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                             Supporting Statement
Data Requirements Rule for the 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) (Renewal)

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EPA ICR #2495.03

PART A

1. Identification of the Information Collection

     	   	 (a) Title of the Information Collection

 "Data Requirements Rule for the 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) - Renewal"

 	 (b) Short Characterization/Abstract

	This ICR includes 1) estimates for ambient air monitoring data reporting, and other supporting measurements, as well as record keeping activities, and 2) estimates for emissions and emissions-related information and ambient air dispersion modeling reporting and activities, associated with the 40 CFR part 51 Requirements for Preparation, Adoption and Submittal of Implementation Plans. These data and information are collected by various state and local air quality management agencies and reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). State and local air management agencies chose to submit either monitoring or modeling information in order to meet the initial and ongoing requirements, as applicable, under the final Data Requirements for the 2010 1-Hour Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards rule (SO2 Data Requirements Rule) (See 80 FR 51052, August 21, 2015). This ICR reflects revisions to the initial ICR, covers the period October 1, 2019-September 30, 2022, and includes estimates of the burden for sources, state and local air agencies, and EPA associated with developing, submitting, and processing the information described for purposes of satisfying ongoing requirements under the SO2 Data Requirements Rule.

      The SO2 Data Requirements Rule directed state, local, and tribal air quality management agencies to provide data to initially characterize current air quality in areas with large sources of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, information that maybe used in the NAAQS designations process. The rule requires states to continue to provide monitoring, modeling, and emissions data from a subset of these sources, that meet certain requirements under the rule, which may serve to verify whether these areas continue to meet the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

      Through the SO2 Data Requirements Rule and the initial ICR, EPA required states to characterize ambient air quality around SO2 sources with emissions that were greater than 2,000 tons per year (tpy) or that were otherwise included as a listed source. Based upon 2011 emissions data, the initial action identified approximately 412 SO2 sources in 43 states. In this ICR renewal, EPA is addressing on-going requirements that 1) apply to listed sources for which air agencies chose the monitoring pathway, and 2) apply to listed sources for which air agencies chose the modeling pathway and which were designated attainment/unclassifiable or unclassifiable/attainment based on air quality modeling of actual emissions. The number of listed sources for which air agencies chose the modeling pathway that are required to submit on-going data reports, and, potentially, updated modeling, are 170 sources in 43 states. The number of listed sources for which air agencies chose the monitoring pathway that are required to submit monitoring information are 73 sources in 21 states.

      The SO2 Data Requirements Rule described the criteria for identifying the source areas where air agencies needed to characterize SO2 air quality. It also described the process and timetables by which air quality management agencies were required to characterize air quality in source areas through ambient monitoring and/or air quality modeling techniques and submit this data to EPA. The air quality data developed by the states in accordance with this rule are intended to be used by EPA to assist in the remaining round(s) of area designations for the 2010 SO2 NAAQS and to provide information which would serve to verify whether areas are meeting the standard.

	For those air quality management agencies which elected to conduct ambient monitoring for listed DRR sources to provide the necessary air quality data to EPA, the state and local air quality management agencies are responsible for reporting ambient air quality data information, as requested in this ICR, and will submit these data electronically to EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) and voluntary databases. Quality assurance/quality control records and monitoring network documentation are also maintained by each state and local agency, in AQS electronic format where possible. For those air quality management agencies which elected to conduct air quality modeling of the areas containing listed DRR sources to provide the necessary air quality data to EPA and which were designated either unclassifiable/attainment or attainment/unclassifiable based on modeling of actual emissions of the area, state and local air quality management agencies are responsible for submitting on-going data reports. These reports are required to be submitted annually as either a stand-alone document made available for public inspection or as an appendix to the air agency's Annual Monitoring Network Plan, and are required to include the annual SO2 emissions of each applicable source in each such area, provide an assessment of the cause of any emissions increase from the previous year, and include a recommendation from the air agency regarding whether additional modeling is needed to characterize air quality in any area to determine whether the area meets or does not meet the 2010 SO2 NAAQS. If EPA requires that the air agency conduct updated air quality modeling for the area, the air agency has 12 months to submit the updated modeling to EPA.

	There are two cost estimates shown in this ICR renewal: 1) total estimated costs for the modeling option, which includes the submission of the on-going data reports for source areas for which air agencies chose the modeling pathway for characterization, and 2) total estimated costs incurred for the monitoring option regardless of the source of the funding.

   (1) Modeling Option. If updated modeling is required under the on-going reporting requirements, air agencies will use EPA's preferred near-field dispersion model, the AERMOD modeling system. The use of AERMOD will include the following regulatory components:
 AERMOD dispersion model
 AERMAP terrain processor
 AERMET meteorological processor
Other components can be used with AERMOD, depending on the application, including:
 BPIPPRM building processor (for downwash)
 AERMINUTE 1-minute ASOS winds pre-processor for input into AERMET
 AERSURFACE surface characteristics pre-processor for input into AERMET
 AERSCREEN, a screening version of AERMOD.
The dispersion modeling that will be used for the on-going reporting requirements for SO2 under the Data Requirements Rule requires:
 Source characterization information and emissions inputs for modeled sources
 Representative meteorological data of the area
 Terrain data to generate elevations for sources and receptors
 Receptor locations
 Background concentrations, and
 Building data for sources that will be affected by downwash.
Each modeling application is unique and the following inputs can require analyses that affect modeling costs:
 Determining the appropriate size of the modeling domain to capture potential modeled NAAQS violations
 Determining sources to model explicitly in the modeling, and sources to characterize in the modeling via background concentrations
 Estimating time-varying emissions for modeled sources
 Obtaining stack parameters for modeled sources
 Obtaining building information for sources subject to downwash effects
 Determining the receptor grid spacing and creating the elevations in the receptor grid via AERMAP
 Determining the representative meteorological surface and upper air stations for the model domain, downloading the meteorological and land use data for input into AERMINUTE, AERMET and AERSURFACE
 Calculating the appropriate background concentrations
   Once these inputs have been generated and processed through the appropriate programs, AERMOD can be run and post-processed to generate design values to compare against the NAAQS. The level of post-processing (charts, tables, maps, etc.) can affect modeling costs as well.

   Based on market research, stakeholder feedback, and the assumptions of the use of modeling for the on-going data verification reports, an estimate of modeling costs, where it is necessary, is $30,000 for a single modeling run centered on an identified source. This cost estimate also includes the time necessary to develop an appropriate emissions inventory for the modeling run. If all 170 sources that air agencies chose to be characterized through modeling are required to update modeling within 12 months of the annual report, the total annual national costs are estimated at approximately $5,000,000. If these costs were incurred over the course of three years, then the approximate total cost for three would be $15,000,000. In cases where no updated modeling is required, an air agency would have the burden of providing the annual report. This would entail the time to assess the emissions change for the year and provide any required analysis and recommendation. Our burden estimate is a labor cost equal to 5 percent of the overall costs of the full-scale modeling estimate. This would be $250,000 per year for all 170 sources or $750,000 over three years. The range of costs would thus be $750,000 for all 170 sources to do annual reporting only (i.e. assessing and reporting on only the emission inventory) to $15,000,000 for all 170 sources to do annual reporting with full scale modeling (i.e. the inventory assessment plus the modeling). For purposes of this ICR renewal, we assume that air agencies chose modeling for all 170 sources. In addition to the costs on the state and local air quality management agencies, there is a burden to EPA of approximately 6800 hours (per year) to review the modeling information.

