commercial building design projects that achieve Designed to Earn the
ENERGY STAR. Eligible design projects are determined by using Target
Finder and require approval from EPA.  [Note that this ICR addresses
applying for the Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR in the section,
“Recognition,” under the heading, “Statement of Energy Design
Intent.”]

SPPs serving the industrial market must work with an ENERGY STAR
industrial Partner on at least one energy efficiency project in the last
two years and submit a Teaming Profile to EPA outlining the project
scope and resulting savings for that project.

SPPs interested in joining ENERGY STAR complete and submit a Partnership
Agreement to EPA using an online system.  The Partnership Agreement
requests SPP company information, contact information, and select pieces
of information to enable automated verification that partnership
requirements have been met. The Partnership Agreement also lays out
Partner commitments, disclaimers, procedures for dispute resolution, and
other issues.

On an annual basis, SPPs may be asked to update contact information
(i.e. contact name, phone, email) displayed on select Service and
Product Provider listings on the Web site and to maintain quality of
contact mailing lists.

Once the organization has been admitted into the SPP program, it is
expected to maintain a minimum level of activity to continue to be
recognized in online listings, as follows:

Existing commercial buildings SPP Partners must maintain at least 10
buildings benchmarked in the most recent 12 month period or serve as the
primary SPP in helping at least one customer commercial building to earn
the ENERGY STAR in the most recent 12 month period.  [Note that this ICR
addresses benchmarking activities in the section, “Benchmarking,”
under the heading, “Portfolio Manager.”  This ICR addresses earning
the ENERGY STAR in the section, “Recognition,” under the heading,
“ENERGY STAR Certification.”]

Commercial new construction SPP Partners will have their design project
profiled on the ENERGY STAR Web site for up to 24 months after the
Certificate of Occupancy is awarded. Design projects that are built and
later earn the ENERGY STAR certification will also be featured on the
registry of ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings.  [Note that this ICR
addresses benchmarking activities in the section, “Benchmarking,”
under the heading, “Portfolio Manager.”]

Industrial SPP Partners are encouraged to submit Teaming Profiles to EPA
outlining the project scope and resulting savings for new projects
completed for ENERGY STAR industrial Partners every two years.

In addition, the SPP Partner will work with ENERGY STAR to improve the
energy performance of customer commercial building portfolios, promote
energy efficiency in commercial design projects, and assist industrial
manufacturing customers in adopting a continuous improvement strategy
for corporate-wide energy management.  In delivering its services and/or
products, when appropriate, the SPP will use ENERGY STAR tools and
messages to help improve customer energy performance as specified:

Utilize the ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management to help
customers and measure their energy performance.

Use ENERGY STAR financial tools and messages to help building owners and
corporate decision makers quantify the financial value of improvements
across the organization.

Assist customers with existing commercial buildings to benchmark their
facilities using Portfolio Manager.  [Note that this ICR addresses
benchmarking activities in the section, “Benchmarking,” under the
heading, “Portfolio Manager.”]

Assist customers with commercial design projects to set energy
performance targets and evaluate design energy consumption using Target
Finder.  [Note that this ICR addresses entering data into Target Finder
in the section, “Recognition,” under the heading, “Statement of
Energy Design Intent.”]

Help customers to earn the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance
of existing buildings and manufacturing facilities, or Designed to Earn
the ENERGY STAR for energy efficient commercial design projects.  [Note
that this ICR addresses these activities in the section,
“Recognition,” under the headings, “ENERGY STAR Certification”
and “Statement of Energy Design Intent,” respectively.]

Encourage customers with building portfolios to gain recognition as
ENERGY STAR Leaders.  [Note that this ICR addresses these activities in
the section, “Recognition,” under the heading, “ENERGY STAR
Leaders.”]

Participate in ENERGY STAR communications and recognition activities
such as, but not limited to, promoting buildings that have earned the
ENERGY STAR, developing success stories, and communicating energy
efficiency to the broader market.

	(i)	Data items

A Partnership Agreement to be completed and submitted online that
includes the following information:

-	Applicant company name;

-	Information about the company, such as Web address and markets/sectors
that the organization serves;

-	Name, title, and contact information of the primary contact,
communications contact, and signatory of the Partnership Agreement; and

-	For Existing Commercial Buildings SPPs only, information about SPP
activities over the past 12 months (i.e., Portfolio Manager building ID
numbers to complete automated verification of activity); or

-	For architecture firms only, information about Commercial New
Construction SPP activities (i.e., Statement of Energy Design Intent of
project achieving Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR); or

-	For Industrial SPP only, information about SPP activities (i.e.,
Teaming Profile outlining the project scope and resulting savings for
that project).

Additional communications items that SPP Partner may elect to submit:

-	One-page success story for Web site posting to demonstrate successful
projects or relationships with commercial and institutional clients, or
exemplary use of ENERGY STAR tools.

-	Communications about SPP efforts for feature in quarterly newsletters
or other medium, at EPA discretion.

	(ii)	 Respondent activities

To join ENERGY STAR, organizations are asked to:

Complete and submit the Partnership Agreement online; and

Complete and submit requested materials for the appropriate partnership
category (e.g., Statement of Energy Design Intent, Teaming Profile),
online.

SPP Partners are asked to:

Update contact information as needed by notifying program account
manager of any changes and/or using the “My ENERGY STAR Account”
tool; and

Communicate efforts and successes to ENERGY STAR and the broader market
through success stories and other communications.

Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors

EEPS interested in joining ENERGY STAR are asked to complete and submit
a Partnership Agreement.  They commit to promote and use ENERGY STAR in
a manner consistent with the national ENERGY STAR efforts and
specifically agree to follow all applicable terms and conditions
governing the use of the ENERGY STAR logos, which are registered trade
and service marks.  They also commit to submit and periodically update a
brief plan outlining the key activities they intend to undertake to
cooperatively promote ENERGY STAR in the commercial and/or industrial
markets. Some Partners will be asked on an annual basis to update
organization and contact information displayed on the ENERGY STAR Web
site and the Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs (DEEP).

If promoting ENERGY STAR in the commercial market, the EEPS agree to
collaborate with ENERGY STAR to improve the energy performance of their
customers’ buildings and portfolios.  If promoting ENERGY STAR in the
industrial market, the EEPS agree to collaborate with ENERGY STAR to
assist industry in adopting a continuous improvement strategy for
corporate-wide energy management.

(i)	Data items

A Partnership Agreement that includes the following information:

-	Contact information of the EEPS;

-	Signature of responsible person; and

-	A commitment form that the EEPS agrees to fulfill (i.e., a checklist
of Program areas).

A brief plan outlining the key activities it intends to undertake to
cooperatively promote ENERGY STAR in the commercial and/or industrial
markets.

Updates to organization and contact information displayed on the ENERGY
STAR Web site and the Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs (DEEP).

Information to improve the energy performance of their customers’
buildings and portfolios in the commercial market, e.g.:

-	Integration of ENERGY STAR’s Building Manual and Guidelines for
Energy Management into existing program offerings and services to help
customers prioritize and execute upgrades that improve the energy
performance their facilities and deliver financial value across the
organization.

-	Building profiles and success stories.

Information to assist industry in adopting a continuous improvement
strategy for corporate-wide energy management in the industrial market,
e.g.:

-	Information shared with the industrial market on industrial sector
program design, implementation and evaluation; market research; and,
business/financial messaging for distribution among a network of
stakeholders working to increase the pace of investment and innovation
in industrial energy efficiency.

