PRELIMINARY SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUEST:

EPA’S ENERGY STAR® PRODUCT LABELING

EPA ICR NUMBER 2078.06

October 2015

Prepared by:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Air and Radiation

Climate Protection Partnerships Division

Table of Contents

1	Identification of the Information Collection	3

	  1.a  Title of the Information Collection	3

	  1.b  Short Characterization/Abstract	3

2	Need for and Use of the Collection	5

  2.a  Need/Authority for the Collection	5

  2.b  Practical Utility/Users of the Data	6

3	Nonduplication, Consultations, and Other Collection Criteria	10

  3.a  Nonduplication	10

  3.b  Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB 	10

		  3.c  Consultations	10

  3.d  Effects of Less Frequent Collection	10

  3.e  General Guidelines	11

  3.f  Confidentiality	11

	  3.g  Sensitive Questions	11

4	The Respondents and the Information Requested	11

	  4.a  Respondents and SIC Codes	11

  4.b  Information Requested	13

5	Information Collected:  Agency Activities, Collection Methodology, and Information Management	16

  5.a  Agency Activities	17

  5.b  Collection Methodology and Management	18

  5.c  Small Entity Flexibility	18

  5.d  Collection Schedule	18

6	Estimating the Burden and Cost of the Collection	19

  6.a  Estimating Respondent Burden	19

  6.b  Estimating Respondent Costs	19

	  6.c  Estimating Agency Burden and Costs	20

	  6.d  Estimating the Respondent Universe and Total Burden and Costs	20

  6.e  Bottom Line Burden Hours and Costs	22

	  6.f  Reasons for Change in Burden	22

  6.g  Burden Statement	23

EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1:	Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost	25

Exhibit 2:	Estimated Annual Agency Burden and Cost	26

1	IDENTIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION

1.a	TITLE OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION

	This ICR is entitled “EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Product Labeling (Renewal).” (EPA ICR No. 2078.06, OMB Control Number 2060-0528)

1.b	SHORT CHARACTERIZATION/ABSTRACT

	The figures within this supporting statement have not been updated for this ICR.  The EPA is currently conducting consultations with fewer than nine respondents to this ICR to determine updated burden hour estimates.  From initial market research, we estimate that 280 new respondents will be added to this voluntary program each year.

	In April 1993, President Clinton issued the Climate Change Action Plan, which was designed to reduce U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases, while guiding the U.S. economy toward environmentally sound economic growth into the next century.  EPA’s ENERGY STAR product labeling is an important part of the overall effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; with the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans prevented more than 300 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2014 alone.  ENERGY STAR is aimed at preventing pollution rather than controlling it after its creation.

          This voluntary program was designed to create self-sustaining markets for energy-efficient products and services via a common labeling strategy and awareness campaign and through strategic market interventions designed to overcome barriers identified for designated product markets.  In the over 20 years since it was first established, ENERGY STAR has become a very successful program.  Today, more than 85% of the American public recognizes the ENERGY STAR label.  Thus, even though participation in the ENERGY STAR program is voluntary, most producers seek to satisfy its criteria.  Currently ENERGY STAR has over 2,000 manufacturing Partners covering more than 50,000 certified product models in 70 product categories.  Partners see the ENERGY STAR label as a very useful and effective marketing tool for highlighting the energy efficiency of their products to consumers and others.  In addition, ENERGY STAR provides Partners with recognition as environmental leaders.

          Within EPA, the program is administered by the Climate Protection Partnerships Division (CPPD). The program currently has unique energy efficiency requirements based on specific test methods for over 70 products including the following:

office equipment (computers, displays, imaging equipment)

enterprise equipment (servers, storage, uninterruptable power supplies)

consumer electronics (TVs, home audio equipment, DVD players, Blu Ray, set-top boxes, cordless and Voice Over IP telephones, small network equipment)

heating and cooling equipment (boilers, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, furnaces, ceiling fans, commercial air conditioners, commercial heat pumps, commercial water heaters, ventilating fans)

lighting (compact fluorescent and solid state lighting, indoor and outdoor residential lighting fixtures, decorative light strings, luminaires)

home envelope (roof products, windows, doors, skylights)

residential appliances (clothes dryers, clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, room air cleaners)

commercial foodservice (fryers, hot food holding cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, steam cookers, ovens, griddles, dishwashers, ice machines)

water coolers

vending machines

pool pumps

	Additional products are expected to be added to the program in the future.  Existing specifications will also be revised as need to assure that the label remains relevant as a differentiator of efficient products within each category.

	EPA partners with retailers and product brand owners who wish to use the ENERGY STAR label to differentiate products as more energy efficient.  Retailers and product brand owners sign a Partnership Agreement (PA) with EPA to become a Partner, indicating that they voluntarily agree to fulfill the relevant program requirements referenced in the form.  In rare circumstances, EPA partners with brand licensees who sign a joint statement with the brand owner.  The program requirements require third party certification for products to be labeled as ENERGY STAR.

	Prior to labeling a product as ENERGY STAR, partners must have eligible products tested in an EPA-recognized laboratory and certified by an EPA-recognized third party certification body (CB).  To minimize the burden on Partners, EPA maintains an automated data exchange with CBs.  The CBs share information with EPA on products they review from EPA-recognized laboratories during the certification process.  The XML-based data exchange allows the CBs to automatically transmit information on certified products to EPA from their database via web services.  Overall EPA has increased the electronic capability of this process by introducing the automated system, thus reducing the need for paper submissions.  EPA runs a series of automated validations to ensure the integrity of the data and confirm the credentials of the organizations associated with the data prior to incorporating it into the ENERGY STAR product database.  EPA then provides the relevant information to consumers and purchasers in user-friendly formats that facilitate the purchase of energy efficient products.

	The certification process also includes requirements for CBs to report to EPA products that were reviewed, but not eligible for certification, as well as to conduct post-market verification testing of a sampling of ENERGY STAR certified products.  CBs are required to complete a minimum amount of verification testing and share information with EPA on products verified twice a year.  CBs are also required to promptly report to EPA, any post-market test data indicating a product may no longer meet the program requirements.  This process helps maintain consumer confidence in the ENERGY STAR label and protect the investment of Partners.

	While most product-related information is provided by CBs, Partners are asked to submit to EPA annual unit shipment data for their ENERGY STAR certified products.  EPA is flexible as to the methods Partners may use to submit unit shipment data.  For example, if Partners already submit this type of information to a third party, such as a trade association, they are given the option of arranging for shipment data to be sent to EPA via this third party to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure confidentiality.

	Finally, Partners that wish to receive recognition for their efforts in ENERGY STAR may submit an application for the Partner of the Year Award.

2	NEED FOR AND USE OF THE COLLECTION

2.a	NEED/AUTHORITY FOR THE COLLECTION

	Section 103(a) of the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to establish “a national research and development program for the prevention and control of air pollution.” As part of such a program, EPA is to “conduct and promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects (including health and welfare effects), extent, prevention and control of air pollution.” Section 103(a)(1).

	In addition, as a component of the program, section 103(g) directs the Administrator to “conduct a basic engineering research and technology program to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate non-regulatory strategies and technologies for air pollution prevention.” The section calls on the Administrator to provide opportunities for industry, public interest groups, scientists, and other interested persons to participate in strategy development.  Section 103(g) further directs EPA to include as elements in the program “improvements in non-regulatory strategies and technologies for preventing or reducing multiple air pollutants including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, PM-10 (particulate matter), carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide…”  The strategies and technologies are to improve various air pollutant reduction and non-regulatory control strategies, including energy conservation.

	The ENERGY STAR Labeling Program is one component of the Administrator’s response.  ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between the U.S. EPA, product manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers.  Partners help promote efficient products by labeling qualifying models with the ENERGY STAR label and educating consumers about the benefits.  The label provides an easy way for consumers to identify energy-efficient products that save money on utility bills and help the environment.  By using less energy, these products help reduce the demand to create power, which is typically generated by power plants that burn fossil fuels.  As such, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are generated by these stationary sources.  ENERGY STAR demonstrates how providing consumer product information can be used as a non-regulatory strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

	In addition, in 2005, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act.  Section 131 of the Act amends Section 324 (42 USC 6294) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and requires, among other provisions, that the Administrator of the EPA and the Secretary of the Department of Energy work jointly 1) to promote ENERGY STAR compliant technologies as the preferred technologies in the marketplace for achieving energy efficiency and reducing pollution; 2) to enhance public awareness of the ENERGY STAR label; 3) to preserve the integrity of the ENERGY STAR label; 4) to regularly update ENERGY STAR product criteria; and 5) to solicit comments from interested parties prior to establishing or revising an ENERGY STAR product category or criterion.