	(2) Ambient Monitoring Option. Ambient monitoring costs are estimated based on the number of sources around which air agencies chose to be characterized through monitoring (73 sources) which includes 77 monitoring sites. Estimates are provided for a 3-year period and include a calculation for equipment amortization over seven years (as is typically done in monitoring-related ICRs). For the period of 2019, 2020, and 2021 (monitoring expenditures would begin in 2019), the total approximate average annual monitoring cost, including a calculation for equipment amortization is $2,538,894 (total capital, and labor and non-labor operation and maintenance) with a total burden of 26,938 hours. The annual labor costs associated with these hours is $2,122,554. Included in the $2,538,894 total are other annual costs of non-labor operations and maintenance of $227,095 and equipment and contract costs of $189,246. In addition to the costs at the state and local air quality management agencies, there is a burden to EPA of total of 52,717 hours and $827,507

	2. Need for and Use of the Collection

	(a) Need/Authority for the Collection

      The information requirements included within this ICR are necessary to provide EPA with ambient air quality surveillance data, which includes monitoring data, emissions data, and/or modeling data, to determine the United States air quality status, to make attainment decisions with respect to the NAAQS, to assist in developing necessary control strategies to ensure attainment of the NAAQS, to assess national trends in air pollution, to inform the public of air quality, and to determine the population's exposure to various ambient air pollutants. EPA's goal of attaining the NAAQS in all areas of the United States is directly dependent upon the availability of ambient air quality data (monitoring, emissions, and/or modeling data) requested in this information collection. Additionally, EPA, state, and local air quality management agencies, environmental groups, industrial groups, and academic organizations use these data to study atmospheric chemistry, e.g., the formation and fate of SO2, to determine the most appropriate and effective control strategies necessary to reduce air pollution.

      The principal legal authority for this information collection is the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7403, 7410, and 7511a, from which the 40 CFR part 51 regulations were promulgated.

      Under 7403(c), the Administrator is required to conduct a program of research, testing, and development of methods for sampling, measurement, monitoring, analysis, and modeling of air pollutants, specifically including a requirement to establish a national network to monitor, collect, and compile data with quantification of certainty in the status and trends of air emissions and air quality. This program will also include the development of improved methods and technologies to increase the understanding of the sources of nitrogen oxides, its formation, transport, regional influences and trends, and interactions with other pollutants.

      Section 7410 (a) and (k) contain the SIP requirements, which include a requirement that each state submit a SIP that: 1) provides for the establishment and operation of appropriate devices, methods, systems, and procedures necessary to monitor, compile, analyze, and make available to the Administrator data on ambient air quality and 2) provides for the performance of such air quality modeling as the Administrator may prescribe for the purpose of predicting the effect on ambient air quality of any emissions of any air pollutant for which the Administrator has established a national ambient air quality standard, and the submission, upon request, of data related to such air quality modeling to the designee as stipulated in the rule.

2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data

      The EPA will use the ambient air quality data (monitoring, emissions, and/or the modeling data) submitted pursuant to this collection for area designations and other decisions with respect to the SO2 NAAQS. The affected state or local air quality management agency will work to develop an appropriate SIP for any area designated as nonattainment in order to improve air quality in the area such that it meets the applicable NAAQS expeditiously. The EPA would also use the on-going submission of ambient air quality monitoring data, emissions data, and/or modeling data to verify that affected areas under the rule are continuing to meet the standard.

      To identify how the nation is progressing in improving air quality, the OAQPS prepares annually the National Air Quality and Emissions Trends report (http://www.epa.gov/airtrends) using the ambient air quality data collected through monitoring-related ICRs. The state and local air quality management agencies use these data for multiple purposes including tracking their progress toward achieving and maintaining air quality within the established NAAQS and any statewide standards they have established.

3. NON-DUPLICATION, CONSULTATIONS, AND OTHER COLLECTION CRITERIA

3(a) Non-duplication

      This collection is not unnecessarily duplicative of information otherwise reasonably accessible to the agency. The AQS and AIRNow systems, which contain information based solely on this collection, are the only national air quality data repositories available to EPA. The ambient air quality surveillance data and related information collected through this information collection are not otherwise reasonably accessible to EPA.

      A few state and local air quality management agencies have their own data storage systems (e.g., the California Air Resources Board); however, most state and local air quality management agencies use the AQS and AIRNow as their primary repositories for all air quality data.

	The use of air dispersion modeling to characterize air quality and calculate design values for comparison to the NAAQS is not unnecessarily duplicative of information otherwise reasonably accessible to the agency. AERMOD is the preferred regulatory air quality model and states use this as their primary mechanism for modeling and meeting the ongoing reporting requirements.

3(b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB

      The 1995 Paperwork Reduction Act requires that, except as provided under 44 U.S.C. §3507(j) or in the case of proposed collections of information contained in proposed rules, any agency proposing an ICR or extension of an ICR must solicit public comments for a 60-day period prior to submitting the ICR to OMB. Notice of a 60-day comment period on the proposed renewal of this ICR will be published in the Federal Register prior to submitting to OMB.

3(c) Consultations

	Through the course of planning, monitoring, and improving upon this collection and its associated regulation, EPA regularly consults with affected state and local air quality management agencies through various methods including the regulatory process, regular meetings, and training courses. The EPA conducts workshops and training on the AQS reporting system. The EPA Regional offices conduct annual ambient air monitoring meetings with their affected state and local air quality management agencies to assist these affected agencies with this collection and its associated regulation. The EPA's OAQPS also meets regularly with leading state and local air monitoring managers to discuss the Nation's ambient air monitoring program and this collection, via large monthly phone calls and smaller in person meetings two or three times per year. Prior to the initial ICR, EPA conducted several stakeholder meetings to discuss issues associated with implementation of the SO2 standard. In addition, EPA developed two Technical Assistance Documents for Monitoring and Modeling. These documents provide technical advice on the use of modeling and monitoring to determine if an area meets the 2010 SO2 air quality standard.

3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection

	State and local air quality management agencies would collect and report ambient air quality data without the 40 CFR 51 regulations associated with this collection. Sanctions do not automatically accrue to state or local air quality management agencies that fail to meet these requirements. The 40 CFR part 58 regulations and this associated collection do provide for a consistent system for reporting and record keeping that would not exist without these requirements. The effects of less frequent collection include:

      :: 	A national database that is not consistently updated and available for public consumption;

      :: 	Less timely attainment designations with respect to the NAAQS;

      :: 	More difficulty in identifying and repairing problems with an ambient air monitor--i.e., data are used to check a monitor's operating condition, and reporting data less frequently would delay a state or local agency's ability to recognize a problem with a monitor or a laboratory procedure; and

      :: 	The EPA would not be able to consistently answer questions from the public in a timely fashion regarding air quality in various areas of the country.

3(e) General Guidelines

      All of the OMB's general guidelines for information collections in 5 CFR 1320.6 are met by this ICR. None of the guidelines are exceeded.