-	Joint outreach activities to promote the opportunities for superior
energy management in the industrial market.

(ii)	Respondent activities

To join ENERGY STAR, organizations are asked to complete and submit a
Partnership Agreement.

EEPS also agree to:

-	Submit a brief plan outlining the key activities they intend to
undertake to cooperatively promote ENERGY STAR in the commercial and/or
industrial markets;

-	Periodically update the brief plan;

-	Update organization and contact information displayed on the ENERGY
STAR Web site and the Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs (DEEP)
annually; and

-	Provide information to promote ENERGY STAR in the commercial and/or
industrial markets.

Small Business Network

A small business may join the Network of small businesses working with
ENERGY STAR.  To join, they would provide requested information at
EPA’s ENERGY STAR Web site.  They would pledge to buy ENERGY STAR
equipment and upgrade the energy efficiency of their facilities whenever
financially viable.  As part of the Network, they may use the ENERGY
STAR promotional mark in accordance with the ENERGY STAR identity
guidelines.

(i)	Data items

Information requested at EPA’s ENERGY STAR Web site:

-	Information on type of small business (e.g., auto dealership,
grocery);

-	Contact information;

-	Size of facility (in square feet) and number of employees/members;

-	Indication of whether the facility is owned or rented; and

-	Indication of how the small business heard about ENERGY STAR.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Small businesses provide the requested information.

BENCHMARKING

Assessing energy use is a critical component of the ENERGY STAR Program
and guidance provided by EPA to Partners.  EPA provides tools to track,
measure and compare energy use for a range of building types and
facilities.  Portfolio Manager is the primary tool for undertaking these
activities and is available on-line, although for specific industry
types, spreadsheet calculators may be provided.

Portfolio Manager

	Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows
users to track and assess energy and water consumption across their
entire portfolio of facilities in a secure online environment.  Users
enter energy consumption and cost data into their Portfolio Manager
account to benchmark facility energy performance, assess energy
management goals over time and identify strategic opportunities for
savings and recognition opportunities.  A “benchmark” is defined as
a measurement of a facility’s energy performance resulting from
entering facility information and at least 12 consecutive months of
facility energy data into EPA’s Portfolio Manager.  Portfolio Manager
offers multiple types of benchmarks: the 1-100 ENERGY STAR energy
performance score for select commercial facility types, site and source
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) for all commercial facility types, weather
normalized energy values, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption,
and annual energy and water costs.

The ENERGY STAR scale accounts for the impacts of year-to-year weather
variations, as well as facility size, location, and several operating
characteristics.  Portfolio Manager helps the user update and track data
over time to continuously monitor performance.  The user can use both
short and long term trends in energy performance to make budget and
management decisions regarding investments in energy-related projects.

In addition, EPA intends to collect information from Portfolio Manager
users on its usability as a Web-based tool and on the effectiveness of
Portfolio Manager guidance.  Based on this information, EPA will
identify and make needed improvements.

(i) 	Data items

Information entered into Portfolio Manager:

-	Contact information;

Facility data (e.g., name, address, year constructed);

-	Facility operating characteristics (e.g., gross facility area, number
of occupants, operating hours, number of PCs);

-	Energy use information (e.g., meter name, usage data);

-	Water use information (e.g., meter name, usage data); and

-	Solid waste management/disposal (e.g. meter/waste type name, disposal
quantity).

Information provided to EPA on the usability of Portfolio Manager and
effectiveness of guidance.

(ii)	 Respondent activities

Organizations using the benchmarking feature of the Portfolio Manager
system perform the following activities:

-	Review the instructions of Portfolio Manager and set up account;

-	Gather facility and energy data; and

-	Enter the data into Portfolio Manager.

[Note:  Users have several options for entering facility and energy data
into Portfolio Manager.  These options and associated burden are
described in Section 6 of this document.]

Organizations may be asked to respond to EPA questions on the usability
of Portfolio Manager.

Organizations may be asked to respond to EPA questions about guidance or
trainings on benchmarking.

ENERGY STAR Energy Performance Indicator and Related Systems

EPA gives industrial companies the opportunity to measure the energy
efficiency of their plants and earn recognition for superior energy
performance.  To measure efficiency and improve energy use in the
company, a company enters basic information about its plant (e.g.,
energy consumption data) into a spreadsheet tool called the Energy
Performance Indicator (EPI), which can be downloaded from EPA’s ENERGY
STAR Web site.  The EPI produces a plant percentile score between 1 and
100 and compares that score to the most energy-efficient plants in the
industry and to the previous performance for the plant.

In addition, EPA has established a tool, the ENERGY STAR Challenge for
Industry, which encourages companies to track their energy performance
using a tracking system, such as Portfolio Manager, a spread sheet-based
tracking tool that can be downloaded from the ENERGY STAR Web site
called the ENERGY STAR Energy Tracking Tool (ETT), or a company’s
in-house tracking system.

Companies can enter basic information into the system to track their
performance to advance energy management efforts. Only companies seeking
recognition submit outputs from using the EPI or other tracking system
to EPA.

	(i)	Data items

Information entered into the EPI or alternative tracking system:

-	Plant characteristics; and

Energy consumption.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Organizations enter information into the EPI or alternative system.

Data Collection for Model Development and Beta Testing

EPA expects to increase the number of facility types that can receive
the 1-100 ENERGY STAR score in Portfolio Manager or through the Energy
Performance Indicator (EPI) downloadable spreadsheet tools and therefore
are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR certification.  EPA may collect
information from participating organizations to build an historical
account of energy use for new or revised facility type analysis.  EPA
may ask for information about energy use, facility characteristics, and
other parameters that will help to add or revise facility types.  EPA
also may collect information to test the energy performance scale model
to ensure that it produces relevant results.

(i)	Data items

Information collected from participating organizations:

-	Contact information;

-	Facility data (e.g., name, address, year constructed);

-	Facility operating characteristics (e.g., gross facility area, number
of occupants, operating hours, number of PCs);

-	Energy use information (e.g., meter name, usage data); and

-	Water use information (e.g. meter name, usage data).

(ii)	Respondent activities

Organizations may be asked to:

- 	Review the instructions of Portfolio Manager or spreadsheet;

-	Gather facility and energy data; and/or

Enter the data into Portfolio Manager or spreadsheet.

RECOGNITION

ENERGY STAR Certification

Buildings

EPA offers the public an opportunity to display the ENERGY STAR on their
buildings if they meet certain energy performance criteria defined by
EPA.  The on-line application for the ENERGY STAR is submitted through
EPA’s benchmarking tool, Portfolio Manager.  Eligible buildings with
benchmark scores of 75 or higher may submit information to EPA to apply
for the ENERGY STAR.  The on-line application consists of a Data
Checklist, and Letter of Agreement (LOA).  To be approved to receive the
ENERGY STAR, buildings must meet specific eligibility requirements as
well as industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality.  A
Professional Engineer or Registered Architect must verify that these
requirements have been met and complete a Data Checklist
(stamped/embossed and signed).  [Note that this ICR addresses applicant
benchmarking activities in the section, “Benchmarking,” under the
heading, “Portfolio Manager.”]

EPA encourages Certified Buildings to submit building profiles for
publication on the ENERGY STAR Web site to educate the public and
promote their achievements. These profiles are not required for
certification, but are pursued voluntarily by about 10% of Certified
Buildings.