2.b	PRACTICAL UTILITY/USERS OF THE DATA

	EPA uses collected information for a variety of purposes.  These are described below:

Partnership Agreement

	EPA uses information submitted in the PA to officially establish participation in ENERGY STAR.  Partner data from PAs are also entered into EPA’s database so the Agency can keep a record of certified products associated with each Partner, and a contact person for important communications.  In the rare circumstances where EPA partners with brand licensees, EPA enters the information conveyed through the brand owner and licensee joint statement into EPA’s database to facilitate Partner communication and also shares this relationship with CBs to facilitate certification of products.

Application to be recognized by EPA

           In order to serve as an Accreditation Body (AB), a Laboratory, or a CB, organizations must provide EPA with relevant information as defined for each of these key entities in ENERGY STAR’s third party certification program.

Third-Party Certified Product Information

	In order for a product to be labeled as ENERGY STAR, the product brand owner must obtain third-party certification of the product’s performance.  The third-party CB must be recognized by EPA and base its certification on testing that was performed in an EPA-recognized laboratory.  Once a product has been certified, the CB provides the model number, along with a range of other identifying and performance information to EPA via an automated XML-based web service so that EPA may authorize use of the logo (in first instance) and include the product on the relevant ENERGY STAR certified product list.

	EPA uses this data primarily to document and inform consumers about which products qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, fulfilling a fundamental purpose of the program – making it easy for consumers to identify and choose energy efficient products that are good for the environment.  This data also informs the process by which ENERGY STAR performance specifications are established, and factors into EPA’s assessment of whether and how the ENERGY STAR label can continue to effectively differentiate products in the market (see principle number six below.)

To develop ENERGY STAR product specifications, EPA uses a systematic framework to

assess the feasibility of applying the label to a product category;

to develop performance specifications that must be met in order to earn the label; and

to reassess performance specifications as market conditions change.

This process relies on rigorous market, engineering, and pollution savings analyses as well as input from a range of stakeholders including product manufacturers, utilities, and the efficiency community.  To ensure that the ENERGY STAR label remains an effective consumer tool, EPA strives to ensure that the resulting performance-based specifications identify energy-efficient products whose use results in reasonable financial return without sacrificing product performance or features.

EPA follows a set of six key principles when establishing or updating an ENERGY STAR specification.  The ultimate viability and environmental impact of an ENERGY STAR specification in the marketplace depends upon many factors.  In reaching a final judgment in terms of where to “set the bar” for ENERGY STAR, EPA employs an iterative process to achieve the desired balance among the principles.  The success of a specification can be more reasonably assured through the application of these principles.

Significant energy savings can be realized on a national basis

Product categories covered by ENERGY STAR can contribute significant energy savings nationwide.  An ENERGY STAR specification can achieve sizable energy savings from a product category where there are significant savings on a unit basis and limited annual unit sales or, where there are relatively small energy savings on a unit basis, but very large annual unit sales. The goal is to create ENERGY STAR specifications for only those product categories where it is clear that the energy savings potential of a product will translate into tangible energy savings when the product is placed in a home or building.

Product performance can be maintained or enhanced with increased energy efficiency

EPA seeks to maintain the ENERGY STAR label as an attractive purchasing tool for a broad array of consumers. This is accomplished by ensuring that the label is not only a credible symbol for energy efficiency, but that it is also found on products with the features and performance that consumers demand.  EPA would not expect consumers to choose the more efficient products if it required sacrificing performance, functionality or other non-energy-related features.  As such, the Agency examines factors such as size, speed and delivered output (e.g. lumens for lighting) and establishes performance-based efficiency requirements, where appropriate, to avoid trade-offs that compromise consumer satisfaction.

Purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency within a reasonable period of time

Some energy-efficient products may have a price premium, while others do not.  In evaluating the cost effectiveness of a specification for ENERGY STAR qualified products, EPA examines the additional cost of energy saving technologies for the manufacturer as well as any incremental costs associated with the increased efficiency of products and the price of energy.  EPA may also consider the prevalence of rebates or other incentives for the purchase of energy-efficient products in evaluating cost effectiveness.  ENERGY STAR specifications are set so that if there is a cost differential at time of purchase, that cost is recovered through utility bill savings, within the life of the product, which is generally between 2 and 5 years.

Energy-efficiency can be achieved through one or more technologies such that qualifying products are broadly available and offered by more than one manufacturer

ENERGY STAR is an effective marketing tool that conveys a business advantage to manufacturers that use it.  As such, EPA is careful to ensure that energy-efficiency can be achieved through one or more technologies such that qualifying products are broadly available and offered by more than one manufacturer when stabilizing or revising the performance attributes of an ENERGY STAR product specification.  To ensure that specifications are set so that more than one manufacturer can meet them with at least one of their product models, EPA considers many factors, such as number of companies that manufacture a product type, availability, variety, and cost-competitiveness of energy-saving technologies, and any proprietary technologies in use.

Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing

Product testing is important as it yields accurate and repeatable energy consumption values for potentially qualifying products.  Product testing also assures that labeled products are performing at the appropriate levels and delivering on ENERGY STAR’s promise to consumers.  When assessing the viability of a product category to be covered by ENERGY STAR, and when developing and revising performance-based specifications, EPA generally relies on test procedures developed and maintained by DOE for the ENERGY STAR program.

Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers

EPA sets and revises specifications so they reflect the performance of products meeting the highest conservation standards. By recognizing the top performers, EPA distinguishes these products from the others, thereby adding to their intrinsic value. In some cases, very few models may meet the ENERGY STAR specification when it is initially set.  Through research and analysis prior to setting the specification, EPA may conclude that manufacturers could implement relatively simple design changes to modify product models to enhance their energy-efficiency.  For example, the addition of insulation and timers on water coolers were considered very feasible and likely the only prerequisites needed to meet the ENERGY STAR specifications.  With these design changes, sufficient numbers of models will qualify and ENERGY STAR will identify the more efficient products on the market.

Ineligible Products

	In the event that a CB reviews a product for certification and determines that it is ineligible for the program, they are required to report that information to EPA.  Then the Agency may compile and share this data with all the recognized CBs.  This allows all CBs to have information on potentially ineligible products in the event that the partner seeks certification with a different CB.

Verification Testing

Certification Bodies must select and obtain ENERGY STAR certified products each year, and verify their ongoing performance through verification and challenge testing.  EPA uses the verification testing data reported by CBs to monitor product performance after initial certification and take any necessary steps to ensure products continue to meet ENERGY STAR requirements.  In the event that a CB tests a product and determines that it no longer meets the ENERGY STAR requirements, the CB reports that information to EPA.  Using this data, EPA works directly with partners on a case-specific basis to determine an appropriate resolution.

Unit Shipment Data

	EPA uses Unit Shipment Data supplied by Partners to monitor the progress of ENERGY STAR in stimulating the supply of, and demand for energy efficient products in the market.  This information is aggregated and used to evaluate ENERGY STAR overall to ensure continued success and benefits to Partners.  In addition those are used to determine whether or not ENERGY STAR specifications need to be revised.  For example, if the data show that an overwhelming majority of the market meet the current specification level, it may be appropriate for EPA to make the specification more stringent so that ENERGY STAR can continue to be used by Partners to highlight their more efficient products.  On the other hand, if the data shows that no portion of the current market meets the current ENERGY STAR specification, it could indicate that the specification should be revised in other ways.

For each of the three years of the current ICR, EPA has received nearly 90% response rate from Partners in the collection of Unit Shipment Data (89% in 2012, 90% in 2013, and 88% in 2014).  As the submission of this data is an ENERGY STAR Partnership requirement, Partners that do not fulfill the requirement have restrictions placed on their partnership.  If after, two reporting cycles the Partner has still not submitted data, their partnership is terminated.  At the time of partnership termination, use of the ENERGY STAR name and logo must cease.  In the rare event that companies wish to recommit to ENERGY STAR, they must submit shipment data and complete a new Partnership Agreement.

