Change Requests

Key Information

Previous ICR	202004-2060-009

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Sewage Sludge Incineration Units (40 CFR Part 60, Subpart LLLL) were proposed on October 14, 2010, and promulgated on March 21, 2011. These regulations apply to new and existing facilities with one or more sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units. New facilities are those that commenced construction after October 14, 2010 or commenced modification after September 21, 2011. Physical or operational changes made to the SSI unit to comply with the SSI Emission Guidelines at 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart MMMM do not qualify as a modification under this NSPS. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart LLLL. In general, all NSPS standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all affected facilities subject to NSPS.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202007-0710-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This information collection is needed to obtain feedback on the performance and successes of the Silver Jackets Program, a program that allows for the coordination of flood risk management programs and activities across federal, state, and local agencies. Respondents are state government partners on state Silver Jackets teams whose feedback and votes are needed to nominate and determine a “Silver Jackets Team of the Year.” The collection responses will also be used to recognize excellent work by teams, thank team partners for their efforts, and provide incentives for future team participation.

Key Information

Previous ICR	201908-2060-010

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Responsible Appliance Disposal program (RAD) is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that encourages Partners to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and their alternatives (e.g., hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)) that can be attributed to improper disposal of appliances. Appliances may contain ODS or HFC refrigerants and foams as well as universal wastes such as mercury, used oil, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Federal law requires refrigerant recovery and proper management of universal waste but does not require the recovery of appliance foam. The RAD Program works with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, federal agencies/states/municipalities, waste removal service providers, affiliates, and others to dispose of appliances using best environmental practices. To encourage reductions in emissions associated with appliance disposal in the United States, EPA launched the RAD Program. The RAD Program supports Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and is an important component of EPA’s mission to protect the ozone layer by reducing emissions of ODS. These efforts also support the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. RAD Program Partners reduce emissions of ODS and HFCs and realize other benefits through recovery and destruction/reclamation of refrigerants and foam blowing agents–the latter of which is not covered under existing Federal regulations–and by ensuring that all other hazardous and recyclable materials are handled using best environmental practices. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are avoided through recovery of both ODS, HFCs, and other foam blowing agents. Additionally, through the RAD Program, EPA is partnering with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, federal agencies/state/municipalities, waste removal service providers, and others to promote the retirement of old appliances and permanently remove energy inefficient units from the electricity grid, providing energy savings to consumers. Participation in the Program begins with completion of a mutually agreed upon Partnership Agreement that outlines mutual responsibilities for participation in the RAD Program. By voluntarily joining the Program, a Partner agrees to complete an annual reporting form identifying the number and types of appliances handled and the fates of their individual components. The electronic reporting form automatically generates feedback for the user on the results of their participation in terms of emissions avoided, quantity of used oil/PCBs/mercury destroyed or recycled, energy savings achieved, and consumer savings realized. An annual report provides Partners with information on their progress towards achieving emissions reductions and information about developments in the latest recycling technologies and practices. Through recognition of Partner efforts, and the Program’s promotion of recycling best practices through webinars, web updates, fact sheets, and presentations, non-Partners become aware of recycling best practices and can evaluate what best practices could work for them. The RAD Program largely serves to disseminate information on recycling best practices and creates a platform for information sharing on recycling and waste management practices. The data collected are used as an indicator of whether industry is reducing emissions from end-of-life appliances.

Key Information

Previous ICR	201907-2060-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary energy efficiency labeling and public outreach program aimed at forming public-private partnerships that prevent air pollution rather than control it after its creation. This ICR covers information collection activities under the ENERGY STAR program within the new residential construction and existing residential construction markets. ENERGY STAR promotes energy efficient new home construction and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in existing homes.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202001-2060-009

