGA Section 7(c). For circumstance 4, the company must file its FERC-546 information with an application under NGA Section 4(f). The FERC-546 includes the following: • Supporting information for proposed initial rates (e.g. cost-based, market based, incremental rates); • Pro forma tariffs; • Motions to put proposed initial rates into effect subject to Commission findings on the related certificate; and • Unexecuted precedent agreements. Section 16 of the NGA grants the Commission administrative powers including the ability to define accounting, technical and trade terms, prescribe forms, statements, declarations or reports and to prescribe rules and regulations. Section 403 of the Department of Energy Organization Act authorizes the Commission to establish and review priorities for curtailments under the Natural Gas Act. The Commission reviews the FERC-546 materials in order to approve rates and tariff changes associated with an application for a certificate under NGA Section 7(c). Additionally, the Commission reviews FERC-546 materials in 4(f) storage applications to evaluate market power and decide whether to grant, deny, or condition market based rate authority for the applicant. The Commission also uses the FERC-546 information to monitor jurisdictional transportation, natural gas storage, and unbundled sales activities of interstate natural gas pipelines and Hinshaw pipelines. In addition to fulfilling the Commission’s obligations under the NGA, the FERC-546 enables the Commission to monitor activities, evaluate transactions, ensure competitiveness, and improved efficiency of the gas industry's operations. In summary, the Commission uses the FERC-546 information to: • Ensure adequate customer protections under section 4(f) of the NGA; • Review rate and tariff changes by natural gas companies for the transportation of natural gas and natural gas storage services; • Provide general industry oversight; and • Supplement documentation during its audits process. Failure to collect this information would prevent the Commission from being able to monitor and evaluate transactions and operations of interstate pipelines and perform its regulatory functions.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202112-1405-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This form is an application that, when completed and officially approved by PM/DDTC, Department of State, constitutes the official record and authorization for all classified commercial defense trade transactions, pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202110-2506-002

Federal Register Notices

Abstract

The UC/New York Towns qualification/requalification process obtains information yearly to establish the participating population used to calculate the final grant CDBG allocations for all CDBG grantees for the next fiscal year.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202109-2060-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the regulations published at 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart HH were proposed on May 3, 1977, and promulgated on April 26, 1984. These regulations apply to existing and new rotary lime kilns used in the manufacturing of lime. These standards do not apply to facilities used in the manufacture of lime at kraft pulp mills. New facilities include those that commenced construction, modification or reconstruction after the date of proposal. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart HH.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202101-2577-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Public and Indian Housing Grant recipients use the payment vouchers to request funds from HUD through the LOCCS/VRS voice activated system. The information collected on the form serves also as an internal control measure to ensure the lawful and appropriate disbursement of Federal funds.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202006-2060-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The NESHAP for Coke Oven By-Product Recovery Plants (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart L) were promulgated on September 14, 1989 (54 FR 38073) and amended on February 12, 1999 (64 FR 7458). These regulations apply to each of the following benzene emission sources at furnace and foundry coke by-product recovery plants: tar decanters, tar storage tanks, tar-intercepting sumps, flushing-liquor circulation tanks, light-oil sumps, light-oil condensers, light-oil decanters, wash-oil decanters, wash-oil circulation tanks, naphthalene processing, final coolers, final-cooler cooling towers, and equipment intended to operate in benzene service, including: pumps, valves, exhausters, pressure relief devices, sampling connection systems, open-ended valves or lines, flanges or other connectors, and other control devices or systems. The provisions of this subpart also apply to benzene storage tanks, BTX (benzene-toluene-xylene) storage tanks, light-oil storage tanks, and excess ammonia-liquor storage tanks at furnace coke by-product recovery plants. The ICR is to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart L. The NESHAP for Benzene Emissions from Benzene Storage Vessels (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart Y) were promulgated on September 14, 1989 (54 FR 38077) and amended on December 14, 2000 (65 FR 78268). These standards apply to each benzene storage vessel with a design storage capacity greater than or equal to 38 cubic meters (10,000 gallons). This subpart does not apply to: 1) storage vessels used for storing benzene at coke by-product facilities; 2) vessels permanently attached to motor vehicles --such as trucks, rail cars, barges or ships; and 3) pressure vessels designed to operate in excess of 204.9 kPa (29.72 psia) and without emissions to the atmosphere. This ICR to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart Y. "

Key Information

Previous ICR	202112-2060-007

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Surface Coating of Metal Coil (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart SSSS) were promulgated on June 10, 2002, and most recently amended on February 25, 2020. These regulations apply to existing facilities and new facilities that are major sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) at which a coil coating line is operated. A coil coating line is a process in which special equipment is used to apply an organic coating to the surface of metal coils; the affected source at each plant site is the collection of all coil coating lines at the site. The provisions of this Subpart do not apply to coil coating lines that are part of research or laboratory equipment or coil coating lines on which at least 85 percent of the metal coil coated, based on surface area, is less than 0.15 millimeters (0.006 inches) thick, unless the coating line is controlled by a common control device. New facilities include those that commenced construction or reconstruction after the date of proposal. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart SSSS.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202409-1205-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This information collection request (ICR) seeks to establish a new information collection to reinstate previous versions of Forms ETA-9142A, ETA-790, ETA-790A, and ETA-790B, only to be used by the plaintiffs who were granted an injunction by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia against the enforcement of the final rule “Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States” (Farmworker Protection Rule) in Kansas, et al. v. U.S. Department of Labor (Kansas).