Partner of the Year Applications

	EPA uses information in the Partner of the Year Application to provide public recognition to ENERGY STAR Partners that have initiated exemplary activities to educate the public and their employees about energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR

3	NONDUPLICATION, CONSULTATIONS, AND OTHER COLLECTION CRITERIA

	The following sections verify that this information collection satisfies OMB's non-duplication and consultation guidelines, and does not duplicate another collection.

3.a	NONDUPLICATION

	The information to be obtained under this ICR has not been collected by EPA or any other federal agency.  In addition, the requested information is based on a particular point in time; therefore, information that is not up-to-date is not sufficient.  CPPD will ensure that information collected will not duplicate any ongoing recordkeeping or reporting functions required for participation in any of CPPD’s other programs.

3.b	PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ICR SUBMISSION TO OMB

	To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirement that any agency developing a non-rule-related ICR solicit public comments for a 60-day period, EPA will be soliciting public comments on the ICR through an announcement in the Federal Register contained in docket number EPA-HQ-OAP-2003-0033.

3.c	CONSULTATIONS

	In 2015, EPA will consult with no more than nine ENERGY STAR Partners regarding the burden of information collection for the program, as the agency has for the previous ICR.  EPA will follow the same consultation procedure outlined in the previous ICR.

	In the previous ICRs, the contacted Partners were provided copies of the information collection forms, and asked to provide estimates of the associated hourly labor burden.  The Partners provided labor hour estimates of each activity.  Generally, the estimates provided by the Partners were similar and were consistent with EPA expectations of the labor burden.  EPA averaged Partner responses for the labor burden estimates.

3.d	EFFECTS OF LESS FREQUENT COLLECTION

	The development of a Partnership Agreement is a one-time information submittal; less frequent collection is not possible. When partnering with a brand licensee, a joint statement between the brand owner and licensee is a one-time information submittal; less frequent collection is not possible.

	Application for recognition for each Accreditation Body, Laboratory, and Certification Body is required as a one-time information submittal; less frequent collection is not possible.

	EPA only collects certified product information from CBs to inform the list of ENERGY STAR certified models.  The automated collection no longer relies on submission of any forms and is structured to ensure that accurate certification information is relayed to consumers and partners on the ENERGY STAR website.

	The reporting of verification testing conducted by CBs occurs twice a year.  Less frequent collection would not allow EPA to adequately monitor post-market testing and oversee CB requirements.  Information on products that fail verification testing or are determined to not be eligible for the program are required at the time they are identified.  Less frequent collection would not allow EPA to maintain proper oversight of the program and maintain consumer confidence in the label.

	EPA requires the submission of Unit Shipment Data on an annual basis in order to monitor and evaluate the program annually to determine whether program adjustments are required to ensure continued program success and benefits to Partners.

	ENERGY STAR Partners may submit a Partner of the Year Award application annually.  EPA requires this information to provide public recognition to Partners.  However, Partners are not required to submit an award application.

3.e	GENERAL GUIDELINES

	This information collection request was prepared in compliance with OMB’s General Guidelines and EPA’s guidelines for ICR preparation.

3.f	CONFIDENTIALITY

	Participation in the ENERGY STAR Program is voluntary and may be terminated by Partners or EPA at any time.  EPA does not expect that organizations will deem any information collected under the program to be confidential.

	Partners are not asked to reveal Confidential Business Information (CBI).  However, any information submitted to EPA for which a claim of confidentiality is made will be safeguarded according to the Agency policies set forth in Title 40, chapter 1, part 1, subpart B – Confidentiality of Business Information (see 40 CFR part 2; 41 FR 36902, September 1, 1976; amended by 43 FR 40000, September 8, 1978; 43 FR 42251, September 20, 1978; 44 FR 17674, March 23, 1979).

3.g	SENSITIVE QUESTIONS

	No questions of a sensitive nature are asked in any of the forms or periodic information updates.

4	THE RESPONDENTS AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED

4.a	RESPONDENTS AND SIC CODES

	Respondents for this information collection request include ENERGY STAR Partners, who are product manufacturers.  The following list of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes includes, but is not limited to industry segments which may be potential respondents to the information collections.

SIC	Industries

2679	Insulation, cellulose-mfpm-mfg

2952	Roof coatings (various)-mfg

3069	Roofing, single ply membrane: rubber-mfg

3211	Window glass, clear and colored-mfg

3259	Roofing tile, clay-mfg

3296	Insulation: rock wool, fiberglass, slag, and silica minerals-mfg

3433	Boilers, low-pressure heating: steam or hot water-mfg

3433	Furnaces, domestic: steam or hot water-mfg

3444	Roofing, sheet metal-mfg

3575	Computer terminals-mfg

3577	Optical scanning devices

3577	Printers, computer-mfg/Document entry conversion devices/Graphic displays

3577	Computer output to microfilm units, computer peripheral equipment-mfg

3579	Duplicating machines

3579	Mailing machines-mfg

3581	Vending machines for merchandise

3585	Dehumidifiers, except portable: electric-mfg

3585	Air-conditioning and heating combination units-mfg

3585	Air-conditioning and heating combination units-mfg/Air-conditioning condensers and condensing units-mfg/Air-conditioning units, complete: domestic and industrial-mfg/Heat pumps-mfg (ASHPs)

3585	Heat pumps, electric-mfg

3585	Water coolers, electric-mfg

3589	Fryers/Food warming equipment/Cookers, steam

3632	Domestic refrigeration

3633	Domestic Laundry,

3634	Dehumidifiers, electric: portable-mfg

3634	Fans, household; electric, except attic fans-mfg

3634	Ventilating fans, electric: household-kitchen-mfg

3639	Misc household appliances

3641	Light bulbs, electric: complete-mfg/Lamp bulbs and tubes, electric: incandescent filament, fluorescent, and vapor-mfg/Fluorescent lamps, electric-mfg

3645	Lighting fixtures, residential, electric-mfg

3648	Misc lighting (CFL/SSL)

3651	Audio recorders and players: automotive and household-mfg

3651	Television receiving sets-mfg

3651	Television receiving sets - mfg/Video cassette recorders/players-mfg

3661	Facsimile equipment-mfg

3661	Telephone answering machines-mfg/Telephone central office equipment, dial and manual-mfg/Telephone sets, except cellular radio telephone-mfg

3663	Cable television equipment-mfg

3663	Television closed-circuit equipment/Television monitors-mfg/Television transmitting antennas and ground equipment-mfg

3679	Power supplies, static, and variable frequency

3822	Thermostats: air-conditioning, refrigeration, comfort heating, appliance-mfg

3861	Photocopy machines-mfg

3993	Electrical signs

4222	Storage, frozen or refrigerated goods

4939	Utilities, combination of

5046	Commercial Equipment, Not Elsewhere Classified

5078	Refrigerators, commercial: reach-in and walk-in wholesale

5211	Roofing material, dealers-retail

5722	AC units, self contained-retail

5731	Antennas/TV sets/VCRs-retail

5734	Computer/Printers, etc.-retail

8734	Testing Laboratories

4.b	INFORMATION REQUESTED

	Information is requested via the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement, Brand Licensee Joint Statement, Application for Recognition, Verification Testing Summary, Ineligible Product Form, Unit Shipment Data collection, and Partner of the Year Application.

Partnership Agreement

Data Item

Partner name

Products for which they are partnering with EPA (checklist and commitment form)

Information on main contact person

Information on marketing/PR contact person

Signature of company official

	Recordkeeping Item

	There are no recordkeeping data items required pertaining to the Partnership Agreement.

ii	Respondent Activity

Review the instructions of the Partnership Agreement

Complete and review information requested by the Partnership Agreement

Submit the Partnership Agreement

Joint Statement between Brand Owner and Licensee

Data Item

Partner and Brand Owner name

Products for which they are partnering with EPA (checklist and commitment form)

Information on main contact person at each organization

Signatures of company officials

	Recordkeeping Item

	There are no recordkeeping data items required pertaining to the Partnership Agreement.

ii	Respondent Activity

Review the joint statement template

Complete and review information required by the template

Submit as a supplement to the Partnership Agreement if applicable

Application for EPA Recognition

i	Data Item

Organization’s name

Organization’s address

Organization’s name

Contact name, address, email, phone

Preparer’s name, title, date

Organization’s relevant reference documents

	Recordkeeping Items

The Accreditation Body must maintain a record of quality management documentation as required by ISO 17011.