      :: 	Monitoring data reporting is required on a quarterly basis. Nearly all respondents voluntarily report on a monthly basis. If the modeling option was chosen for some areas and the area was or, in the future, is designated attainment/unclassifiable or unclassifiable/attainment based on air quality modeling of actual emissions, annual data reports are/will be required and updated dispersion modeling could be required where needed to determine whether the area meets or does not meet the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

      ::	Record retention is for no more than 3 years (most records are kept by EPA data repository, not the affected state and local air quality management agencies)

      ::	Monitoring information is maintained and reported in the standardized electronic AQS format.

3(f) Confidentiality

      Information that is considered personal, private, proprietary, or confidential is not required for this collection. One purpose of collecting ambient air data through AQS and AIRNow or modeling with AERMOD is to inform the public of general air quality in ambient air (air considered generally accessible to the public), and as such, does not present a need for maintaining a confidential nature. Security measures are taken to prevent tampering with the AQS electronic database by limiting the access to the AQS mainframe only to authorized users.

3(g) Sensitive Questions

	This section is not applicable to this ICR because no information involving matters of a sensitive nature is collected related to this rule.

4. THE RESPONDENTS AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED

4(a) Respondents/SIC Codes

      This ICR affects state and local governments (SIC code 951, Administration of Environmental Quality Program) that are currently operating and maintaining established ambient air quality networks. The 40 CFR part 51 regulations associated with this request require that state and local air quality management agencies submit either annual emissions data reports and potential updated modeling or conduct ambient air quality surveillance and report the data to  EPA. Although industrial, environmental, and research organizations may use the data available through the AQS, they are not required to report any information for this information collection. Monitoring data submitted to AIRNow is voluntary for all organizations, but most state and local agencies reporting to AQS also report to AIRNow.

4(b) Information Requested for Areas Where the Monitoring Option is Implemented

(i) Data items, including record keeping requirements

	These data items are submitted electronically to EPA's AQS as required by 40 CFR part 58. These data are stored electronically within EPA's AQS, and separate records kept by the state or local air quality management agency are not required.

      ::	Hourly and sub-hourly (5-minute) ambient air pollutant concentrations of SO2 collected at SLAMS sites or any third-party monitoring sites identified and eligible to satisfy the requirements of the rule.

      ::	Precision and accuracy data for all SLAMS sites, Special Purpose Monitors (SPM), and any third-party monitor identified as eligible to satisfy requirements of the rule.

      ::	Monitoring network description information, including the site AQS identification number, site location, sampling and analysis method, operating schedule, monitoring objective, site's scale of representation, identity of the urban area represented, and quality assurance plan.

      ::	Results of the annual ambient air monitoring network and quality assurance plan review.

      ::	Annual SLAMS summary report which includes the location, date, pollution source, and duration of each incident of air pollution during which ambient levels of a pollutant reached or exceeded the significant harm levels as defined in 40 CFR 51.151, the certification of the report's accuracy by a designated state air pollution control officer, and various other summary statistics as provided by the AQS system.

(ii) Respondent Activities

      A typical respondent would engage in the following activities to comply with this information request:

      ::	Read the 40 CFR part 51 regulatory provisions and other EPA guidance (for example, please reference our Internet site at www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic.)
      ::	Receive training for site operation and maintenance, quality assurance procedures, and data processing and reporting.

      ::	Conduct or otherwise provide oversight to ambient air quality monitoring, incorporating all appropriate quality assurance procedures such as calibrations, precision and accuracy checks, and, if necessary, concurrent monitoring.

      ::	Validate the ambient air data for quality assurance considerations.

      ::	Electronically submit the complete and validated ambient air data to AQS.

      ::	Prepare and submit to EPA annually the SLAMS sites summary report.

4(c) Information Requested for Areas Where the Modeling Option is Implemented

(i) Data items, including record keeping requirements

	These data items are submitted to EPA's Regional offices as required by the SO2 Data Requirements Rule under 40 CFR section 51.1205(b). These data are stored electronically, or by hard copy, at EPA's Regional offices, and separate records kept by the state or local air quality management agency are not required.

      ::	A report, submitted annually, that assesses the annual SO2 emissions of each applicable source and provides the cause of any emissions increase from the previous year, along with a recommendation for whether updated modeling is needed to determine whether the area is currently meeting the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.

 If updated modeling is required for an area, revised modeling with updated emission and meteorological inputs and any other input parameters that may be needed to conduct an accurate updated characterization of the area.
  (ii) Respondent Activities

 Gather most recent emissions data for source(s) in designated area and compare against previous emissions data.
 If emissions have increased, determine why emissions have increased and include that reasoning in annual report along with a recommendation of whether updated modeling is needed under the DRR.
 Submit annual report to EPA after making available for public inspection.
 If emissions have increased to the point that modeling is needed, gather meteorological data, emissions data, source characterization data (i.e. building information) to conduct modeling with the latest emissions following the SO2 Modeling Technical Assistance Document.
 Post-process model output to calculate design concentrations to compare against the NAAQS to assess if the area is violating the NAAQS.
 Submit modeling to EPA within 12 months in accordance with the final rule.
   Each of these activities can be conducted using existing reporting and recordkeeping practices.

5. THE INFORMATION COLLECTED--AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION METHODOLOGY, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

5(a) Agency Activities

      The EPA conducts the following activities to implement the modeling and monitoring option of this ICR and associated regulation:

      ::	Periodically review the 40 CFR part 58 regulations to update the information collection and monitoring requirements in light of new technological developments or new air pollutant standards. Develop revisions to the regulations in response to legislative action and program changes.

      ::	Establish, maintain, and support the AQS national repository for all state and local air quality management agency ambient air quality data and monitoring information. Periodically evaluate and improve upon this system as new technologies, and new regulatory requirements would dictate.

      ::	Answer respondent (generally state and local air quality management agencies, but also industrial organizations, environmental groups, and others) questions about ambient air monitoring, the 40 CFR part 58 regulatory requirements, and AQS. This includes the establishment of the Ambient Monitoring Technology Information Center bulletin board, the AQS toll-free hotline, and other written or verbal communication.

      ::	Support the quality assurance program by working within EPA and with the respondents to evaluate precision and accuracy data, oversee the National Performance Audit Program, participate in systems audits, and conduct data validation checks on the AQS data submittal.

      ::	Provide within the AQS mechanisms for statistical calculations, such as the number of times a particular ambient air quality monitoring site exceeds the NAAQS. Distribute the AQS data in various ways including upon written request, by Freedom of Information Act request, by press release, and in the annual National Air Quality and Emissions Trends Report.

 Provide adequate electronic storage space within the AQS for all ambient air quality surveillance data and information.

 When necessary, post-process model outputs to calculate design concentrations to compare against the NAAQS to assess if the area is violating the NAAQS.

 Review emissions information submitted by air management agencies to determine whether there are increases in emissions in the affected area that may warrant updated modeling to determine whether the area continues to meet the standard.

 For areas for which EPA is requiring updated modeling for the on-going reporting requirements, per 51.1205(b), analyze and compare the updated modeling results to the NAAQS.

 Answer respondent (generally state and local air quality management agencies, but also industrial organizations, environmental groups, and others) questions about modeling submitted to meet the requirements of the SO2 Data Requirements Rule, including meteorological and emissions data.
5(b) Collection Methodology and Management

      All state and local ambient air monitoring networks have access to and use well-established quality assurance procedures as defined in the Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volumes I and II, EPA/600/R-94/038a & b. These documents ensure that all ambient air quality data are accurate and reliable.