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The EPA has established a suite of PM2.5 standards based on numerous health studies and other evidence demonstrating that serious health effects are associated with exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5. Estimates show that attainment of the PM2.5 standards would result in tens of thousands fewer premature deaths each year, tens of thousands fewer hospital admissions each year, and hundreds of thousands fewer doctor visits, absences from work and school, and respiratory illnesses in children annually. EPA initially established annual and 24-hour PM2.5 standards in 1997. The 24-hour standard was subsequently revised in 2006, and the primary annual standard was revised in 2012. The EPA finalized the PM2.5 NAAQS State Implementation Plan (SIP) Requirements Rule (81 FR 58010) effective October 24, 2016, to describe the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements that must be met by states with nonattainment areas to develop plans for attaining and maintaining the NAAQS. The intended effect of the PM2.5 NAAQS SIP Requirements Rule is to provide certainty to states regarding their planning obligations related to SIP development. Only states with nonattainment areas are required to submit SIPs that meet the requirements of the rule. The information collection activities in this proposed renewal have been submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The PRA requires the EPA to assess the administrative burden (in hours and dollars) for state air agencies to develop plans to attain the PM2.5 NAAQS, and for EPA to review and take action on such plans.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202004-2060-007

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Information collected as part of this information collection request (ICR) is used to issue operating permits and manage the CAM program. The operating permit program requires owners or operators of units that emit air pollutants to submit annual compliance certifications and monitoring results at least semi-annually, and to report deviations promptly, but no implementation guidance is provided within the operating permit program. The CAM program ensures sources that use active air emission control devices pay attention to those devices by monitoring their performance on an ongoing basis. The CAM rule establishes the requirements to implement that monitoring for the operating permit program in a cost-effective manner.

Key Information

Previous ICR	201909-2060-013

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created ENERGY STAR as a voluntary program to help businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Over time, EPA has streamlined the reporting requirements of ENERGY STAR and focused on providing recognition incentives for improvements (e.g., ENERGY STAR Awards program). EPA also makes tools and resources available over the web to help the public overcome the barriers to evaluating their energy performance and investing in profitable improvements. For several reasons, the publics participation in the ENERGY STAR program for commercial and industrial sectors has continued to increase over the past several years, and EPA expects their participation to rise even more in the coming years. A growing number of state and local governments are leveraging ENERGY STAR as a way for the public to respond to rising energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. As of the end of 2022, 45 state and local governments rely on Portfolio Manager as the foundation for their energy benchmarking and transparency policies. Use of Portfolio Manager is also increasing as Building Performance Standards are increasingly being implemented. Participation in ENERGY STAR has also risen dramatically because of the efforts of trade associations, utilities, and third-party providers in promoting the program to the public. As participation has increased, EPA has taken measures to reduce the burden on participants that take advantage of the benefits of ENERGY STAR. In a recent year, the ENERGY STAR program for commercial buildings and industrial plants helped businesses and organizations save 230 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid $14 billion in energy costs, and achieve 170 million metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings use 35% less energy and generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their peers.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202009-1910-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Vendors complete and submit these forms to fulfill BPA contracting requirements. The contracting office is responsible for collecting and maintaining records of purchasing data for acquisition activities. The data shall provide, as a minimum: (a) A basis for responding and reporting to the Federal government and the public; (b) A means of measuring and assessing the impact of Bonneville supplier diversity program activities; and (c) Data for HCA oversight, management decisions, and operational purchasing management and internal control purposes. The forms gather information from contract employees, vendors, and other utilities.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