The Laboratory must maintain a record of their accreditation certificate and scope of accreditation.

The Certification Body must maintain a record of their accreditation certificate and scope of accreditation.

ii	Respondent Activity

Review the instructions in the application

Complete and review information requested in the application

Submit the application

Third-Party Certified Product Information

i	Data Item

Company Name

Product Name and model number

Product energy consumption attributes

Other key product specific information according to the relevant ENERGY STAR product Eligibility Requirements

Certified laboratories and certification bodies associated with the product.

	Recordkeeping Items

The Certification Body is required to maintain a certification record, and test reports on file for all products that undergo certification testing.

ii	Respondent Activity

Review the testing requirements found in the Eligibility Criteria in each relevant specification

Determine whether product meets relevant ENERGY STAR performance criteria

Provide notification to the Partner that the product is certified

Share information on certified products with EPA via XML-based data exchange the  relevant product and efficiency data

Verification Testing

i	Data Item

Company Name

Product Name and model number tested and selected but not tested

Date of testing completed

Conclusion of testing – pass or fail

For failed products, information on nature of the failure, impacted products, and the test report.

	Recordkeeping Items

Certification bodies are required to keep test reports on file for all verified products for the duration of the product certification.

ii	Respondent Activity

Select and obtain products for verification testing.

Have products verified in an EPA-recognized laboratory.

Determine if the products continue to meet the relevant program requirements.

Report all products verified to EPA twice a year.

Report to EPA within two business days of determining a product failure.

Ineligible Products Reporting

i	Data Item

Company Name

Product Name and model number tested and reviewed for certification

Reason the product is ineligible

	Recordkeeping Items

There are no recordkeeping data items required pertaining to ineligible products reporting.

ii	Respondent Activity

Determine that a product reviewed for certification is ineligible for ENERGY STAR

Report information to EPA

Unit Shipment Data

i	Data Item

Number of ENERGY STAR certified units shipped that year by product sub-type

Total U.S. shipments that year (requested but not required)

	Recordkeeping item

	There are no recordkeeping data items required pertaining to Unit Shipment Data.

ii	Respondent Activity

Review instructions regarding Unit Shipment Data

Gather annual Unit Shipment Data

Compile data by product and review

Submit Unit Shipment Data form

Partner of the Year Application

i	Data Item

Name of the organization

Information on the primary contact person

Information on the communications contact

Information on the award category

Information on the number of products labeled

Information on communication and outreach efforts

Information on other special endeavors

	Recordkeeping Item

	There are no recordkeeping data items required pertaining to Partner of the Year award applications.

ii	Respondent Activity

Review the eligibility requirements and instructions on the application

Gather data

Complete and review the information and narrative descriptions required on the application

Submit the application

Submit original examples of communication materials

5	INFORMATION COLLECTED: AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION METHODOLOGY, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

5.a	AGENCY ACTIVITIES

	EPA performs activities associated with Partnership Agreements, Recognition of accreditation bodies, Recognition of laboratories, Recognition of certification bodies, Unit Shipment Data, and Partner of the Year Applications.  All of the following activities are conducted by Headquarters staff in EPA’s Climate Protection Partnerships Division, within the Office of Atmospheric Programs.

Partnership Agreement

EPA must perform the following activities related to the Partnership Agreement:

Customize a Partnership Agreement for each company

Post the Partnership Agreement templates on the website

Review the completed Partnership Agreement

For brand licensees applying for partnership, sent the joint statement template for the brand licensee and brand owner to sign.

Sign Partnership Agreement

Enter the information contained in the Partnership Agreement into the Partner database.  (Include information from the joint statement template, if applicable.)

Email Welcome Aboard Pack (WAP) to the Partner

Applications for recognition

EPA must perform the following activities related to recognition of these entities

Develop application to be submitted by Accreditation Bodies, Laboratories, and Certification Bodies using hard copy/electronic forms

Disseminate applications to interested entities via the ENERGY STAR website

Process and approve applications for EPA recognition of Accreditation Bodies, Laboratories and Certification Bodies

Post updated recognized entities on ENERGY STAR website

Third-Party Certified Product Information

EPA must perform the following activities related to certified product information:

Maintain general oversight

Maintain web services and incorporate model data from CBs into database

Maintain information on certified products online

Verification Testing

EPA must perform the following activities related to verification testing:

Oversee ongoing verification testing

Work with Partners in the event of a product failure

Ineligible Product Information

EPA must perform the following activities related to ineligible products:

Maintain a current list of ineligible products

Unit Shipment Data

EPA must perform the following activities related to Unit Shipment Data:

Review Unit Shipment Data submitted

Compile information into aggregate data per product category

Evaluate aggregate data to determine ENERGY STAR success and/or need for program adjustment

Partner of the Year Application

EPA must perform the following activities related to Partner of the Year applications:

Develop the award criteria

Disseminate the application via the ENERGY STAR website

Review the submitted awards applications

Send a letter of award or loss to applicant

5.b	COLLECTION METHODOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

	In collecting and analyzing the information associated with this ICR, EPA will use a telephone system, personal computers, the Internet, and applicable database software.  EPA will ensure accuracy and completeness of collected information by reviewing and validating each submittal.  EPA will enter the information obtained into a database and will aggregate data obtained in order to make that information available to the public and monitor the progress of program implementation.

5.c	SMALL ENTITY FLEXIBILITY

	EPA expects that small entities will participate in ENERGY STAR product labeling.  EPA has designed information requirements to minimize respondent burden while obtaining sufficient and accurate information.  In addition, participating in the program is voluntary.

5.d	COLLECTION SCHEDULE

	EPA collects initial information in the Partnership Agreement, which is completed and submitted by every Partner participating in ENERGY STAR.  EPA also collects from brand licensees a joint statement with the brand owner prior to signing the Partnership agreement.  In order to be recognized by EPA as an ENERGY STAR appropriate Accreditation Body, Laboratory and/or Certification Body, entities must provide EPA with the relevant documentation to provide assurance of their competence to perform these tasks.  CBs must provide EPA with a summary of verification testing completed twice a year and report information on ineligible products and products that fail verification testing as they occur.  EPA also requires that Product Brand Owner Partners submit information on their unit shipments of ENERGY STAR labeled products annually by March 1st for shipments during the previous calendar year.  EPA requests this information the first week of January and reminds partners in February in advance of the annual deadline.  Partners interested in receiving recognition for their efforts on ENERGY STAR are required to submit a Partner of the Year Award application.

6	ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION

6.a	ESTIMATING RESPONDENT BURDEN

	As previously noted, EPA will consult with Partners in 2015 to re-evaluate the burden estimates of the collection.  In 2010, EPA consulted with Partners (respondents) to obtain accurate hourly burden for activities covered by this ICR.  These responses were averaged to estimate the hourly burden for each activity.  In previous ICR consultations, EPA provided Partners with hourly burden estimates from the last submitted ICR, and respondents were asked if the hourly burden estimates were appropriate and, if not, to provide estimates based on their experience.  Exhibit 1 presents the estimated annual respondent burden for information collection activities associated with ENERGY STAR product labeling.

6.b	ESTIMATING RESPONDENT COSTS

	Exhibit 1 presents the estimated annual respondent costs for information collection activities associated with ENERGY STAR product labeling.  The estimated annual respondent costs are discussed below.

Estimating Labor Costs

	The labor rates used to determine the estimated costs to respondents are consistent with the hourly wage rates published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics publications on employment and earnings.  EPA estimates an average 1.9% increase from the previous ICR submission. Rates reflect a graded scale and include the cost of overhead and fringe benefits where appropriate.  The resulting respondent hourly labor rate (hourly plus overhead) of $130.13 for legal staff, $110.86 for managerial staff, $77.35 for technical staff, and $44.35 for clerical staff.

Estimating Capital and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Costs

	EPA estimates that ENERGY STAR Partners may incur capital and operations and maintenance costs associated with specific activities.  Respondents may incur capital costs in the average amount of $2.14 associated with completing and reviewing the information requested in the Partnership Agreement.

	EPA estimates Partners may incur an average amount of approximately $128 for various operations and maintenance costs to meet the information requirements of ENERGY STAR.  These costs are for expenses such as photocopying, printing, creating binders, use of paper, and using express mailing services.