      The EPA has provided and will continue to provide resources for the maintenance and operation of AQS. All monitoring data required by this collection are submitted electronically to reduce the burden of the collection and to improve data quality, agency efficiency, and responsiveness to the public. Various statistical and graphical summaries are also provided by AQS which enhance the utility of the information for consumption by the public and all affected state and local air quality management agencies. In submitting ambient air data into AQS, we ensure that the data are publicly available, electronically stored, and electronically retrievable. State and local air quality management agencies and EPA have been submitting data to the AQS since its inception in 1987.

      For air quality modeling, EPA has provided the SO2 Modeling Technical Assistance Document and the Guideline on Air Quality Models, Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51 to assist the air agencies and ensure that they can successfully use AERMOD to estimate design values that are accurate and conform to the DRR requirements. Appendix W is updated via the public review and comment process to incorporate the latest regulatory changes and model performance enhancements into EPA's suite of regulatory models, including AERMOD. All regulatory modeling is made available to the public upon request.

5(c) Small Entity Flexibility

      This collection contains a minimum amount of information in order to manage the air quality program for the United States. The smallest entities affected by this collection are local air quality management agencies, typically consisting of the governing agencies for a county or group of counties, or a smaller metropolitan area (e.g., cities with a population of 50,000). This collection reduces to the extent practicable and appropriate the burden on entities that provide ambient air quality data and information to or for EPA, including with respect to small entities, as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601(6)), the use of such techniques as:

      ::	Establishing differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that account for the resources available to those who are to respond (e.g., the monitoring and modeling reporting requirements decrease as the population of an area decreases, and various timetables for deploying ambient air monitoring stations are negotiated between the affected state or local air quality management agency and EPA with consideration of the respondent's resources);

      ::	Clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting requirements (e.g., by establishing, maintaining, and improving as needed the AQS and AIRNow national repositories for ambient air quality data and information);

      ::	Exemption from coverage of the collection of information, or any part thereof (e.g., EPA negotiates with state and local air quality management agencies to determine the most effective and most efficient ambient air quality networks with respect to the monitoring needs, technical abilities, and resources available to each affected agency).

5(d) Collection Schedule for Monitoring Data

      Ambient air quality surveillance data and precision and accuracy data for criteria air pollutants are submitted according to the schedule defined in 40 CFR 58.16. These current regulations require that state and local air quality management agencies report their data within 90 days after the end of the quarter during which the data were collected.

      The annual SLAMS report is submitted by May 1 of each year for data collected from January 1 through December 31 of the previous year in accordance with 40 CFR 58.15. This certification applies to all SLAMS and all SPM monitoring data that have been submitted by May 1.

      The annual air quality surveillance network reviews are conducted and reports are submitted to EPA on a schedule that is determined by the affected state or local air quality management agency and EPA Regional office.

      Ambient air quality data and information are made available to the public at any time in various ways, including:

      ::	Upon request to the appropriate EPA Regional office, or to the OAQPS;

      ::	By Freedom of Information Act Request to the appropriate EPA Regional office or the OAQPS;

      ::	From the state or local air quality management agency responsible for collecting the ambient air quality data and information;

      ::	By obtaining access, through appropriate EPA channels, to AQS;

      ::	Through EPA public reports, such as the annual "National Air Quality and Emissions Trends Report"; or

      ::	Through AQI reporting mechanisms which include newspaper, television, Internet and other publicly available notices (see www.epa.gov/airnow).

5(e) Collection Schedule for Annual Data Reports and Potential Modeling Revisions

	For areas where modeling of actual SO2 emissions served as the basis for designating the area attainment/unclassifiable or unclassifiable/attainment for the 2010 SO2 NAAQs, an annual report is required to be submitted to EPA Regional Administrator by July 1 of each year that documents the annual SO2 emissions of each applicable source and assesses the cause of any emissions increase from the previous year, per 51.1205(b). For any areas that EPA Regional Administrator, as a result of evaluating the annual report, requires the air agency to update its air quality modeling, the air agency must submit that modeling to EPA within 12 months.

6. 	ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION FOR THE MONITORING AND MODELING OPTIONS

6(a) Estimating Respondent Burden

      All activities listed within section 4 (b) (ii) of this ICR Supporting Statement are presented in Worksheet 1. The detailed burden and cost estimates for the different types of monitors are based on information provided in the version of Guidance for Estimating Ambient Air Monitoring Costs for Criteria Pollutants and Selected Air Toxic Pollutants (prepared by Desert Research Institute for EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Assessment Division, Ambient Air Monitoring Group, January 2005). The monitoring cost estimates presented in this guidance document were based on existing literature and direct monitoring experience. The costs for equipment and supplies were verified with vendors. The monitoring costs were based on vendor quotes for the monitor type that EPA expects respondents to use to comply with the requirements. Costs for level of effort estimates were verified with selected state and local agencies.

	For use in preparing the burden estimates for the monitoring option of this ICR, costs for the monitoring requirements were inflated to 2019, 2020 and 2021. The cost escalation factors were estimated based on the appropriate Gross Domestic Product (GDP) price indices. Tables showing the detailed burden estimate calculations are presented below. A summary of the average annual respondent burden costs follows.

            Worksheet 1: Annual Average Respondent Burden Estimates

                                  Collection
                                  Activities
                               Total Labor Hours
                            Per Respondent Per Year
                               (21 respondents)
1. Network design
                                       0
2. Site installation
                                      11
3. Sampling & analysis
                                      440
4. Maintenance & repairs
                                      249
5. Data management
                                      143
6. Quality assurance
                                      286
7. Supervision
                                      154
                                     TOTAL
                                     1,283

      For the modeling option, we are using a simplified, turnkey estimate ($30,000 per model run) to assess the emissions inventory, generate the annual report, and update the modeling as required. This includes a labor cost of 5 percent of the overall burden.

6(b) Estimating Respondent Costs

      All activities listed with section 4 (b) (ii) of this ICR Supporting Statement are included in the Worksheet 2 for the monitoring option. A summary of the average annual respondent burden costs follows.

             Worksheet 2: Annual Average Respondent Cost Estimates

                                  Collection
                                  Activities
                               Total Labor Cost
                           Per Respondent Per Year
                               (21 respondents)
1. Network design
                                      $0
2. Site installation
                                     $755
3. Sampling & analysis
                                    $35,434
4. Maintenance & repairs
                                    $18,672
5. Data management
                                    $10,976
6. Quality assurance
                                    $22,518
7. Supervision
                                    $12,719
                                     TOTAL
                                   $101,074