In addition, EPA intends to conduct periodic audits of ENERGY STAR
Certified Buildings for quality control purposes either remotely or
through a site visit.  EPA may confirm, for example, the accuracy of the
information provided in the application for the ENERGY STAR, and may
request facility documentation during the visit.

EPA also expects to periodically contact representatives of buildings
that have earned the ENERGY STAR to collect information about the
characteristics of buildings that lead to top energy performance.  This
includes information on the buildings’ construction, equipment used in
the buildings, building management, and involvement in ENERGY STAR.  EPA
will use this information to better understand the specific design,
construction, and operating characteristics of ENERGY STAR Certified
Buildings and how these characteristics contributed to the buildings’
top energy performance.  In addition, EPA intends to collect information
about the qualification process to measure how easy it is for
organizations to use.  EPA needs this information to identify and make
improvements to the process that buildings use to qualify for the ENERGY
STAR.

(i)	Data items

Application for ENERGY STAR Certification consisting of a Data Checklist
and Letter of Agreement.

Profile of Certified Building for publication on the ENERGY STAR Web
site.

Information requested by EPA during periodic audits.

Information provided to EPA for analysis of ENERGY STAR Certified
Buildings.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Organizations applying for the ENERGY STAR perform the following:

-	Engage a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect to conduct a
facility inspection, complete and notarize the Data Checklist;

Submit the on-line application consisting of Data Checklist and Letter
of Agreement (LOA) to EPA and respond to EPA questions if any; and

Prepare and submit Certified Building Profile (optional).

ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings visited or contacted by EPA as part of
an on-site verification or remote audit process may be asked to provide
information for verification purposes.

ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings may be asked to respond to EPA questions
for analysis of ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings.

Plants

Industrial companies have an opportunity to earn the ENERGY STAR
certification for specific types of plants that meet EPA’s energy
efficiency criteria.  If the plant’s EPI score is in the top quartile
of the industry’s energy performance scale, the company can choose to
apply for the ENERGY STAR certification by inputting the necessary data
in to the EPI and printing out a Statement of Energy Performance (SEP).
A Professional Engineer (PE) verifies, signs, and stamps the SEP.  The
certified SEP along with the corresponding EPI and a letter are then
sent to EPA.  If the submittal contains confidential business
information (CBI), the company sends the information to EPA’s
contractor to verify energy performance results.  If approved by EPA,
the plant receives the ENERGY STAR certification. [Note that this ICR
addresses participants’ entering data into the EPI in the section,
“Benchmarking,” under the heading, “ENERGY STAR Energy Performance
Indicator and Related Systems.”]

EPA also asks these companies to submit profile of their certified plant
that describes how the plant improved its energy performance and
obtained recognition.  This submission is optional.

(i)	Data items

EPI, Statement of Energy Performance, and letter for recognition.

Profiles of certified plants. This is optional.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Organizations using the EPI print out the EPI, Statement of Energy
Performance, prepare letter to EPA, and submit these materials to EPA.

These organizations may also prepare and submit a profile of certified
plants. This is optional.

ENERGY STAR Leaders

As part of the Partnership Letter, organizations commit to continuous
improvement.  To track Partners’ progress against their goal, EPA
provides organizations recognition incentives.  This follows the
Partnership Letter and includes that they track and benchmark all of the
eligible buildings in their portfolio, and notify EPA of this
accomplishment by submitting the following qualification documents:
Letter of Qualification, Facility Summary Report, Facility List, and
Leaders Story.  Organizations also respond to EPA questions to determine
if they are eligible to receive Leaders recognition.  This information
is entered on-line in Portfolio Manager.  EPA will review this
information and recognize these participants as ENERGY STAR Leaders if
they qualify.  [Note that this ICR addresses ENERGY STAR Leaders’
becoming a Partner in the section, “Joining the ENERGY STAR Program
and Related Activities,” under the heading, “Commercial and
Industrial Sector Partners.”  This ICR addresses their benchmarking
activities in the section, “Benchmarking,” under the heading,
“Portfolio Manager.”]

EPA does not mandate reporting but only awards Leaders recognition to
Partners who have achieved energy improvement in 10 percent increments
or a portfolio average score of 75 or greater and informs EPA by
submitting the qualification documents.

(i)	Data items

Information entered into Portfolio Manager to set up a Leaders account:

-	Contact information;

-	Gross floor area owned by the organization; and

-	From their portfolio, select all of the eligible buildings.

Information generated by Portfolio Manager:

-	Letter of Qualification;

-	Facility Summary Report; and

Facility List.

Leaders Story.

Responses to EPA questions.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Organizations perform the following activities:

Set up a Leaders account in Portfolio Manager; and

Apply for recognition by submitting the qualification documents and
responding to EPA questions.

	ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry

	EPA has established a tool, the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry,
which encourages companies to pledge to reduce the energy intensity of
their sites by 10 percent within 5 years and track their progress
towards this goal using a tracking system (e.g., company in-house
tracking systems, Portfolio Manager, ETT).  Sites that achieve a 10
percent reduction in energy intensity within five years of their
baseline have the opportunity to apply for recognition from EPA.  The
company must register the site’s baseline with EPA using an online
form. The site can then complete an online recognition application and
print out a Statement of Energy Improvement (SEI). A Professional
Engineer (PE) verifies, signs, and stamps the SEI, which is then sent to
EPA.  If approved by EPA, the site receives recognition (e.g., a
certificate, congratulatory letter to the CEO).   [Note that this ICR
addresses participants’ entering data into their tracking systems in
the section, “Benchmarking,” under the heading, “ENERGY STAR
Energy Performance Indicator and Related Systems.”]

	In addition, EPA may ask companies that achieve the ENERGY STAR
Challenge for Industry to submit a plant profile that describes how they
reduced their energy intensity and obtained recognition, which the EPA
posts on its Web site to educate the public. This submission is
optional.

(i)	Data items

Online registration form to register site baseline with EPA.

Online recognition application comprised of a nomination letter and
information about the site.

Certified Statement of Energy Improvement mailed to EPA.

Profile of plant that achieves the Challenge for Industry. This is
optional.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Organizations seeking to enter the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry
prepare and submit the registration form.

Organizations seeking recognition under the ENERGY STAR Challenge for
Industry prepare and submit the recognition application to EPA.

Organizations may also prepare and submit profiles of plants that
achieve the Challenge for Industry. This is optional.

Statement of Energy Design Intent

	Architecture firms can display the “Designed to Earn the ENERGY
STAR” graphic to distinguish their projects as among the nation’s
best in energy performance. To apply for the graphic, the Architect of
Record (AOR) must be an ENERGY STAR Partner. The Architect of Record
(AOR) AOR would enter basic information into an EPA software tool that
can be downloaded accessed from the ENERGY STAR Web site called Target
Finder to obtain an EPA energy performance score for the design project.
The user would then print the Statement of Energy Design Intent (SEDI)
from Target Finder. The statement must be sealed (stamped) and signed by
a licensed professional (registered architect or professional engineer)
designated by the AOR. The AOR also must complete submit an Application
Letters of Intent (LOI); include one for each the AOR and the Building
Owner. As part of the LOI from the AOR Letter, the AOR states that the
firm agrees to collaborate with EPA on a case study (if requested) about
the project’s design energy use strategies and goals, to be posted on
the ENERGY STAR Web site. The Owner LOI must be printed on owner’s
letterhead; include date and signature of C-level official (CEO, COO, or
CFO).  Note: The AOR is responsible for securing the LOI from building
owner and submitting original application documents to EPA.