6.c	ESTIMATING AGENCY BURDEN AND COSTS

	EPA conducted consultations with their staff who work on ENERGY STAR product labeling to obtain agency burden hour estimates for all activities required by the Agency.  The hourly labor rates used to determine the estimated costs to the Agency are consistent with hourly labor rates published in the Federal Register and are based on the 2015 GS pay schedule available from the Office of Personnel Management.  EPA estimates an average hourly labor cost of $77.92 for legal staff; $72.86 for managerial staff; $53.42 for technical staff; and $21.50 for clerical staff.  The labor costs are based on the following GS levels and steps: legal labor rates were based on GS Level 15, Step 1; managerial rates were based on GS Level 14, Step 4; technical labor rates were based on GS Level 12 Step 5; and clerical labor rates were based on GS Level 5, Step 1.  EPA multiplied hourly rates by the standard government overhead factor of 1.6.

	EPA anticipates one instance of Agency O&M costs associated with ENERGY STAR product labeling information collection activities.  This corresponds to the cost of $0.49 to mail a letter of award or loss to Partners who submit Partner of the Year applications.  In the previous ICR, EPA listed disseminating Partnership Agreements and Welcome Aboard Packs as an O&M cost because they were physically mailed to Partners.  However, these documents are now available online and/or sent by email; therefore, the Agency no longer associates and O&M cost with those activities.

	Exhibit 2 shows the aggregate annual Agency burden and costs for the information collection activities associated with ENERGY STAR product labeling activities.  The annual burden to the Agency is approximately 14,044 hours, at a cost of approximately $566,573.  The three-year, bottom-line burden for the life of this ICR is therefore 42,132 hours and $1,699,719.

6.d	ESTIMATING THE RESPONDENT UNIVERSE AND TOTAL BURDEN AND COSTS

Respondent Universe

	The universe of each respondent activity varies depending upon the specific activity.  The respondent universe for each information collection activity associated with ENERGY STAR product labeling is presented and explained separately below.

Partnership Agreement

	One overarching Partnership Agreement has been developed by EPA for ENERGY STAR product labeling.  It is expected that 280 new Partners will join each year for the three years of this ICR.  One joint statement template for brand owners and brand licensees has been developed by EPA for ENERGY STAR product labeling.  It is expected that 40 templates will be required to be completed along with the Partnership Agreement each year, for the three years of this ICR

Application for Recognition

	The collection activities associated with the third party certification have grown since the introduction of the third party certification process, as such the number of Accreditation Bodies and Certification Bodies has grown.  The universe of manufacturer laboratories seeking recognition of in house testing facilities varies depending upon the specific product categories, but EPA estimates that approximately 70 labs will seek EPA recognition.

Third Party Certified Product Information

	Product specifications for over seventy different products are developed and maintained by EPA under the ENERGY STAR product labeling program.  Each product category has specific qualifying product information that must be reviewed, certified and shared by the certification body.  Annually an average of 21,000 products are certified and labeled with the ENERGY STAR.  EPA updates the lists of certified models daily to reflect the most current information that has been transmitted to the EPA database via web services.

Verification Testing

	CBs conduct verification and challenge testing on an ongoing basis and are required to verify a minimum sampling of products each year.  In 2014, twenty CBs were required to submit the summary of the testing they conducted for the year.  This number of CBs is representative of how many entities EPA expects to report this information every year.  CBs reported 140 product failures to EPA in 2014.  This number may decrease in future years as product quality control increases.

Ineligible Products

	CBs report to EPA information on products reviewed for certification, but not eligible for ENERGY STAR.  Based on the average number of ineligible products reported to EPA in the past three years, EPA expects 40 ineligible products to be reported each year under this ICR.

Unit Shipment Data

	Each year, ENERGY STAR Partners are required to submit unit shipment data for their ENERGY STAR labeled products.  There is an average of over 2050 Partners each year for the three-years of this ICR.  From these 2050 partners, we received over 2000 unit shipment reports each year for the three years of this ICR.  Unit shipment data will be aggregated for each of the product categories covered by EPA under ENERGY STAR.  These estimates are based on aggregates across the 70 product categories.

Partner of the Year Award Application

	One set of Partner of the Year award criteria are developed by the Agency each year and posted on the ENERGY STAR website.  An average of 57 Partner of the Year Award applications is expected each year for the three years of this ICR.

Total Burden and Costs

	Exhibit 1 shows the aggregate annual respondent burden and costs for the information collection activities associates with ENERGY STAR product labeling.  Estimated respondent burden hours are presented on a per respondent basis for the information collected under the Partnership Agreement, unit shipment data, and Partner of the Year application.  The annual burden to the universe of respondent is approximately 59,407 hours per year at a cost of approximately $3,908,125.

6.e	BOTTOM LINE BURDEN HOURS AND COSTS

	Table 1 summarizes the total estimated annual burden hours and costs for respondents and for the Agency.  The estimated total cost for respondents is $3,908,125 and the hourly burden is approximately 59,407 hours.  The estimated total cost for the Agency is $566,573, and the hourly burden is approximately 14,044 hours.  Table 1 displays these combined estimates, as well as the grand total of $4,474,698 and the hourly burden of approximately 73,451 hours for all information collection activities under ENERGY STAR product labeling.

Table 1

Total Estimated Burden Hours and Costs for Respondents and EPA

	Burden Hours	Total Cost

Respondents	59,407	$3,908,125

Agency	14,044	$566,573

TOTAL	73,451	$4,474,698

6.f	REASONS FOR CHANGE IN BURDEN

	As previously noted, EPA will consult with Partners in 2015 to re-evaluate the burden.  Based on initial estimates, the annual respondent reporting burden for this collection was reduced by a total of 5,931 hours.  Once EPA collects new burden information, the Agency will use that to show a comparison between the burden associated with this ICR renewal and the previous ICR.

	The removal of partners reporting model data directly to EPA, and EPA reviewing the test reports has reduced on the burden associated with direct respondents and agency costs in the previous ICR.  EPA now also has an automated data exchange in place with CBs to share information on certified products to eliminate the need for filling out forms with data on certified products and submitting those forms to EPA.  EPA believes much of the burden reduction is as a result of the implementing an automated data exchange with CBs.

	In the case of the Partnership Agreement, the number of anticipated responses has changed slightly from 100 in the previous renewal to 280 new Partnership Agreements each year and an average of 40 brand owner/licensee agreements. These estimates are based on the average number of Partnership Agreements received over the last three years.  As the general awareness of the ENERGY STAR brand continues to grow, the number of companies becoming ENERGY STAR partners for existing product categories also increases.

EPA has put significant investment in working with partners to increase their responses to the request for Unit Shipment Data.  The number of responses for the Unit Shipment Data collection activity remains relatively constant, at around 2050 Partners.  EPA has also added this reporting requirement to all of the 70 product categories, because of the additional products categories EPA estimates a slight increase in respondent’s and agency burden.

For Partner of the Year applications, EPA revised the number of responses from 140 in the previous renewal to 57 in this renewal based on the average number of retailers and product brand owner award application received over the last three years.  While there has been no significant change in the number of hours per response since the last renewal, with the decrease in number of applicants, the static hours per response has yielded a decrease in total burden.

6.g	BURDEN STATEMENT

	As previously noted, EPA has not yet conducted consultations with Partners to update burden estimates for activities included in the previous ICR.  EPA has included estimates for new process changes associated with the introduction of automated systems for collecting information, etc.  However, for purposes of presenting respondent reporting burden for each information collection activity for ENERGY STAR product labeling, the Agency has not modified estimates from the previous consultations that were conducted.

Partnership Agreement

	The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with completing the PA for each respondent is estimated to be 12.85 hours.  This estimate includes times for reviewing the instructions on the PA, completing and reviewing the information requested by the PA, and submitting the PA.

Unit Shipment Data

	The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with unit shipment data for each respondent is estimated to be 26.76 hours.  This estimate includes reviewing instructions regarding unit shipment data, gathering unit shipment data compiling and reviewing unit shipment data by product category, and submitting unit shipment data.

Partner of the Year Application,

             The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with the Partner of the Year Application for each respondent is estimated to be 44.10 hours.  This estimate includes reviewing the eligibility requirements and instruction on the application, gathering data and information for submission, completing the application, reviewing the information and narrative description required, and submitting the application to EPA.