   Based on market research, stakeholder feedback, and the assumptions of the use of modeling for the on-going data verification reports, an estimate of modeling costs, where it is necessary, is $30,000 for a single modeling run centered on an identified source. This cost estimate also includes the time necessary to develop an appropriate emissions inventory for the modeling run. If all 170 sources that air agencies chose to be characterized through modeling are required to update modeling within 12 months of the annual report, the total annual national costs are estimated at $5,000,000. If these costs were incurred over the course of three years, then the approximate total cost for three would be $15,000,000. In cases where no updated modeling is required, an air agency would have the burden of providing the required annual report. This would entail the time to assess the emissions change for the year and provide any required analysis and recommendation. Our burden estimate is a labor cost equal to 5 percent of the overall costs of the full-scale modeling estimate. This would be $250,000 per year of all 170 sources or $750,000 over three years. The range of costs would thus be $750,000 for all 170 sources to do annual reporting only (i.e. assessing and reporting on only the emission inventory) to $15,000,000 for all 170 sources to do annual reporting with full scale modeling (i.e. the inventory assessment plus the modeling). For purposes of this ICR renewal, we assume that air agencies chose modeling for all 170 sources. In cases where no updated modeling is required, an air agency would have just the burden of providing the required annual report. This would entail just the time to assess the emissions change for the year, and EPA would streamline the burden estimate as a labor cost equal to 5 percent of the overall costs of the full-scale modeling estimate. This would be $250,000 per year of all 170 sources or $750,000 over three years. The range of costs would thus be $750,000 for all 170 sources to do reporting only (i.e. assessing and reporting on only the emission inventory) to $15,000,000 for all 170 sources to do full scale modeling (i.e. the inventory plus the modeling). For purposes of this ICR renewal, we assume that air agencies chose modeling for all 170 sources.

6(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Cost

      We estimated the Agency burden and cost by using current burden and cost of the ambient air monitoring program related to this collection. We included burden and cost for the OAQPS, the ten Regional offices, and associated contract activities. The in-house activities for this collection are completed by a variety of individuals with a variety of salaries; therefore, we used the actual salary as an average for computing the program costs. Actual contractor expenses were used for those activities completed using extramural resources. We estimated a total of 52,717 hours and $827,507 total agency burden.

      For the modeling option, we assumed that on average, 40 hours would be needed to review each of the annual reports, including an evaluation of the modeling analysis. If all 170 sources are assumed to update modeling as part of the annual requirement, then 6800 hours would be the total labor estimate for OAQPS, the ten Regional offices, and associated contract activities. Using a rough average hourly rate of $100, the total agency cost would be $680,000. Since only two iterations of modeling are reviewed in the 3-year renewal period (since states have 12 months to submit modeling), the overall cost would be $1,360,000. If no modeling is being submitted for all 170 sources, we assume that 8 hours would be needed to review the annual submission for each source. Thus, the low end of the cost range would be $272,000. For total burden estimates below we are assuming that all 170 sources are submitting modeling.

6(d)	Estimating the Respondent Universe and Total Burden and Costs

      Worksheet 3 shows the total respondent hourly burdens and costs which was taken from section 6(b) above for the estimated 21 respondents. The total estimated burden for monitoring is 26,938 hours at a total cost of $2,122,554.

       Worksheet 3: Annual Total Respondent Labor Burden/Cost Estimates

                                  Collection
                                   Activities
                               Total Labor Hours
                                   Per Year
                               Total Labor Cost
                                   Per Year
1. Network design
                                       0
                                      $0
2. Site installation
                                      222
                                    $15,864
3. Sampling & analysis
                                     9240
                                   $744,114
4. Maintenance & repairs
                                     5236
                                   $392,117
5. Data management
                                     3003
                                   $230,501
6. Quality assurance
                                     6003
                                   $472,869
7. Supervision
                                     3234
                                   $267,089
                                     TOTAL
                                    26,938
                                  $2,122,554

      For the modeling option, the total respondent cost is $15,000,000 incurred over three years if modeling is submitted for all 170 sources. Specific hours for modeling have not been estimate, but labor costs are included in the modeling estimate above.

6(e) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost Tables
       (i) Respondent Tally

      Respondent Total Annual Burden =26,938 hours
      Respondent Total Annual Labor Cost for O & M = $2,122,554
      Respondent Total Annual Cost for Non-labor O & M = $227,095
      Respondent Total Equipment/Contract = $189,246

      (ii) The Agency Tally

      Agency Total Annual Burden = 52,717 hours

      Agency Total Annual Cost = $827,507

      (iii) Variations In The Annual Bottom Line.

      For the modeling option, labor hours were assumed to be part of the turnkey cost estimate. Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

6(f) Reasons for Change in Burden

      The revised monitoring and modeling burden requested in this ICR results from the requirements under the SO2 Data Requirements Rule and the knowledge of how many air pollution control agencies chose the monitoring option and how many chose the modeling option.

6(g) Burden Statement

      The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 143 hours per respondent under the monitoring option and 40 hours per respondent under the modeling option. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. 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 Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0711, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA William Jefferson Clinton WestBuilding, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 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 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, D.C. 20503, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA. Please include EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0711 and OMB Control Number 2060-0696 in any correspondence.

                        PART B OF SUPPORTING STATEMENT

      This section is not applicable to this ICR because statistical methods are not used in the data collection associated with the rule amendments.


[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18620-18621]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08963]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments;
Clearance of New Approval of Information Collection: FAA Aircraft Noise
Complaint and Inquiry System (FAA Noise Portal)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information
collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period
soliciting comments on the following collection of information was
published on November 2, 2017. The voluntary collection is part of the
FAA's goal to more effectively and efficiently address noise complaints
or inquiries it receives. The collection includes information such as
name, email address, street or cross street, city, state, zip code, and
a description of the aircraft noise complaint or inquiry. The level of
information to be collected is necessary to allow the FAA to respond to
the noise complaint or inquiry.

DATES: Written comments should be submitted by May 29, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on
the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be
addressed to the attention of the Desk Officer, Department of
Transportation/FAA, and sent via electronic mail to
[email protected], or faxed to<PHONE_NUMBER>, or mailed to
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management
and Budget, Docket Library, Room 10102, 725 17th Street NW, Washington,
DC 20503.
    Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspect of
this information collection, including (a) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for FAA's performance; (b) the
accuracy of the estimated burden; (c) ways for FAA to enhance the
quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (d)
ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of
the collected information. The agency will summarize and/or include
your comments in the request for OMB's clearance of this information
collection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Hall at<PHONE_NUMBER>, or by
email at: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    OMB Control Number: 2120-XXXX.
    Title: FAA Aircraft Noise Complaint and Inquiry System (FAA Noise
Portal).
    Form Numbers: There are no forms.
    Type of Review: This is clearance of new information collection.
    Background: The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment
period soliciting comments on the following collection of information
was published on November 2, 2017 (82 FR 50932).
    In summary, the FAA received comments from 21 individuals; two
aviation organizations, Airlines for America (A4A) and the Airports
International Council of North America (ACI-NA); the Port of Seattle,
which has oversight and management of Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport (Sea-Tac); and the cities of SeaTac, WA and College Park, GA.
Several individuals complained about aircraft noise at specific
airports, which was not applicable to the public notice. We noted this
as N/A in the FAA comment response matrix for OMB and restated the
purpose of the FAA Noise Portal. Other individuals commented that the
FAA Noise Portal would be useless because it would not improve their
current noise situation.
    Several commenters questioned what the FAA would do with the data
we collected. In our response we explained that the FAA would use the
data to identify common complaints or inquiries so we could post
commonly asked questions and answers to the regional websites to inform
those interested upfront without their having to submit a complaint or
inquiry through the FAA Noise Portal. We said we may also use the data
to identify trends in FAA related noise concerns. Implementation of the
Noise Portal does not change the FAA's current policies regarding
noise.
    One commenter noted that the PRA requires the FAA to certify that
the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance
of the