	The AOR would submit the SEDI and Application Letters of Intent to EPA.
EPA would send (email) instructions for the AOR to download the graphic,
which can be displayed in the title block of project drawings and on
other project documents specific to the project. [Note that this ICR
addresses the AOR’s becoming an ENERGY STAR Partner in the section,
“Joining the ENERGY STAR Program and Related Activities.”]

(i)	Data items

Information entered into Target Finder:

Facility information;

Facility characteristics; and

Target score.

Statement of Energy Design Intent that includes the following
information:

General contact information;

Information on Licensed Architect/Engineer;

Information on AOR (if different than Licensed Architect/Engineer); and

List of other architect and engineering firms that are participating on
the project and are ENERGY STAR Partners, (optional information).

Letters of Intent for the AOR and Building Owner that includes the
following information:

Basic information on the building;

General information regarding AOR or owner energy goals; and

Signature and date of AOR or owner.

Building Design Profiles (case study).  This activity is optional.

Information from SEDI

Description of energy efficient design strategies

(ii)	Respondent activities

AOR would perform the following activities:

Review instructions and establish account;

Gather building and energy data;

Enter the data into Target Finder;

Complete AOR LOI, obtain Owner LOI, and submit the SEDI and Letters to
EPA; and

Collaborate with EPA on Design Profile (case study). This activity is
optional.

ENERGY STAR Awards

Organizations interested in receiving recognition for their efforts in
improving their energy performance may apply for an ENERGY STAR Award.
EPA currently issues awards to Commercial and Industrial Sector
Partners, Service and Product Providers, and Energy Efficiency Program
Sponsors.

(i)	Data items

Information provided by C&I Partners, e.g.:

-	General information (e.g., contact information, address,
signed/dated); and

-	Description of the following:

Management practices (e.g., best practices for managing energy);

Organization-wide improvements in energy performance; and

Efforts in promoting and communicating success.

Information provided by SPPs, e.g.:

-	General information (e.g., contact information, address, and
signed/dated certification); and

-	Description of the following:

Organization and Business Practices

Measurement and Efficiency (Existing Buildings)

Measurement and Efficiency (Design Projects)

Marketing and Recognition

Information provided by EEPS, e.g.:

-	General information (e.g., contact information, address, and
signed/dated certification); and

-	Description of the following:

Categor(ies) that the EEPS program is designed to address (e.g., energy
improvements in the C&I sector);

Program design (e.g., in terms of goals);

How ENERGY STAR has been incorporated into the Partner’s initiative;

Market effects resulting from Partner’s efforts; and

Data sources used to support market claims.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Organizations that apply for an award are asked to:

-	Review the instructions; and

Complete and submit the information online.

	National Building Competition

	Through the ENERGY STAR National Building Competition, commercial
building owners, managers and tenants have the opportunity to be
recognized for improving energy efficiency over the competition period.
To participate, owners, managers and tenants track and benchmark the
energy use of their buildings in Portfolio Manager for the 12 months
prior to the beginning of the competition. During the call for
applications, they access the application online and submit a Data
Release Report to EPA, which is automatically generated by the tool. If
accepted into the competition, the organization then commits to
benchmarking competing buildings for another 12 months, submitting a
midpoint Data Release Report after six months, and a final Data Release
Report at the end of the year. EPA will review this information, contact
participants to ask questions if needed, and recognize participants at
the end of the competition if they meet selected criteria.  [Note that
this ICR addresses applicant benchmarking activities in the section,
“Benchmarking,” under the heading, “Portfolio Manager.”]

	Teams from commercial buildings participating in the competition are
encouraged to submit documentation of their energy efficiency efforts
through social media outlets. Some competitors who have previously been
recognized by EPA may be asked to deliver short presentations during
monthly networking webinars.

	Participants that qualify for recognition submit a data verification
report to EPA to ensure accurate results.

	(i)	Data items

A Data Release Report that is pre-populated by Portfolio Manager with
specific data for competing buildings.

Responses to EPA questions, if any, that may be raised during the
competition.

Documentation of energy reduction efforts (e.g. pictures, videos), if
participants desire to share this information.

Webinar presentations, if the participants desire to participate.

For competition winners, a Data Verification Report that:

Includes 24 months of as-billed utility data;  and

Is verified and signed electronically by a Licensed Professional or
Registered Architect.

(ii)	Respondent activities

Participants perform the following activities:

-	Submit the Data Release Report at the beginning, midpoint, and end of
the competition;

-	Respond to EPA questions, if any;

-	Submit documentation of energy reduction efforts, if desired; and

-	Present at monthly webinars, if desired.

Competition winners submit a Data Verification Report (signed by a
Licensed Professional or Registered Architect).

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

5(a)	Agency Activities

This section describes EPA’s activities under ENERGY STAR.

JOINING THE ENERGY STAR PROGRAM AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

Partnership Letter or Agreement/Related Activities

EPA must perform the following activities in regard to Partnership
Letters, Partnership Agreements, and related materials:

Review the completed Partnership Letters, Partnership Agreements and
related materials;

Follow up with Partners, if needed;

-	Send emails, passwords, and welcome aboard kits; and

-	Update and maintain the ENERGY STAR Web site.

EPA must perform the following additional activities in regard to SPPs:

Request updated contact information annually;

Receive and enter updated data into database;

Receive and process efforts and successes; and

Receive and process other requested materials for appropriate
partnership category.

EPA must perform the following additional activities in regard to EEPS:

-	Receive, review and file updates of brief plans from EEPS; and

-	Receive annual updates from EEPS and update the Directory of Energy
Efficiency Programs.

Small Business Network

EPA must provide quarterly email updates and conduct related activities.

BENCHMARKING

Portfolio Manager

EPA must perform the following activities related to the benchmarking
process:

-	Upgrade Portfolio Manager to enhance functionality (easier data entry,
more sharing options, more reporting metrics, etc);

-	Maintain secure database infrastructure, including maintaining a
firewall and monitoring system activity;

-	Perform system maintenance activities, such as deploying software
patches, correcting defects, etc.; and

-	Collect data submitted through Excel spreadsheets and enter data into
Portfolio Manager.

EPA must perform the following activities in evaluating the usability of
Portfolio Manager and the effectiveness of guidance and trainings on
benchmarking in the tool:

-	Solicit feedback from respondents;

-	Review answers to questions; and

-	Design and develop Portfolio Manager software changes, as applicable,
to make the tool more effective.

ENERGY STAR Energy Performance Indicator and Related Systems

EPA must enhance the functionality of and maintain the EPI and other
tools and information on the Web site.

Data Collection for Model Development and Beta Testing

EPA must conduct the data collections.

RECOGNITION

ENERGY STAR Certification

Buildings

EPA must perform the following activities for buildings applying for the
ENERGY STAR:

-	Review applications and follow up with organization if questions; and

-	Send a letter of denial or acceptance.

EPA will receive, process and post profiles of Certified Buildings.

EPA will collect information from ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings in
performing periodic quality control audits.

EPA will perform the following activities in evaluating ENERGY STAR
Certified Buildings:

-	Solicit feedback from respondents;

-	Review answers to questions; and

-	Take follow-up action.