Application for Recognition

         The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with completing the application for recognition for each respondent is estimated to be 4.85 hours.  This estimate includes times for reviewing the instructions on the application, completing and reviewing the information requested by the application, and submitting the recognition application.

Third Party Certified Product Information

	The reporting burden for information collection requirements associated with sharing the certified product information for each certification body respondent has been reduced due to the introduction of a new automated data exchange system.  While some CBs may need to modify their systems slightly in response to updated and new program requirements, once they have these modifications in place, the burden of collecting and formatting certification data into the automated system that can be shared with EPA is estimated to be 42 hours.  The reporting of submitting the verification testing summary to EPA is estimated to be 17 hours.  This estimate includes assembling the data into a report format, reviewing it and submitting it.

	Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to 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 information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.  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 OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations are listed in 40 CFR Part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15.

To comment on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of automated collection techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0033, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the at the Air and Radiation Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC.

The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays.  The telephone number for the Reading Room is<PHONE_NUMBER>, and the telephone number for the Air and Radiation Docket is<PHONE_NUMBER>.  An electronic version of the public docket is available at www.regulations.gov.  This site can be used to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically.  When in the system, select “search,” then key in the Docket ID Number identified above.  Also, you can send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: Desk Office for EPA.  Please include the EPA Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0033 and OMB Control Number in 2060-0528 in any correspondence.

Exhibit 1: Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost

Exhibit 2: Estimated Annual Agency Burden and Cost

Exhibit 1: Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost

Hours and Costs Per Respondent/Qualifying Product	Total Hours and Costs

Information Collection Activity	Legal

Hours 	Manager

Hours	Technical

Hours 	Clerical

Hours	Respond

Hours/

Year	Labor

Costs/

Year	Ann.

Startup

Costs	Annual

O&M

Costs	No of

Resp.

Activities	Total

Hours/

Year	Total

Cost/

Year

Hourly rate	130.13	110.86	77.35	44.35

Partnership Agreement (PA)

Review the instructions of the PA	1.17	3.58	0.92	0.42	6.09	$639	$0	$2 280	1,705	$179,360

Complete and review the information requested by the PA	0.33	2.75	0.92 0.42	4.42	$460	$0	$1	280	1,238	$128,944.03

Submit the PA	0.17	1.17	0.08	0.92	2.34	$199	$2	$0	280	655	$56,373.07

Submit brand owner letter	0.17	1.17	0.08	0.92	2.34	$199	$2	$0	40	94 $8,032.73

Subtotal	1.77	7.50	2.00	1.76	13.03	$1,496	Varies	Varies	Varies	3,692 $372,709

Application for Recognition

Review Instructions	0.0	0.25	1.25	1.01	2.51	$169	$0	$1	70	176	$11,903

Complete and review application 	0.50	0.45	0.81	0.19	1.95	$186	$0	$4	70 137	$13,288

Submit the application 	0.00	0.14	0.06	0.19	0.39	$28	$0	$0	70	23	$1,976

Subtotal	0.50	0.84	2.13	1.39	4.85	$383	Varies	Varies	Varies	336	$27,168

Supply list of third party certified product information

CB organize certified model data into format for automated submission 0.0	3.00	13.00	26.00	42.00	$2,879	$0	$0	20	840	$49,825

Submit summary of verification testing data 	0.0	2.00	1.00	14.00	17.00 $920	$0	$0	20	340	$18,399

Submit testing failure information 	0.0	0.50	1.00	0.50	2.00	$155	$0	$0 140	280	$21,693.70

Submit information on ineligible products	0.0	0.50	0.25	0.50	1.25	$97	$0 $0	40	50	$3,877.70

Subtotal	0.0	9.50	13.00	26.00	65.75	$4,051	Varies	Varies	Varies	1,510 $93,795

Unit Shipment Data (USD) of ENERGY STAR Products

Review instructions regarding USD	0.25	0.25	0.25	0.25	1.00	$91	$0	$0 1,850	1,850	$168,507

Gather unit shipment data	0.0	0.63	5.75	7.00	13.38	$858	$0	$7	1,850 24,753	$1,598,746

Compile and review USD by ENERGY STAR product category	0.25	0.75	5.25 6.00	12.25	$788	$0	$3	1,850	22,663	$1,463,655

Submit data 	0.0	0.25	0.13	0.75	1.13	$71	$0	$0	1,850	2,091	$132,174

Subtotal	0.50	1.88	11.38	14.00	26.76	$1,716	Varies	Varies	Varies	51,356 $3,194,575

Partner of the Year Application

Review the eligibility requirements and instructions on application	0.17 1.75	0.17	0.58	2.67	$255	$0	$1	57	152	$14,583

Gather data	0.0	7.67	2.67	8.67	19.01	$1,441	$0	$34	57	1,084	$84,091

Complete and review the information and narrative descriptions required 0.17	10.83	0.33	3.50	14.83	$1,403	$0	$26	57	845	$81,504

Submit the application	0.0	1.92	0.17	0.83	2.92	$263	$0	$3	57	166	$15,167

Submit original examples of communications materials	0.0	2.92	0.67	1.08 4.67	$423	$0	$7	57	266	$24,533

Subtotal	0.34	25.09	4.01	14.66	44.10	$3,786	Varies	Varies	Varies	2,514 $219,878

TOTAL	3.11	44.81	32.52	57.81	154.49	$11,433	Varies	Varies	Varies	59,407 $3,908,125

Exhibit 2: Estimated Annual Agency Burden and Cost

Agency Hours and Costs Per Respondent/Qualifying Product

Total Hours and Costs

Information Collection Activity

Legal

Hours

Managerial

Hours

Technical

Hours

Clerical

Hours

Agency

Hours/

Year

Labor

Costs/

Year

Ann.

Capital

Costs

Annual

O&M

Costs

No. of

Resp.

Activities

Total

Hours/

Year

Total

Cost/

Year

Hourly Rate

$77.92

$72.86

$53.42

$21.50

Partnership Agreement (PA)