agency. The FAA responded that as a federal agency we must be
responsive to the public by taking action on the aircraft noise
complaints we already receive, which in many cases means directing them
to the appropriate airport. Others were concerned that the FAA would
duplicate efforts by the Airport Sponsors who already have noise
complaint systems to receive and respond to public noise complaints for
their airport.
    The FAA is aware of the existing airport sponsor noise complaint
systems and will provide their links on the regional noise websites for
the public. In addition, FAA will coordinate with ACI-NA to assist us
in our coordination efforts with the airport sponsors and with other
relevant aviation stakeholders ACI-NA represents to minimize any
duplication in efforts between the FAA and airport sponsors regarding
aircraft noise complaints or inquiries. We did not receive any comments
on the cost and hour burden of the Noise Portal.
    The purpose of the FAA Noise Portal is to allow the FAA to more
efficiently and effectively respond to and address noise complaints or
inquiries in a clear, consistent, and repeatable manner that is
responsive to the public and applies the best use of FAA resources.
Currently, there is no clear FAA process or point of entry for the
public to submit noise complaints and inquiries. As a result, public
noise complaints and inquiries are forwarded within the FAA until the
appropriate person or organization responds. This creates a delay in
FAA responses to the public.
    A public link to the FAA Noise Portal collection will be posted on
each of the nine FAA regional websites and the FAA Headquarters Noise
Ombudsman website for members of the public who want to submit an
aircraft related noise complaint or inquiry to the FAA. The FAA Noise
Portal includes required and optional fields for the public to
complete. Once completed, the information is automatically sent to the
FAA Regional Administrators Office or Noise Ombudsman who in turn
assigns it to the appropriate FAA office to respond to the complaint or
inquiry within a specified time frame. All incoming complaints and
inquiries are automatically entered into an FAA database that can be
tracked to ensure timely responses and queried for informational
purposes.
    The websites will also identify and provide links to other entities
responsible for addressing aircraft noise related issues (e.g.,
airports, military, helicopters) and will contain links to pertinent
aircraft noise related policy, environmental, or community involvement
documents. In addition, the websites will contain a mailing address and
phone number for those members of the public who wish to mail a postal
letter or use a voice prompt and recording system option to complete
the required fields included in the FAA Noise Portal.
    Respondents: Generally, any member of the public in the United
States with a valid email address who believes the FAA is the
appropriate entity to answer their aircraft noise complaint or inquiry.
    Frequency: Members of the public are not limited regarding the
frequency with which they can submit a complaint or inquiry to the FAA.
    Estimated Average Burden per Response: Fifteen minutes to enter the
complaint or inquiry into the FAA Noise Portal fields.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 11,250 hours.

    Issued in Fort Worth, TX on April 17, 2018.
Barbara Hall,
FAA Information Collection Clearance Officer, IT Enterprises Business
Services Division, ASP-110.
[FR Doc. 2018-08963 Filed 4-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 153 (Friday, August 8, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46387-46390]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18569]

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

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 80

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2014-0575; FRL-9914-87-OAR]
RIN 2060-AS29

Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Extension of Compliance
and Attest Engagement Reporting Deadlines for 2013 Renewable Fuel
Standards

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to
extend two reporting deadlines for the 2013 compliance period under the
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. This proposed action would
specifically affect the annual compliance and attest engagement
reporting requirement deadlines for regulated parties. The annual
compliance reports and attest engagement reports for the 2013 RFS
compliance period would not be due until 30 days and 90 days,
respectively, following publication of the final rule establishing the
2014 renewable fuel percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel,
biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel in the
Federal Register. This proposed action would ensure timely amendment of
existing deadlines, before compliance obligations would otherwise go
into effect. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal
Register, we are extending the annual compliance and attest engagement
reporting deadlines for the 2013 RFS compliance period as a direct
final rule without a prior proposed rule. If we receive no adverse
comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before September 15,
2014.
    Hearing: We will hold a public hearing on August 15, 2014 if one is
requested by noon EDT of the preceding business day. The public
hearing, if requested, will be held at the EPA National Vehicle and
Fuel Emissions Laboratory, 2000 Traverwood, Ann Arbor, MI 48105,
beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2014-0575, by one of the following methods:
     www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for
submitting comments.
     Email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>     Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center,
Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460.
     Hand Delivery: EPA Docket Center, EPA West Building, Room
3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries
are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and
special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed
information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2014-0575. The EPA's policy is that all comments received will be
included in the public docket without change and may be made available
online at www.regulations.gov including any personal information
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov
or email. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access''
system, which means the EPA will not know your identity or contact
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you
send an email comment directly to the EPA without going through
www.regulations.gov your email address will be automatically captured
and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket
and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic
comment, the EPA recommends that you include your name and other
contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or
CD-ROM you submit. If the EPA cannot read your comment due to technical
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, the EPA may not
be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use
of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any
defects or viruses. For additional information about the EPA's public
docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
in

www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air and Radiation Docket and
Information Center, EPA/DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave.
NW., Washington, DC. 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 is<PHONE_NUMBER>, and the
telephone number for the Air Docket is<PHONE_NUMBER>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julia MacAllister, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division,
Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor MI
48105; Telephone number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; Fax number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; Email
address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or the public information line for
the Office of Transportation and Air Quality; telephone number (734)
214-4333; Email address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Why is the EPA issuing this proposed rule?

    This document proposes to take action to extend certain reporting
requirement deadlines for the 2013 RFS compliance period. We have also
published a direct final rule in the ``Rules and Regulations'' section
of this Federal Register because we view this as a noncontroversial
action and anticipate no adverse comment. We have explained our reasons
for this action in the preamble to the direct final rule.
    If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action
on this proposed rule. If we receive adverse comment, we will withdraw
the direct final rule and it will not take effect. We would address all
public comments in a subsequent final rule based on this proposed rule.
    We do not intend to institute a second comment period on this
action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time.
For further information, please see the information provided in the
ADDRESSES section of this document.

II. Does this proposed action apply to me?

    Entities potentially affected by this direct final rule are those
involved with the production, distribution, and sale of transportation
fuels, including gasoline and diesel fuel or renewable fuels such as
ethanol and biodiesel. Potentially regulated categories include:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Examples of potentially regulated
                 Category                   NAICS \1\ Codes    SIC \2\ Codes                entities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry.................................            324110              2911  Petroleum Refineries.
Industry.................................            325193              2869  Ethyl alcohol manufacturing.
Industry.................................            325199              2869  Other basic organic chemical
                                                                                manufacturing.
Industry.................................            424690              5169  Chemical and allied products
                                                                                merchant wholesalers.
Industry.................................            424710              5171  Petroleum bulk stations and
                                                                                terminals.
Industry.................................            424720              5172  Petroleum and petroleum products
                                                                                merchant wholesalers.
Industry.................................            454319              5989  Other fuel dealers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
\2\ Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system code.

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be regulated by this
proposed action. This table lists the types of entities that the EPA is
now aware could be potentially regulated by this proposed action. Other
types of entities not listed in the table could also be regulated. To
determine whether your activities would be regulated by this proposed
action, you should carefully examine the applicability criteria in 40
CFR part 80. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of
this proposed action to a particular entity, consult the person listed
in the preceding section.