DOE is revising, expanding, and renewing the information DOE is collecting on the energy and water efficiency of consumer products and commercial equipment manufactured for distribution in commerce in the United States. This collection would cover all covered products and equipment subject to DOE's regulatory requirements described in 10 CFR Parts 429, 430, and 431.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202012-2040-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published in the Federal Register (FR) the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (86 FR 4198). In a subsequent action on June 16, 2021, EPA published the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions; Delay of Effective and Compliance Dates (86 FR 31939), which set the new effective date for the LCRR as December 16, 2021, and the compliance date as October 16, 2024. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the initial Information Collection Request for Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) on July 25, 2022, and set the renewal date as December 31, 2023. Therefore, this ICR renewal characterizes the incremental impacts of the LCRR in terms of the burden and costs for the three years after December 31, 2023 (January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026). Also, this ICR modifies the extension to the ICR titled, Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts, Chemical, and Radionuclides Rules (80 FR 78224, December 16, 2015, OMB control number 2040-0204), which estimates the burden and costs associated with the previous Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) as well as other rules.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202011-2050-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The EPA published a final rule to regulate the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) from electric utilities as solid waste under RCRA Subtitle D (see 80 FR 21302, April 17, 2015). EPA established national minimum criteria for existing and new CCR landfills and CCR surface impoundments and all lateral expansions to include location restrictions, design and operating criteria, groundwater monitoring and corrective action, closure requirements and post-closure care, and recordkeeping, notification, and internet posting requirements. Since the final rule, several court decisions have required accelerated closure timelines for many units and forced closures for many units previously categorized as lined. In 2020, EPA published the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of CCR; A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternate Demonstration for Unlined Surface Impoundments Rule which allows for units to receive variances for unlined surface impoundments (see 85 FR 72506, November 12, 2020). This ICR includes the voluntary action that states may take to obtain permit program approval. With this renewal, this ICR also incorporates the burden currently covered by OMB Control No. 2050-0053.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202006-1024-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Public Gathering Permit System is an extension of the National Park Service (NPS) statutory responsibilities to protect the park areas it administers and to manage public use. NPS regulations, as applicable to demonstrations and special events in National Capital Region (NCR) parks, are designed to implement statutory mandates to provide for resource protection and public enjoyment. These regulations reflect the special demands on many of the urban NCR parks as sites for demonstrations and special events. The NPS collects information in the Public Gathering Permit application to allow NPS officials to determine that groups conducting demonstrations and special events will use adequate measures to ensure order within their own ranks and to assist in protecting demonstrating groups. Permit applications also provide a means to request waivers of numerical limitations on the White House sidewalk and in Lafayette Park and to ensure demonstrating groups take adequate measures to minimize the possibility of danger to the White House and its occupants.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The information collection under OMB Number 0575-New will enable the Agencies to effectively administer the policies, methods, and responsibilities for the funding and transmittal of post-award Federal funding for approved programs and projects. The purpose of this information collection is to obtain information necessary to efficiently set up a functional system for the transmittal of payments after an applicant has been awarded funding.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The information collection under OMB Number 0570-New will enable the Agencies to effectively provide servicing to a recipient’s post disbursement loan and/or debt collection efforts to support Agencies and parties involved. The Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business and Cooperative Service (RBCS) and Rural Utilities service (RUS) agencies within the Rural Development mission area, hereinafter referred to as Agency, is the credit Agency for agriculture and rural development for the United States Department of Agriculture. The Agency offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing; health care; first responder services and equipment; and water, electric and communications infrastructure. Rural Development has determined that the financial reporting requirements are necessary to provide the Agency with current information in order to monitor the program, to make various reporting requirements to Congress, and for program innovation and expansion under the Government’s Performance Review.

Key Information

Previous ICR	201912-1024-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

To develop resource management strategies for the parklands, the National Park Service needs information on harvest patterns among residents of communities with subsistence eligibility, resource distribution systems, and the impact of the changing rural economy on subsistence activities. A survey will be used to estimate subsistence harvests and to describe community subsistence economies. The communities to be surveyed are designated as resident zone communities in recognition that many residents have customarily and traditionally engaged in subsistence uses within a national park or monument. The resulting information will assist park managers in their subsistence management responsibilities and will also be of use to local and regional advisory councils in making recommendations and by the State of Alaska and the Federal Subsistence Board in making decisions regarding the management of fish and wildlife in the region.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Computerized neurocognitive tests are a non-invasive way to measure cognitive function (e.g., attention, working memory, information processing speed, reaction time) and are used as part of the FAA’s overall aeromedical physical exam process to determine if a pilot is safe to operate an aircraft within the National Airspace System (NAS) and if an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) is safe to return to duty. Neurocognitive tests are required only for pilots and ATCSs with certain medical conditions associated with aeromedically significant cognitive impairments (i.e., not all pilots and ATCSs are tested). The FAA needs to ensure that the tests and data used to maintain the safety of the NAS are based on the most current scientific knowledge. The purpose of this IC effort is to obtain updated pilot and ATCS normative data for the FAA’s current neurocognitive test and alternative neurocognitive tests under consideration. The IC effort will be used to potentially revise the FAA’s Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) Guide, update clinical practices, and assure aeromedical safety. Information will be collected from representative pilots and ATCSs across the United States, who will complete two different 1-hour neurocognitive tests. Total IC effort/time per person will be approximately four hours (i.e., to include check-in processing, informed consent, neurocognitive test-taking, rest breaks, and participant debrief).