Modify and update PA

0.0

0.0

0.50

0.0

0.50

$26.71

$0.00

$0.00

1,500

750

$40,065

Post the PA templates on the website

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.25

0.25

$5.38

$0.00

$0.00

1,500

375

$8,063

Review the completed PA

0.0

0.25

0.50

0.50

1.25

$55.68

$0.00

$0.00

1,500

1,875

$83,513

Enter the information contained in the PA into EPA database

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.50

0.50

$10.75

$0.00

$0.00

1,500

750

$16,125

Send email with a Welcome Aboard Pack

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.25

0.25

$5.38

$0.00

$0.00

280

70

$1,505

Subtotal

0.0

0.25

1.00

1.50

2.75

$103.89

$0.00

Varies

Varies

3,820

$149,270

Application for Recognition

Modify application to be submitted by AB/CB/Labs

0.0

0.25

0.50

1.00

1.75

$66.43

$0.00

$0.00

70

123

$4,650

Disseminate via the Internet

0.0

0.0

0.25

0.0

0.25

$13.36

$0.00

$0.00

3

1

$40

Review the completed application

0.0

0.0

0.25

0.0

0.25

$13.36

$0.00

$0.00

70

18

$935

Enter the information into EPA database

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.25

0.25

$5.38

$0.00

$0.00

70

18

$376

Subtotal

0.0

0.25

1.00

1.25

2.50

$98.51

$0.00

Varies

Varies

158

$6,001

Third Party Certified Product Information

Maintain web services and incorporate model data from CBs into database

0.0

1.00

15.00

2.00

18.00

$917.16

$0.00

$0.00

12

216

$11,006

Review and ensure accuracy of testing failure information

0.0

0.50

1.50

1.00

3.00

$138.06

$0.00

$0.00

140

420

$19,328

Review and ensure accuracy of verification testing

0.0

0.50

6.00

2.00

8.50

$399.95

$0.00

$0.00

40

340

$15,998

Review and ensure accuracy of verification testing summary report

0.0

1.00

6.50

2.50

10.00

$473.84

$0.00

$0.00

2

20

$948

Maintain ineligible products list

0.0

0.50

2.00

3.00

5.50

$207.77

$0.00

$0.00

4

22

$831

Subtotal

0.0

3.50

31.00

10.50

45.00

$2,136.78

$0.00

Varies

Varies

1,018

$48,111

Unit Shipment Data for ENERGY STAR Products

Review unit shipment data

0.0

0.0

2.0

2.0

4.0

$149.84

$0.00

$0.00

1,850

7,400

$277,204

Compile information in aggregate form per product

0.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

$192.84

$0.00

$0.00

70

420

$13,499

Evaluate aggregate data to determine program success

0.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

6.0

$398.28

$0.00

$0.00

70

420

$27,880

Subtotal

0.0

4.0

6.0

6.0

16.0

$740.96

$0.00

Varies

Varies

8,240

$318,582

Partner of the Year Application

Update the award criteria

0.0

4.0

10.0

1.5

15.5

$857.89

$0.00

$0.00

6

93

$5,147

Post application on the website

0.0

0.0

0.5

2.0

2.5

$69.71

$0.00

$0.00

1

3

$70

Review submitted awards application

0.0

2.0

10.0

0.0

12.0

$679.92

$0.00

$0.00

57

684

$38,755

Send a letter of award or loss

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

0.5

$10.75

$0.00

$0.41

57

29

$636

Subtotal

0.0

6.0

20.5

4.0

30.5

$1,618.27

$0.00

Varies

Varies

808

$44,609

TOTAL

0.0

14.0

59.5

23.3

96.8

$4,698.41

$0

Varies

Varies

14,044

$566,573

U.S. Department of Labor. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System Search. Accessed on August 17, 2015 http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.html.

 U.S. Department of Labor. “National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wages Estimates” Accessed August 17, 2015. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics2_31-33.htm

 U.S. Office of Personnel Management.  201510 General Schedule (GS )Base. Accessed on August 17, 2015. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salar y-tables/pdf/2015/GS_h.pdf.

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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 12, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61534-61537]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22045]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 180

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0422; FRL-9994-01-OCSPP]

Lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky; Exemption From the
Requirement of a Tolerance

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance for residues of Lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky in
or on raw agricultural commodities and processed food, when used in
accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. The
Amo[eacute]ba SA, 38 ave des Fr[egrave]res Montgolfier, F-69680
Chassieu, France, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Lysate of
Willaertia magna C2c Maky when used in accordance with this exemption.

DATES: This regulation is effective October 12, 2022. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before December 12, 2022,
and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40
CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).

ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0422, is available at
https://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs
Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection
Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg.,
Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001. The
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room and the OPP Docket is<PHONE_NUMBER>. For the latest
status information on EPA/DC services, docket access, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Smith, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511M), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington,
DC 20460-0001; main telephone number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email address:
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, greenhouse owner, or
pesticide manufacturer. The following list of North American Industrial
Classification System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive,
but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this
document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include:
     Crop production (NAICS code 111).
     Animal production (NAICS code 112).
     Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
     Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).

B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?

    You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR
part 180 through the Office of the Federal Register's e-CFR site at
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40.

C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?

    Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a(g), any person may file
an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0422 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
December 12, 2022. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
    In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please

submit a copy of the filing (excluding any Confidential Business
Information (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket. Information not
marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly
by EPA without prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection
or hearing request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-
0422, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit
electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
     Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket
Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

II. Background and Statutory Findings

    In the Federal Register of April 28, 2022 (87 FR 25178 (FRL-8792-
03-OCSPP), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3),
21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance
petition (PP 0F8873) by Amo[eacute]ba SA, 38 ave des Fr[egrave]res
Montgolfier, F-69680 Chassieu, France. The petition requested that 40
CFR part 180 be amended to establish an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance for residues of the pesticide, when used as a fungicide
and systemic resistance inducer for various food crops in fields and
greenhouses, in accordance with label directions and good agricultural
practices. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared
by the petitioner, Amo[eacute]ba SA, which is available in the docket,
https://www.regulations.gov. There were no relevant comments received
in response to the notice of filing.
    Based upon review of the data supporting the petition and in
accordance with its authority under FFDCA section 408(d)(4)(A)(i), EPA
is establishing a tolerance exemption that varies from what the
petitioner sought. The reason for the change is explained in full
detail in Unit V.B.

III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety

    Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue,
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through
drinking water and in residential settings but does not include
occupational exposure. Pursuant to FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), in
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C), which require EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . .
.'' Additionally, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D) requires that the Agency
consider ``available information concerning the cumulative effects of a
particular pesticide's residues'' and ``other substances that have a
common mechanism of toxicity.''
    EPA establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance only
in those cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide chemical residues under reasonably
foreseeable circumstances will pose no harm to human health. If EPA is
able to determine that a tolerance is not necessary to ensure that
there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate
exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, an exemption from the
requirement of a tolerance may be established.
    Consistent with FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(A), and the factors
specified in FFDCA section 408(c)(2)(B), EPA has reviewed the available
scientific data and other relevant information in support of this
action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a
determination on aggregate exposure for Lysate of Willaertia magna C2c
Maky including exposure resulting from the exemption established by
this action. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with
Lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky follows.

A. Toxicological Profile

    Willaertia magna C2c Maky is a non-genetically modified
microorganism isolated from the thermal baths of Aix-les-Bains
(France). It is a thermophilic free-living amoeba strain that belongs
to the protozoan order, among eukaryotic unicellular mobile
microorganisms (with flagella). It is a natural predator of bacteria,
including Legionella, and other smaller amoebas. The lack of
pathogenicity of this amoeba in human endothelial cells was
demonstrated by cell culture.
    With regard to the overall toxicological profile, Willaertia magna
C2c Maky is of low toxicity. Based on acute studies, Willaertia magna
C2c Maky is of low acute oral toxicity and acute inhalation toxicity
(Toxicity Category III), low acute dermal toxicity (Toxicity Category
III) and is non-irritating to the skin and eye (Toxicity Category IV).
The chemical is not a skin sensitizer. Subchronic 90-day oral toxicity,
developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity and mutagenicity data
requirements were satisfied by guideline studies. There were no adverse
subchronic effects for any oral routes of exposure. The active
ingredient was determined to be non-mutagenic, and no adverse effects
were identified relative to either developmental toxicity or
reproductive toxicity. EPA granted waivers for the 90-day dermal and
90-day inhalation data requirements based on a weight of the evidence
approach (WOE) due to: (1) significant volatilization not being
expected, (2) low overall acute toxicity (Toxicity Category III for
inhalation), (3) its components are naturally-occurring and are similar
to substances already present in mammalian cells, (4) the lysate of
Willaertia magna C2c Maky being non-irritating to the skin and non-
sensitizing to the skin and its physical/chemical properties indicate
it is unlikely to be dermally absorbed, and (5) no adverse effects were
seen in neither the 90-day oral toxicity study up to the limit dose nor
the prenatal developmental toxicity study up to the limit dose.

B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern

    EPA did not identify any toxicological endpoints of concern for
Willaertia magna C2c Maky.

C. Exposure Assessment

    1. Dietary exposure from food, feed uses, and drinking water. As
part of its qualitative risk assessment for lysate of

Willaertia magna C2c Maky, the Agency considered the potential for
dietary exposure to residues of lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky.
EPA concludes that dietary (food and drinking water) exposures are
possible. However, no toxicological endpoint of concern was identified
for lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky, and therefore, a quantitative
assessment of dietary exposure is not necessary.
    2. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is
used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary
exposure (e.g., textiles (clothing and diapers), carpets, swimming
pools, and hard surface disinfection on walls, floors, tables). There
are currently no proposed residential uses for this active ingredient;
therefore, a residential exposure assessment is not necessary.
    3. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when
considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the
Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.'' EPA has not found that
lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky shares a common mechanism of
toxicity with any other substances, and it does not appear to produce a
toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this
tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed lysate of Willaertia magna
C2c Maky does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other
substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.

D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children

    FFDCA Section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall retain an
additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants and children in
the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal
toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity and exposure
unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different margin of
safety will be safe for infants and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA safety factor (SF). In
applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X,
or uses a different additional safety factor when reliable data
available to EPA support the choice of a different factor. An FQPA
safety factor is not required at this time for lysate of Willaertia
magna C2c Maky because no dietary endpoints have been selected based on
the lack of human-relevant adverse effects at limit doses in the 90-day
oral toxicity study and prenatal developmental toxicity study.