III. Background and Purpose

    The EPA is proposing to amend existing regulatory deadlines for
regulated parties under the RFS program regarding the submission of
annual compliance reports and attest engagement reports for the 2013
RFS compliance period.
    We received comments on our November 29, 2013 proposed rulemaking
to establish the 2014 renewable fuel percentage standards for
cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and total
renewable fuel \1\ reiterating the importance to obligated parties of
knowing their RFS obligations for the 2014 RFS compliance period prior
to the compliance demonstration deadline for the 2013 RFS compliance
period. The EPA recognized the value of this timing to obligated
parties in the 2013 RFS final rule, and for that reason delayed the
normally applicable February 28 compliance demonstration deadline to
June 30, 2014 for the 2013 RFS compliance period.\2\ We reasoned at
that time that an extension to June 30, 2014 would be sufficient in
light of the expected date of issuance of the final rule establishing
the 2014 renewable fuel percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel,
biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 78 FR 71732 (November 29, 2013).
    \2\ 78 FR 49794, 49800 (August 15, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because the 2014 renewable fuel standards were not final at the
time the annual compliance reports for the 2013 RFS compliance period
were coming due, we further extended this reporting deadline until
September 30, 2014 (as well as the associated deadline for attest
engagement reports until January 30, 2015).\3\ However, in light of the
further delay in issuing the final rule establishing the 2014 renewable
fuel percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel,
advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel, we are proposing (with a
parallel direct final rule) to provide an additional extension of the
annual compliance and attest engagement reporting period for the 2013
RFS compliance period. Under this proposal, regulated parties would not
have to submit annual compliance reports and attest engagement reports
for the 2013 RFS compliance period until 30 days and 90 days,
respectively, following publication of the final rule establishing the
2014 renewable fuel percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel,
biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel in the
Federal Register.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 79 FR 34242 (June 16, 2014).

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

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This proposed action is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under the terms of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993)
and is therefore not subject to review under Executive Orders 12866 and
13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011).

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    There are no new information collection requirements associated
with this proposed rulemaking. The extension of the existing regulatory
deadlines for regulated parties under the RFS program would impose no
new or different reporting requirements on regulated parties. The
existing information collection requests (ICR) that apply to the RFS
program are sufficient to address the reporting requirements in the
proposed regulations.
    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 the
EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency
to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to
notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative
Procedures Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that
the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses,
small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.
    For purposes of assessing the impacts of this proposed rule on
small entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business as
defined by the Small Business Administration's (SBA) regulations at 13
CFR 121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government
of a city, county, town, school district or special district with a
population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is
any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated
and is not dominant in its field.
    After considering the economic impacts of today's proposed rule on
small entities, I certify that this proposed rule would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
This proposed rule would amend the existing regulatory deadlines for
regulated parties under the RFS program to submit reports demonstrating
their compliance with the 2013 RFS standards, and to submit
corresponding attest engagement reports. This proposed action if
finalized would ensure timely amendment of existing deadlines, before
compliance obligations would otherwise go into effect. The impacts of
the RFS program on small entities were already addressed in the RFS2
final rule promulgated on March 26, 2010 (75 FR 14670), and this
proposal would not impose any additional requirements on small entities
beyond those already analyzed.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This proposed action contains no Federal mandates under the
provisions of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538 for State, local, or tribal governments or
the private sector. Therefore, this proposed action is not subject to
the requirements of sections 202 or 205 of the UMRA.
    This proposed action is also not subject to the requirements of
section 203 of UMRA because it contains no proposed regulatory
requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small
governments. This proposed rule only applies to gasoline, diesel, and
renewable fuel producers, importers, distributors and marketers and
would merely extend the otherwise applicable reporting deadlines.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This proposed action does not have federalism implications. It
would not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132. This proposed action
would amend the existing regulatory deadlines for regulated parties
under the RFS program to submit reports demonstrating their compliance
with the 2013 RFS standards, and to submit corresponding attest
engagement reports. The proposed new deadlines would only apply to
gasoline, diesel, and renewable fuel producers, importers, distributors
and marketers. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this
proposed rule.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments

    This proposed action does not have tribal implications, as
specified in Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000).
This proposed rule would be implemented at the Federal level and
affects transportation fuel refiners, blenders, marketers,
distributors, importers, exporters, and renewable fuel producers and
importers. Tribal governments would be affected only to the extent they
purchase and use regulated fuels. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not
apply to this proposed action.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    The EPA interprets E.O. 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) as
applying only to those regulatory actions that concern health or safety
risks, such that the analysis required under section 5-501 of the E.O.
has the potential to influence the regulation. This proposed action is
not subject to E.O. 13045 because it would not establish an
environmental standard intended to mitigate health or safety risks and
because it would implement specific standards established by Congress
in statutes (section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act).

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This proposed action is not a ``significant energy action'' as
defined in Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001)) because it would not likely have a significant adverse
effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. This proposed
action would simply amend certain reporting deadlines for regulated
parties under the RFS program.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (``NTTAA''), Public Law 104-113, 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note)
directs the EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory
activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling
procedures, and business practices) that are developed or

adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. NTTAA directs the EPA
to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides
not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    This proposed rulemaking does not involve technical standards.
Therefore, the EPA is not considering the use of any voluntary
consensus standards.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12898 (59 FR 7629 (Feb. 16, 1994))
establishes federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main
provision directs federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable
and permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their
mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate,
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority
populations and low-income populations in the United States.
    The EPA has determined that this proposed rule would not have
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority or low-income populations because it would not
affect the level of protection provided to human health or the
environment. This proposed action would not relax the control measures
on sources regulated by the RFS regulations and therefore would not
cause emissions increases from these sources.

V. Statutory Authority

    Statutory authority for this action comes from sections 211 and
301(a) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7545 and 7601(a).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 80

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Diesel fuel, Fuel additives, Gasoline, Imports,
Oil imports, Petroleum, Renewable fuel.

    Dated: July 31, 2014.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 40, chapter I of
the Code of Federal Regulations is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 80--REGULATION OF FUELS AND FUELS ADDITIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C., 7414, 7521, 7542, 7545, and 7601(a).

Subpart M--Renewable Fuel Standard

0
2. Section 80.1451 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1)(xiv) to read
as follows:.

Sec.  80.1451  What are the reporting requirements under the RFS
program?

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (xiv) For the 2013 compliance year, annual compliance reports shall
be submitted within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register
of the final rule establishing the 2014 renewable fuel percentage
standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced
biofuel and total renewable fuel.
* * * * *
0
3. Section 80.1464 is amended by revising paragraph (g) to read as
follows:

Sec.  80.1464  What are the attest engagement requirements under the
RFS program?

* * * * *
    (g) For the 2013 compliance year, reports required under this
section shall be submitted to the EPA within 90 days after publication
in the Federal Register of the final rule establishing the 2014
renewable fuel percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-
based diesel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel.

[FR Doc. 2014-18569 Filed 8-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


[Federal Register: October 19, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 201)]
[Notices]
[Page 64301-64303]
[DOCID:fr19oc10-46]

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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. IC11-537-000]

Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-537); Comment
Request; Extension

October 8, 2010.
AGENCY: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed information collection and request for
comments.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A)
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A) (2006),
(Pub. L. 104-13), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission
or FERC) is soliciting public comment on the proposed information
collection described below.