Plants

EPA must perform the following activities for companies seeking the
ENERGY STAR certification for their plants:

-	Review and evaluate the EPI, Statement of Energy Performance, and
letter;

Give permission to display the ENERGY STAR certification logo; and

Review and post profiles of certified plants on the Web site.

ENERGY STAR Leaders

EPA must perform the following activities for ENERGY STAR Leaders:

-	Review Leaders submittals;

-	Perform data review on buildings submitted in Portfolio Manager; and

-	Send a letter of denial or acceptance (if approved, also send
certificate).

	ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry

EPA must review applications from companies and provide recognition.

Review and post profiles of plants that achieve the Challenge for
Industry on the Web site.

Statement of Energy Design Intent

EPA must perform the following activities for the graphic:

-	Review the Statement of Energy Design Intent and Letters of Intent;

-	Collaborate with organizations to develop Design Profiles (case
studies) (optional); and

-	Update the ENERGY STAR Web site to reflect the information collected.

ENERGY STAR Awards

EPA must perform the following activities to administer the awards
process:

-	Develop the awards criteria;

-	Receive and review the information submitted and select winners; and

-	Take follow-up action (e.g., send letters of award or loss).

	National Building Competition

EPA must perform the following activities in regard to the National
Building Competition:

- 	Review submittals at beginning, midpoint and end of competition;

-	Ask questions of participants if needed;

-	Receive and process documentation of efforts; and

-	Receive and process Verification Reports.

5(b)	Collection Methodology and Management

In collecting and analyzing the information associated with this ICR,
EPA will use telephones, postal mail, personal computers/Internet, and
applicable database software.  EPA will ensure the accuracy and
completeness of collected information by reviewing each submittal.  EPA
will enter the information obtained into a database and will aggregate
data obtained to monitor the progress of participants in improving
energy performance.  EPA will ensure the proper use and processing of
the information collected to enhance the value of the information to EPA
and the public.

5(c)	Small Entity Flexibility

EPA expects that small businesses will participate in the ENERGY STAR
Program.  EPA has designed its information collections to minimize
respondent burden while obtaining sufficient and accurate information.
For example, EPA has tailored the Small Business Network so that it
requests only the minimum information needed to establish contact with
the small business.

5(d)	Collection Schedule

JOINING THE ENERGY STAR PROGRAM AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

Partnership Letter or Agreement/Related Activities

	EPA collects the Partnership Letter or Agreement on a one-time basis
from organizations seeking to be Partners.

Partners prepare the energy management plan on a one-time basis.  They
then follow the plan in improving their facilities’ energy
performance.  The plan is not collected by EPA.

EPA collects information from SPPs according to the following schedule.
EPA collects information from SPPs to include in online listings (e.g.
contact information) when the SPP joins the program.  EPA requests an
update of the information annually from SPPs.  To be eligible to join,
organizations must meet certain requirements before applying to become
an ENERGY STAR SPP Partner.  Applicants must demonstrate that they have
actively used the ENERGY STAR approach to help clients achieve their
energy management goals as specified.

SPPs serving the existing commercial buildings market must benchmark at
least 10 client commercial buildings in the last 12 months using
Portfolio Manager and/or earn the ENERGY STAR certification for at least
one client commercial building in the last 12 months using Portfolio
Manager and meeting other program requirements.

SPPs serving the commercial new construction market must submit
commercial building design projects that achieve ENERGY STAR. Eligible
design projects are determined by using Target Finder and require
approval from EPA.

SPPs serving the industrial market must work with an ENERGY STAR
industrial Partner on at least one energy efficiency project in the last
two years and submit a Teaming Profile to EPA outlining the project
scope and resulting savings for that project.

Once the organization has been admitted into the SPP program, it is
expected to maintain a minimum level of activity to be recognized in
online listings, as follows:

Existing commercial buildings SPP Partners must maintain at least 10
buildings benchmarked in the most recent 12-month period or serve as the
primary SPP in helping at least one customer commercial building to earn
the ENERGY STAR in the most recent 12-month period.

Commercial new construction SPP Partners will have their design project
profiled on the ENERGY STAR Web site for up to 24 months after the
Certificate of Occupancy is awarded. Design projects that are built and
later earn the ENERGY STAR certification will also be featured on the
registry of ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings.

Industrial SPP Partners are encouraged to submit Teaming Profiles to EPA
outlining the project scope and resulting savings for new projects
completed for ENERGY STAR industrial Partners every two years.

EPA collects information from EEPS according to the following schedule:

Submittal and periodic update of a brief plan outlining the key
activities the EEPS intend to undertake to cooperatively promote ENERGY
STAR in the commercial and/or industrial markets; and

Submittal of annual updates to the Directory of Energy Efficiency
Programs.

Small Business Network

There is no collection schedule for small businesses.

BENCHMARKING

Portfolio Manager

There is no schedule for benchmarking in Portfolio Manager.

There is no schedule for collecting feedback from organizations on the
usability of Portfolio Manager and effectiveness of guidance.

ENERGY STAR Energy Performance Indicator and Related Systems

There is no schedule for using the Energy Performance Indicator or
related systems.

Data Collection for Model Development and Beta Testing

There is no schedule for collecting information for model development
and beta testing.

RECOGNITION

ENERGY STAR Certification

Buildings

There is no schedule for applying for the ENERGY STAR certification.
While buildings may apply for certification on a rolling basis, any
individual building is only able to earn certification once every 12
months.

EPA intends to conduct periodic audits for quality control purposes.
Remote audits are anticipated to take place on a rolling basis, and
on-site verifications every three years.

There is no schedule for asking participants in the ENERGY STAR Program
about the characteristics of buildings that lead to top energy
performance.

Plants

There is no schedule for applying for the ENERGY STAR plant
certification.

ENERGY STAR Leaders

There is no collection schedule.  Rather, EPA requests that Partners who
reach targets inform EPA by submitting the qualification documents when
they have met energy improvements in 10 percent increments across their
portfolio or achieved a portfolio average score of 75 or greater.

	ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry

	Sites that achieve a 10 percent reduction in energy intensity within
five years of their baseline have the opportunity to apply for
recognition from EPA.

Statement of Energy Design Intent

There is no collection schedule for applying to achieve Designed to Earn
the ENERGY STAR recognition from EPA.

If applicants seeking recognition wish to be included in the ENERGY STAR
Gallery at an annual industry conference (hosted by the American
Institute of Architects) that is held sometime between late-April and
early-June of each year, then they must submit application materials
approximately six weeks prior to the event.

ENERGY STAR Awards

The ENERGY STAR Awards are held annually to recognize organizations that
have achieved energy performance improvements.  ENERGY STAR Partners who
wish to receive an annual award are requested to submit an application
by the specified due date.

National Building Competition

Portfolio Manager users may apply to enter buildings in the competition
once every 12 months. Participation in the year-long competition
involves the submittal of a Data Release Report at the beginning,
mid-point, and end of the competition. Winners also submit a Data
Verification Report at the end of the competition to receive
recognition.

6.	ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION

6(a)	Estimating Respondent Burden

Exhibits 1 through 3 estimate the annual respondent burden hours for
information collection activities associated with the ENERGY STAR
Program in the commercial and industrial sectors.  Table 1 presents the
total annual hours to respondents under all activities.

6(b)	Estimating Respondent Costs

Exhibits 1 through 3 present the annual respondent costs for information
collection activities associated with the ENERGY STAR Program in the
commercial and industrial sectors. Table 1 presents the total annual
respondent costs under all activities.  Specific cost assumptions are
discussed below.