E. Aggregate Risk

    Based on the available data and information, the EPA has concluded
that a qualitative aggregate risk assessment is appropriate to support
the pesticidal use of lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky, and that
risks of concern are not anticipated from aggregate exposure to the
substance. This conclusion is based on the low toxicity of the active
ingredient.
    A full explanation of the data upon which EPA relied and its risk
assessment based on those data can be found within the January 13,
2022, document entitled ``BPPD Risk Assessment 91283-I, 91283-O and
Tolerance Petition.'' This document, as well as other relevant
information, is available in the docket for this action as described
under ADDRESSES.

IV. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children

    Based on the Agency's assessment, EPA concludes that there is
reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population,
including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of
lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky.

V. Other Considerations

A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology

    An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without any numerical limitation.

B. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerance Exemption

    The petitioned-for tolerance exemption for lysate of Willaertia
magna C2c Maky is different from that being established by EPA. EPA
determined that based on the low toxicity of lysate of Willaertia magna
C2c Maky, any possible residues from the use of this active ingredient
as a pesticide are not expected to result in any risks of concern to
humans. Therefore, EPA has determined that the broad exemption for all
food commodities, when used in accordance with label directions, is
appropriate.

VI. Conclusions

    Therefore, EPA is establishing an exemption for residues of lysate
of Willaertia magna C2c Maky in or on all food commodities, when used
in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices.

VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    This action amends an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance
under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition submitted to the
Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these
types of actions from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled
``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993).
Because this action has been exempted from review under Executive Order
12866, this action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled
``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive
Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of Children from Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This
action does not contain any information collections subject to OMB
approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq., nor does it require any special considerations under Executive
Order 12898, entitled ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR
7629, February 16, 1994).
    Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this
final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.), do not apply.
    This action directly regulates growers, food processors, food
handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this
action alter the relationships or distribution of power and
responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions
of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that
this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or
Tribal Governments, on the relationship between the National Government
and the States or Tribal Governments, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. Thus, the Agency has

determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR
43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR
67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this action. In addition, this
action does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded
mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that would
require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant
to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

VIII. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.),
EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of
the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule''
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: October 5, 2022.
Edward Messina,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.

    Therefore, for the reasons stated in the preamble, EPA is amending
40 CFR chapter I as follows:

PART 180--TOLERANCES AND EXEMPTIONS FOR PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES
IN FOOD

0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.

0
2. Add Sec.  180.1394 to subpart D to read as follows:

Sec.  180.1394   Lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky; Exemption from
the Requirement of a Tolerance.

    An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for
residues of the pesticide, lysate of Willaertia magna C2c Maky, in or
on all food commodities, when used in accordance with label directions.

[FR Doc. 2022-22045 Filed 10-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 127 (Friday, July 1, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43180-43181]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15493]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 51 and 52

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0531; FRL-9948-53-OAR]

Protection of Visibility: Amendments to Requirements for State
Plans

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

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

SUMMARY: On May 4, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
proposed a rule titled, ``Protection of Visibility: Amendments to
Requirements for State Plans.'' The EPA is extending the comment period
on the proposed rule that was scheduled to close on July 5, 2016. The
EPA has received requests for additional time to review and comment on
the proposed rule revisions.

DATES: The public comment period for the proposed ruled published in
the Federal Register on May 4, 2016, (81 FR 26942) is being extended.
Written comments must be received on or before August 10, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The EPA has established docket number EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0531
for this action. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from
Regulations.gov. The EPA may publish any comment received to its public
docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio,
video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written
comment is considered the official comment and should include
discussion of all points you wish to make. The EPA will generally not
consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary
submission (i.e., on the Web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia submissions and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit http://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information on this
action, contact Christopher Werner, Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards, Environmental Protection Agency (C539-04), Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number<PHONE_NUMBER>; email
address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: After considering the requests to extend the
public comment period received from various parties, the EPA has
decided to extend the public comment period until August 10, 2016. This
extension will ensure that the public has additional time to review the
proposed rule.

    Dated: June 24, 2016.
Stephen Page,
Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
[FR Doc. 2016-15493 Filed 6-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


SAN 4659 PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION Please read the instructions before completing this form. For additional forms or assistance in completing this form, contact your agency =

s Paperwork Clearance Officer. Send two copies of this form, the collection instrument to be reviewed, the Supporting Statement and any additional documentation to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Docket Library, Room 10102, 725 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20503.

1. Agency/ Subagency originating request EPA/ OAR/ OAQPS 2. OMB control number b. X None a __ __ __ __  __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

3. Type of information collection ( check one) a. X New collection b.   Revision of a currently approved collection c.   Extension of a currently approved collection d.   Reinstatement, without change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired e.   Reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired f.   Existing collection in use without an OMB control number 4. Type of review requested ( check one) a. X Regular b.   Emergency  Approval requested by: / / c.   Delegated 5. Small entities Will this information collection have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities?   Yes X No For b f, note item A2 of Supporting Statement Instructions 6. Requested expiration date a. X Three years from approval date b.   Other Specify: / /___

7. Title: Residual Risk Standards For NESHAP For Source Categories: Organic Hazardous Air Pollutants From The Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry ( 40 CFR part 63, subparts F, G, and H) ( Proposed Rule)

8. Agency form number( s) ( If applicable): EPA ICR # 2222.01 9. Keywords: Environmental Protection, Air Pollution Control, Hazardous Substances 10. Abstract: The proposed HON residual risk regulations apply more stringent standards to some storage vessels, process vents, and equipment leaks. For storage vessels and process vents, the control requirements of 40 CFR part 63, subpart G would remain the same as the current rule, but the applicability criteria for Group 1 storage vessels and process vents would be revised so that additional emission points would be required to control emissions. For equipment leaks, the proposed standards would reduce the percentage of valves allowed to leak.

11. Affected public ( Mark primary with P and all others that apply with X) a. Individuals or households d. Farms b. P Business or other for profit e. X Federal Government c. Not for profit institutions f. X State, Local or Tribal Government 12. Obligation to respond ( Mark primary with P and all others that apply with X) a.   Voluntary b.   Required to obtain or retain benefits c. P Mandatory 13. Annual reporting and recordkeeping hour burden a. Number of respondents 238 b. Total annual responses 158 1. Percentage of these responses collected electronically 0 c. Total hours requested 1 d. Current OMB inventory 0 e. Difference 1 f. Explanation of difference 1. Program Change 1 2. Adjustment 0 14. Annual reporting and recordkeeping cost burden ( in thousands of dollars) a. Total annualized capital/ startup costs $ 0 b. Total annual costs ( O& M) 1 c. Total annualized cost requested 1 d. Current OMB inventory 0 e. Difference 1 f. Explanation of difference 1. Program change 1 2. Adjustment 0 15. Purpose of information collection ( Mark Primary With A P @

and all others that apply with A X @) a. __ Application for benefits e. __ Program planning or management b. __ Program evaluation f. __ Research c. __ General purpose statistics g. P Regulatory or compliance d. __ Audit 16. Frequency of recordkeeping or reporting ( check all that apply) a. X Recordkeeping b.   Third party disclosure c. X Reporting 1.   On occasion 2.   Weekly 3.   Monthly 4. X Quarterly 5.   Semi annually 6.   Annually 7.   Biannually 8. X Other ( describe) Monthly for equipment leaks 17. Statistical methods Does this information collection employ statistical methods?

  Yes X No 18. Agency contact ( person who can best answer questions regarding the content of this submission) Name: Randy McDonald, U. S. EPA, MD C504 04 Phone: 919 541 5402 OMB 83 I 10/ 95 19. Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9.

NOTE: The text of 5 CFR 1320.9, and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8( b)( 3), appear at the end of the instructions. The certification is to be made with reference to those regulatory provisions as set forth in the instructions.

The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:

( a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

( b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

( c) It reduces burden on small entities;

( d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous terminology that is understandable to respondents;

( e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

( f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

( g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8( b)( 3): ( i) Why the information is being collected =

( ii) Use of information; ( iii) Burden estimate; ( iv) Nature of response ( voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory); ( v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and ( vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;

( h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected ( see note in Item 19 of the instructions);

( i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology; and ( j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item below and explain the reason in Item 18 of the Supporting Statement.

Signature of Program Official Date Signature of Senior Official or designee Oscar Morales, Director Collection Strategies Division Office of Environmental Information Date OMB 83 I 10/ 95