DATES: Comments in consideration of the collection of information are
due December 20, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be filed either electronically (eFiled) or in
paper format, and should refer to Docket No. IC11-537-000. Documents
must be prepared in an acceptable filing format and in compliance with
Commission submission guidelines at http://www.ferc.gov/help/
submission-guide.asp. eFiling instructions are available at: http://
www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. First time users must follow
eRegister instructions at: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
eregistration.asp, to establish a user name and password before
eFiling. The Commission will send an automatic acknowledgement to the
sender's e-mail address upon receipt of eFiled comments. Commenters
making an eFiling should not make a paper filing. Commenters that are
not able to file electronically must send an original of their comments
to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Secretary of the Commission,
888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426.
    Users interested in receiving automatic notification of activity in
this docket may do so through eSubscription at http://www.ferc.gov/
docs-filing/esubscription.asp. In addition, all comments and FERC
issuances may be viewed, printed or downloaded remotely through FERC's
eLibrary at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp, by searching
on Docket No. IC11-537. For user assistance, contact FERC Online
Support by e-mail at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or by phone at: (866)
208-3676 (toll-free), or<PHONE_NUMBER> for TTY.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Ellen Brown may be reached by e-mail at
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>telephone at<PHONE_NUMBER>, and fax at (202)
273-0873.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information collected under the
requirements of FERC-537, ``Gas Pipeline Certificates: Construction,
Acquisition, and Abandonment'' (OMB Control No. 1902-0060), is used by
the Commission to implement the statutory provisions of the Natural Gas
Policy Act of 1978 (NGPA), 15 U.S.C. 3301-3432, and the Natural Gas Act
(NGA) (15 U.S.C. 717-717w). Under the NGA, natural gas pipeline
companies must obtain Commission authorization to undertake the
construction or extension of any facilities, or to acquire or operate
any such facilities or extensions in accordance with Section 7(c) of
the NGA. A natural gas company must also obtain Commission approval
under Section 7(b) of the NGA prior to abandoning any jurisdictional
facility or service. Under the NGA and the NGPA, interstate and
intrastate pipelines must also obtain authorization for certain

transportation and storage services and arrangements, particularly a
Part 284, Subpart G--Blanket Certificate (18 CFR 284.8).
    The information collected is necessary to certificate interstate
pipelines engaged in the transportation and sale of natural gas, and
the construction, acquisition, and operation of facilities to be used
in those activities, to authorize the abandonment of facilities and
services, and to authorize certain NGPA transactions. If a certificate
is granted, the natural gas company can construct, acquire, or operate
facilities, plus engage in interstate transportation or sale of natural
gas. Conversely, approval of an abandonment application permits the
pipeline to cease service and/or discontinue the operation of such
facilities. Authorization under NGPA Section 311(a) allows the
interstate or intrastate pipeline applicants to render certain
transportation services.
    The data required to be submitted consists of identification of the
company and responsible officials, factors considered in the location
of the facilities and the detailed impact on the project area for
environmental considerations. Also to be submitted are the following:
     Flow diagrams showing proposed design capacity for
engineering design verification and safety determination;
     Commercial and economic data presenting the basis for the
proposed action; and
     Cost of the proposed facilities, plans for financing, and
estimated revenues and expenses related to the proposed facility for
accounting and financial evaluation.
    The Commission implements these filing requirements in the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) under 18 CFR 157.5-.11; 157.13-.20; 157.53;
157.201-.209; 157.211; 157.214-.218; 284.8; 284.11; 284.126; 284.221;
284.224.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Sections 284.223 and 284.227 have been removed from this
Notice since they have no reporting or records burden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Action: The Commission is requesting a three-year extension of the
FERC-537 reporting requirements.
    Burden Statement: The following table shows the current total
burden estimate. Because the nature of the various filings that are
covered by FERC-537 are so varied, a table has been included as an
Appendix to this Notice to give a more detailed description of the
various elements of this burden estimate:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Average No. of  Average  burden
            FERC data collection                   No. of       responses per      hours  per      Total annual
                                                respondents     respondent \2\    response \3\     burden hours
                                                         (1)              (2)              (3)   (1) x (2) x (3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC-537....................................             225             3.44              133          102,942
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The total estimated annual cost burden to respondents is $6,823,570
(102,942 hours/2,080 hours \4\ per year, times $137,874 \5\).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ From Appendix: No. of Filings/No. of Respondents, or 775/225
= 3.44.
    \3\ A weighted average based on the information provided in the
Appendix to this Notice.
    \4\ Estimated number of hours an employee works each year.
    \5\ Estimated average annual cost per employee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The reporting burden includes the total time, effort, or financial
resources expended to generate, maintain, retain, disclose, or provide
the information including: (1) Reviewing instructions; (2) developing,
acquiring, installing, and utilizing technology and systems for the
purposes of collecting, validating, verifying, processing, maintaining,
disclosing and providing information; (3) adjusting the existing ways
to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements;
(4) training personnel to respond to a collection of information; (5)
searching data sources; (6) completing and reviewing the collection of
information; and (7) transmitting or otherwise disclosing the
information.
    The estimate of cost for respondents is based upon salaries for
professional and clerical support, as well as direct and indirect
overhead costs. Direct costs include all costs directly attributable to
providing this information, such as administrative costs and the cost
for information technology. Indirect or overhead costs are costs
incurred by an organization in support of its mission. These costs
apply to activities which benefit the whole organization rather than
any one particular function or activity.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the Commission, including whether the information will have practical
utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality,
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are
to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms
of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of
responses.

Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.

Appendix

         Details for FERC-537, ``Gas Pipeline Certificates: Construction, Acquisition, and Abandonment''
                               [Based on Fiscal Year 2010 information and records]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Number of        Avg. hours to
    Regulation section 18 CFR       Regulation topic        Number of         filings or     prepare a filing or
                                                           respondents         responses         application
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
157.5-.11; & 157.13-.20.........  Interstate           75 companies.......              82  500
                                   certificate and     (25 different).....
                                   abandonment
                                   applications.
157.53..........................  Exemptions.                                           10  100

157.201-.209; 157.211; 157.214-   Blanket                                               45  200
 .218.                             Certificates prior
                                   notice filings.
157.201-.209; 157.211; 157.214-   Blanket              145 companies......             336  50
 .218.                             Certificates--annu  (145 different)....
                                   al reports.
284.11..........................  NGPA Sec. 311
                                   Construction--annu
                                   al reports.
284.8...........................  Capacity Release--   168................             168  75
                                   record keeping.
284.126 (a) & (c)...............  Intrastate bypass,   50 companies.......             100  30
                                   semi annual         (50 different).....
                                   transportation &
                                   storage--reports.
284.221.........................  Blanket              20.................              20  100
                                   Certificates--one
                                   time filing, inc.
                                   new tariff and
                                   rate design
                                   proposal.
284.224.........................  Hinshaw Blanket      2..................               2  75
                                   Certificates--.     (2 different)......
157.5-.11; & 157.13-.20;........  Non-facility         9..................              12  75
                                   certificate or      (3 different)......
                                   abandonment
                                   applications.
                                                      ======================
    Totals......................  ...................  225 different......             775  133 average,
                                                                                weighted.
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2010-26240 Filed 10-18-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P