(i)	Estimating Labor Costs

The labor rates used to estimate costs to respondents are consistent
with the hourly wage rates published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
publications on employment and earnings.  Rates are current as of 2012.
Rates reflect the cost of overhead and fringe benefits where
appropriate.  EPA estimates an average respondent hourly labor rate
(hourly plus overhead and fringe) of $148.97 for legal staff, $107.75
for managerial staff, $73.92 for technical staff, and $37.21 for
clerical staff.

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

Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs are those costs associated with a
paperwork requirement incurred continually over the life of the ICR.
They are defined by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 as “the
recurring dollar amount of costs associated with O&M or purchasing
services.”   Most of the collections in this ICR can be done online.
If a collection involves submittal by postal mail, this ICR includes O&M
costs for postage (i.e., $0.45).  The ICR also includes $1,605 for a
building to qualify for the ENERGY STAR.  This cost is for the building
to engage a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect to conduct a
facility inspection. In addition, the ICR includes O&M costs of $3,210
for a petroleum company to ask its consulting service to generate
energy-efficiency results of its plant, so that the company can apply
for the ENERGY STAR for the plant.  There are no capital costs
associated with any activities related to the ENERGY STAR Program in the
commercial and industrial sectors.

6(c)	Estimating Agency Burden and Costs

The hourly labor rates used in this ICR were obtained from the 2012 GS
pay schedule available from the Office of Personnel Management.  EPA
estimates an average hourly labor cost of $76.64 for legal staff, $71.67
for managerial staff, $52.55 for technical staff, and $21.10 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 labor 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.  To derive hourly estimates, EPA
divided annual compensation estimates by 2,080, which is the number of
hours in the Federal work-year.  EPA then multiplied hourly rates by the
standard government overhead factor of 1.6.  Agency burden and costs are
estimated in Exhibits 4 through 6 and Table 2.

6(d)	Estimating the Respondent Universe

In this section, EPA describes its estimates of the number of
respondents carrying out the information collections under the ENERGY
STAR Program in the commercial and industrial sectors.  In developing
its estimates, EPA referred to its databases (e.g., iStar) and other
documentation in order to understand historical trends in the number of
new and existing respondents.  Based on this understanding, EPA has
estimated the average number of respondents associated with each of the
information collections under the program.

JOINING THE ENERGY STAR PROGRAM AND RELATED ACTIVITIES (EXHIBIT 1)

Commercial and Industrial Sector Partners

EPA estimates that, on average, 500 organizations in the commercial and
industrial sectors will submit a Partnership Letter to EPA each year.
EPA may ask Partners follow-up questions.  In addition, EPA estimates
that five Partners will prepare and follow an energy management plan
each year.  These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1.

Service and Product Providers

EPA estimates that, on average, 150 SPPs will submit a Partnership
Agreement to EPA each year through an online system.  These SPPs will
also submit requested materials for their appropriate category (e.g.,
Teaming Profiles from Industrial SPPs).  In addition, EPA estimates
that, on average, 200 existing SPPs will update their contact
information and 125 existing SPPs will communicate their efforts and
successes to EPA annually.  These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit
1.

Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors

EPA estimates that, on average, 8 EEPS will submit a Partnership
Agreement and a brief plan to EPA each year.  EPA estimates that an
additional 12 EEPS will already have joined another ENERGY STAR Program
(e.g., ENERGY STAR Products) and need only submit a Commitment Form
online to join the C&I Program.  In addition, EPA estimates that, on
average, 66 existing EEPS will actively participate in the program and
provide information to EPA each year as requested (e.g., updates of the
brief plan).  These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1.

Small Business Network

EPA estimates that 1,650 small businesses will provide the requested
information to EPA each year to join the Network.  This is reflected in
Exhibit 1.

BENCHMARKING (EXHIBIT 2)

Portfolio Manager

	EPA provides optional methods for organizations to enter information
into Portfolio Manager and benchmark their buildings.  These are
reflected in the table below.  The table shows the total annual number
of new accounts that are established in the tool for each method, along
with the annual number of buildings benchmarked.  EPA developed these
data by compiling actual data over the past three years and
extrapolating over the next three years.  Each method is discussed in
greater detail below.

Benchmarking Method	Annual No. of New Accounts	Annual No. of Buildings
Benchmarked – Total

1. Manual Data Entry	9,400	40,000

2. Data Entry with Excel Spreadsheet	200	55,000

3. Data Entry using Electronic Web Services

    Provider Accounts	15	Not applicable

    Customer Accounts	1,800	89,000

Manual Data Entry. EPA estimates that, each year, 9,400 users will read
the instructions and set up an account in Portfolio Manager to benchmark
their buildings manually.  In addition, EPA estimates that 40,000
buildings will be manually benchmarked annually, on average.  Of these,
EPA estimates that users will benchmark 75 percent (30,000) by gathering
facility and energy data for their buildings not using standard industry
practices.  EPA estimates that users will benchmark 25 percent (10,000)
by gathering facility and energy data for their buildings using standard
industry practices (i.e., usual and customary business practices that
would be conducted even in the absence of ENERGY STAR).  These practices
could include, for example, compiling and keeping readily available,
centralized paper and/or electronic records (e.g., invoices, facility
data) for their portfolio of buildings.  Users who employ such standard
industry practices would generally incur a lower incremental burden than
others to gather data for Portfolio Manager.  Finally, all users will
enter the data into Portfolio Manager to benchmark their buildings.

Exhibit 2 includes weighted-average burden estimates for gathering and
entering data into Portfolio Manager to account for standard business
practices as well as new and repeat benchmarks.  See the table below for
the inputs used in these weighted-average calculations.

Manual Benchmarks

Activity	No. of Buildings 	Burden per New Benchmark	Burden per Repeat
Benchmark

Gathering data for benchmarks not using standard business practices
30,000	4 hrs	0.5 hr

Gathering data for benchmarks using standard business practices	10,000
2 hrs	0.25 hr

Entering data into Portfolio Manager	40,000 	0.75 hr	0.25 hr

Data Entry with Excel Spreadsheet. EPA estimates that, each year, 200
organizations will set up an account to provide their data via Excel
spreadsheet to EPA.  EPA will enter the data into Portfolio Manager.  In
addition, EPA estimates that 55,000 buildings will be benchmarked
annually using this method.  Exhibit 2 includes weighted-average burden
estimates for gathering and entering data into Portfolio Manager to
account for new and repeat benchmarks.  See the table below for the
inputs used in these weighted-average calculations.

Data Entry with Excel Spreadsheet

Activity	No. of Buildings 	Burden per New Benchmark	Burden per Repeat
Benchmark

Gathering data for benchmarks 	55,000	2 hrs	0.25 hr

Entering data into Portfolio Manager	55,000	0.25 hr	0.10 hr

Data Entry using Electronic Web Services.  EPA expects that 15 providers
will use this benchmarking method each year.  They will review the
instructions and set up an account and automated process.  EPA estimates
that accounts also will be established for 1,800 customers.  In
addition, EPA estimates that information will be gathered and entered
into Portfolio Manager for 89,000 buildings annually. Exhibit 2 includes
weighted-average burden estimates for gathering and entering data into
Portfolio Manager to account for new and repeat benchmarks.  See the
table below for the inputs used in these weighted-average calculations.