Key Information

Previous ICR	201810-1028-004

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN), established in 2007 by USGS in collaboration with other governmental and non-governmental organizations, is a national-scale science and monitoring initiative focused on phenology (i.e., the study of seasonal life-cycle events such as leafing, flowering, reproduction and migration) as a tool to understand how plants, animals and landscapes respond to environmental variation and change. Information collected by the USA-NPN through it's national observing system, Nature's Notebook, is used by researchers and federal, state and local agencies and resource managers to: understand and support climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation; inform management and assessment of habitats and plant and animal species; identify, assess, and forecast change in ecosystems and effects of climate change; identify relationships between environments and wildlife and human health; integrate data and products for science-based stewardship of natural resources; and provide for youth and public stewardship and engagement.

Key Information

Previous ICR	201911-1024-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Sections 47 and 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code require the Secretary of the Interior to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury whether (1) properties are historic structures, and (2) rehabilitation work on such properties is consistent with their historic character. These certifications are necessary for applicants to receive a Federal income tax credit for rehabilitation (sec. 47), or an income tax deduction for charitable contributions for conservation purposes (sec. 170(h)).

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch in the Fort Collins Science Center is submitting a notice of information collection to the Federal Register to conduct interviews on the topic of science communication. This research will advance USGS capability by documenting the efficacy of existing mining-related science communication efforts to partners and advance USGS knowledge and use of communication methods to deliver actionable science to non-science audiences in the future. Approximately 20 interviews will be conducted with USGS partners and members of the public in the Grand Canyon watershed.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The foreclosure sale bid kit is necessary for the successful high bidder to submit application for approval to become the new owner of the foreclosed property.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The information collection under OMB Number 0575-New will enable the Agencies to effectively monitor a recipient’s compliance with their loan and/or grant agreement and conditions upon being approved for the federal program they have applied for and accepted terms for.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The information collection under OMB Number 0575-New will enable the Agencies to effectively extend financial assistance to construct, improve, alter, repair, replace or rehabilitate dwellings, farm buildings, and/or related facilities to provide decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions and adequate farm buildings and other structures in rural areas. Title clearance is required to assure the Agency (s) that the loan is legally secured and has the required lien priority.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The information collection under OMB Number 0575-New will enable the Agencies to effectively monitor a recipient’s compliance with the federal debt reporting and to determine employment verification and eligibility for Federal financial assistance. The Agencies offer supervised credit programs to build modest housing and essential community facilities in rural areas. Section 517 (d) of Title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, provides the authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to issue loan guarantees for the acquisition of new or existing dwellings and related facilities to provide decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions and other structures in rural areas.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Agencies are required to provide Federal financial assistance through its housing and community and business programs. The laws implemented in 7 CFR part 1942, require the recipients of RD Federal financial assistance to collect various types of information. Recipients of awards are required to submit reporting and payment request information to facilitate monitoring of the award and disbursement of funds.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202007-2008-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The U.S. EPA granted Denver Water a SDWA 1415(a)(3) variance from the definition of optimal corrosion control treatment in 40 CFR 141.2. Under the Variance, Denver Water must conduct a survey in 2023 and every other program year of randomly selected customers enrolled in the filter program to receive a minimum of responses from remaining program participants that is consistent with a 95% confidence level and 3% margin of error. The survey must inquire whether the customer has used the filter for: water to make infant formula (if applicable); cooking and drinking; or is using bottled water or a filter device that is certified NSF/ANSI (53) for lead removal but was not provided by Denver Water for infant formula, cooking and drinking. Surveys can be conducted in writing by mail or verbally using the same survey questions so long as responses are documented.