Data Entry using Electronic Web Services

Activity	No. of Buildings 	Burden per New Benchmark	Burden per Repeat
Benchmark

Gathering data for benchmarks 	89,000	1 hr	0 hr

Entering data into Portfolio Manager	89,000	0.1 hr	0.1 hr

ENERGY STAR Energy Performance Indicator and Related Systems

EPA gives industrial companies the opportunity to measure the energy
efficiency of their plants and earn recognition for superior energy
performance.  To measure efficiency and improve energy use in the
company, a company enters basic information into a spreadsheet tool on
the ENERGY STAR Web site called the Energy Performance Indicator (EPI).
The EPI produces a plant percentile score between 1 and 100 and compares
that score to the most energy-efficient plants in the industry and to
the previous performance for the plant.  EPA estimates that it takes a
company 15 minutes per plant to enter information into the EPI.

Companies use the EPI to produce plant scores, except for petroleum
companies.  Petroleum companies use a third-party consulting service to
measure the energy efficiency of their plants.  To request a plant score
from the consulting service, a petroleum company is estimated to spend
10 minutes and $3,200 as a flat fee per plant.

As shown in the table below, EPA estimates that industrial companies
will enter information/generate scores for 177 plants annually, on
average, during the three-year life of this ICR (i.e., (147 + 167 + 188)
/ 3 years).  This includes 167 non-petroleum plants and 10 petroleum
plants on average each year.

Annual Number of Plants During Three-Year Life of ICR

Type of Plant

	Annual Number of Plants

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	3-Year Average

Non-Petroleum	147	167	188	167

Petroleum	9	10	11	10

Total	156	177	199	177

EPA has established a tool, the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry,
which encourages companies to track their energy performance using a
tracking system, such as Portfolio Manager, a spreadsheet-based tracking
tool that can be downloaded from the ENERGY STAR Web site called the
ENERGY STAR Energy Tracking Tool (ETT), or a company’s in-house
tracking system.  EPA estimates that 47 companies (annually) currently
use their existing in-house system to track their energy performance as
a standard industry practice (i.e., usual and customary business
practices that would be conducted even in the absence of ENERGY STAR).
EPA does not expect these companies to incur any incremental burden in
tracking their energy performance under the ENERGY STAR Challenge for
Industry.  EPA estimates that another 3 companies will spend 2.5 hours
to use alternative ENERGY STAR tracking system (e.g., ETT).  Unlike
companies that use their existing in-house systems as a standard
industry practice, companies using alternative ENERGY STAR systems will
incur incremental time to set up and use the system.

These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 2.

Data Collection for Model Development and Beta Testing

EPA expects to expand Portfolio Manager or the Energy Performance
Indicator (EPI) downloadable spreadsheet tools by adding new facility
types.  In doing so, the Agency may need to gather information for model
development and/or beta testing to make sure the tool produces relevant
results.  EPA expects to collect information from up to 1,000
organizations annually.  These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 2.

RECOGNITION (EXHIBIT 3)

ENERGY STAR Certification

Buildings

EPA estimates that organizations will submit 8,000 applications for the
ENERGY STAR each year.  These organizations must benchmark the building,
engage a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect to conduct a
facility inspection, and complete the application.  They must submit an
on-line application consisting of a Letter of Agreement (LOA) and Data
Checklist to EPA.  EPA estimates that 80% (6,400) will contract a
Professional Engineer or Registered Architect and 20% (1,600) will use
an in-house Professional Engineer or Registered Architect.  [Note that
this ICR burdens participants for benchmarking in the section,
“Benchmarking,” under the heading, “Portfolio Manager.” See
Exhibit 2.]

EPA estimates that 800 profiles of Certified Buildings will be submitted
annually.

In addition, EPA may request information from 150 ENERGY STAR Certified
Buildings annually as part of on-site or remote audits.

EPA also expects to contact representatives of buildings that have
earned the ENERGY STAR to collect information about the characteristics
of buildings that lead to top energy performance.  EPA also intends to
collect information about the qualification process to measure how easy
it is for organizations to use.  EPA intends to contact no more than 66
representatives annually.

These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 3.

Plants

Industrial companies have an opportunity to apply to EPA to display the
ENERGY STAR certification for specific types of plants that meet EPA’s
energy efficiency criteria.  If the plant’s EPI score is in the top
quartile of the industry’s performance scale, the company can choose
to apply for the ENERGY STAR certification by inputting the necessary
data in to the EPI and printing out the corresponding  Statement of
Energy Performance (SEP).  A Professional Engineer (PE) verifies, signs,
and stamps the SEP.  The EPI, certified SEP, and a letter are sent to
EPA.  If the submittal contains confidential business information (CBI),
the company sends the information to EPA’s contractor to verify energy
performance results.  If approved by EPA, the plant receives the ENERGY
STAR certification.

The application process described above is used by all industrial
companies eligible to apply, except petroleum companies.  After the
petroleum company receives its energy efficiency score from its
consulting service, a PE provides a certification/stamp confirming the
accuracy of the numbers provided to the consulting service.  The company
then sends the certified document and a letter from the consulting
service to EPA.  If approved by EPA, the plant receives the ENERGY STAR
certification.  (Petroleum companies do not need to send their results
to EPA’s contractor for CBI review.)

EPA estimates that industrial companies will seek recognition for 177
plants annually, on average, during the three-year life of this ICR.
This includes 167 non-petroleum plants and 10 petroleum plants each
year.

In addition, EPA estimates that 30 profiles of certified plants will be
submitted annually. Submission of plant profiles is optional.

These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 3.  [Note that this ICR
burdens participants for tracking their energy performance in the
section, “Benchmarking,” under the heading, “ENERGY STAR Energy
Performance Indicator and Related Systems.”  See Exhibit 2.]

ENERGY STAR Leaders

As part of the Partnership Letter, organizations commit to continuous
improvement.  To track Partners’ progress against their goal, EPA
provides organizations recognition incentives.  This follows the
Partnership Letter and includes that they track and benchmark all of the
eligible buildings in their portfolio and apply for recognition by
submitting the following qualification documents: a Letter of
Qualification, Facility Summary Report, Facility List, and Leaders
Story.  They also will respond to some EPA questions.  EPA will review
this information and recognize these participants as ENERGY STAR Leaders
if they qualify.

As reflected in Exhibit 3, EPA estimates that, each year, 120 Partners
will set up an ENERGY STAR Leaders account in Portfolio Manager and
apply for recognition.  [Note that this ICR burdens these organizations
for preparing/submitting their Partnership Letter in the section,
“Joining the ENERGY STAR Program and Related Activities,” under the
heading, “Commercial and Industrial Sector Partners.” See Exhibit 1.
 This ICR burdens these organizations for performing benchmarks in the
section, “Benchmarking,” under the heading, “Portfolio Manager.”
 See Exhibit 2.]

	ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry

	EPA has established a tool, the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry,
which encourages companies to pledge to reduce the energy intensity of
their sites by 10 percent within 5 years and track their progress
towards this goal using a tracking system (e.g., company in-house
tracking systems, Portfolio Manager, ETT). Sites that achieve a 10
percent reduction in energy intensity within 5 years of their baseline
have the opportunity to apply for recognition from EPA.   The company
must register the site’s baseline with EPA using an online form. The
site can then complete an online recognition application and may apply
to EPA for recognition by printing out a Statement of Energy Improvement
(SEI). A Professional Engineer (PE) verifies, signs, and stamps the SEI,
which is then sent to EPA.  If approved by EPA, the site receives
recognition (e.g., a certificate, congratulatory letter to the CEO).

	EPA estimates that 45 sites will register with EPA annually, and 50
sites will seek recognition annually by preparing/submitting the
application materials.  [Note that this ICR burdens participants for
tracking their energy performance in the section, “Benchmarking,”
under the heading, “ENERGY STAR Energy Performance Indicator and
Related Systems.”  See Exhibit 2.]  Further, EPA estimates 10
companies will submit a plant profile annually for sites that achieve
the Challenge for Industry.

	These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 3.

Statement of Energy Design Intent

	EPA estimates that, each year, 53 organizations will apply for the
graphic, “Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR,” by establishing an
account, gathering building and energy data, entering the data into
Target Finder, and submitting the Statement of Energy Design Intent
(SEDI) and Letters of Intent to EPA.  EPA also estimates that 25
organizations will collaborate with EPA in developing the optional
Design Profiles (case studies).  This is reflected in Exhibit 3.

ENERGY STAR Awards

EPA estimates that 100 C&I Partners, 15 SPPs, and eight EEPS will apply
for an ENERGY STAR Award each year.  These assumptions are reflected in
Exhibit 3.

National Building Competition

	EPA estimates that, on average, 250 commercial building owners and
managers will submit a Data Release Report to EPA three times annually
to participate in the competition (i.e., 250 x 3 = 750 submittals/yr).
EPA expects to contact 30% of these respondents for clarification of
their first report submission, and another 10% of respondents for
clarification of their mid-point and final submissions, respectively
(i.e., 250 x 50% = 125 emails/yr).

	In addition, EPA estimates that 12% of respondents will spend an
average of five hours documenting their energy reduction efforts over
the course of the competition (i.e., 250 x 12% = 30 respondents). EPA
estimates that 15 ENERGY STAR Partners will each be asked to present
their energy management experiences during webinars held monthly
throughout the competition.

	EPA estimates that 37 winners will be identified each year of the
competition and asked to submit a Data Verification Report. Of these,
EPA estimates that 75% (28 winners) will contract with an external
Licensed Professional (LP) to complete the report and 25% (9 winners)
will use an in-house LP to complete it.

	These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 3.

6(e)	Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost Tables

(i)	Respondent Tally

As shown in Table 1, EPA estimates the total annual hour and cost burden
to respondents to be 194,509 hours and $24,408,276.  The bottom-line
burden to respondents over three years is estimated to be 583,527 hours
and $73,224,828.

(ii)	Agency Tally

As shown in Table 2, EPA estimates the total annual hour and cost burden
to the Agency to be 16,030 hours and $843,954.  The bottom-line burden
to the Agency over three years is estimated to be 48,090 hours and
$2,531,862.

6(f)	Reasons for Change in Burden

EPA estimates a total annual respondent burden in this ICR, 1772.06, of
194,509 hours.  This is an increase of 69,486 hours from the previously
approved burden of 125,023 hours in ICR 1772.05.

Table 3 explains this increase.  Specifically, the table presents the
total annual hours estimated in ICR 1772.05 and ICR 1772.06 for each
information collection (see columns 1-3).  The table then compares their
respective hours for each collection to derive the change in hours, and
indicates whether this hour-change resulted from a program change and/or
adjustment (see column 4).  The table also briefly describes the program
change and/or adjustment (see column 5).  Finally, the table sums up all
hour-changes to derive the total annual change in hours for all
collections (see the bottom row of the table).

The table shows that there was an 18-hour decrease due to program
changes and a 69,504-hour increase due to adjustments resulting from
program growth.  This resulted in a total increase of 69,486 hours in
ICR 1772.06.

The table shows that the vast majority of the increase in ICR 1772.06
resulted from EPA’s adjustments to its analysis of Portfolio Manager
and ENERGY STAR Certification.  EPA expects a significant increase in
the number of participants using Portfolio Manager and ENERGY STAR
Certification over the next three years, which has led to the increase
in burden hours.  This reflects the dramatic increase in the public’s
use of these tools and resources over the past three years.

The Agency expects continued strong growth in the future for a number of
reasons.  A primary reason is that State and local governments are
increasingly leveraging ENERGY STAR as a way for the public to respond
to rising energy costs and global warming.  Refer to Section 2(a) of
this document for additional information about these initiatives.  In
addition, associations, utilities, and third-party providers are
voluntarily communicating ENERGY STAR messages and promoting the use of
ENERGY STAR tools and strategies in an effort to help companies reduce
their energy consumption and find more environmentally friendly ways to
conduct business.  Further, the public has demonstrated an increasing
desire to earn recognition under the ENERGY STAR Program.  For example,
from the previously approved ICR to this one, the estimated number of
buildings earning the ENERGY STAR almost doubled, from 4,300 to 8,000.
Finally, EPA is continually improving its tools and resources to offer
simpler ways to reduce the level of effort required for the public to
measure and improve their energy performance.  For example, EPA offers a
range of options for users to benchmark their buildings in Portfolio
Manager.  This includes automated methods that enable users to take
advantage of economies of scale to benchmark large portfolios of
buildings more easily.

EPA believes that the burden estimated in this ICR is justified given
the significant benefits to participants, the general public, and
environment under the ENERGY STAR Program.  For example, EPA estimates
that, in 2010, the energy efficiency efforts of commercial buildings
helped to avoid 81.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
(MMTCO2e) of greenhouse gases and a net $7.1 billion.  The efforts of
industry helped to prevent another 30.8 MMTCO2 e of greenhouse gases and
achieve a net savings of $2.0 billion.  Buildings and plants that
qualify for the ENERGY STAR, by achieving a score of 75 or higher on
EPA’s energy performance rating system and meeting relevant
requirements for indoor air quality, also illustrate these savings.
Typically, ENERGY STAR buildings use 35 percent less energy and emit 35
percent less greenhouse gases than average buildings.  By the end of
2011, more than 16,500 commercial buildings and plants earned the ENERGY
STAR.

6(g)	Burden Statement

JOINING THE ENERGY STAR PROGRAM AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

The burden for joining the ENERGY STAR Program and related activities is
expected to vary depending on the type of Partner.  The burden is
estimated to be 30 minutes for a C&I Sector Partner to prepare/submit a
Partnership Letter, 1 hour for a SPP Partner to prepare/submit a
Partnership Agreement and related documents, and 2.5 hours for an EEPS
Partner to prepare/submit a Partnership Agreement and a brief plan
outlining the key activities it intends to undertake to promote ENERGY
STAR. These organizations also may undertake other activities related to
their partnership during the year.  The burden is estimated to be about
1 hour for a SPP Partner to update its contact information and
communicate efforts and successes each year and about 3 hours for an
EEPS Partner to update its brief plan and contact information and
promote ENERGY STAR each year.

BENCHMARKING

The burden for benchmarking in Portfolio Manager is estimated to vary
depending on the type of benchmarking method used.  The burden is
estimated to be about 2 hours per building for manual benchmarks, 1 hour
per building for benchmarks using the import tool, and 30 minutes per
building for benchmarks using the Automated Benchmarking System.  In
addition, the burden for using the ENERGY STAR Energy Performance
Indicator is estimated to range from 10 to 15 minutes per plant.  The
burden for tracking a plant’s energy performance under the ENERGY STAR
Challenge for Industry (e.g., using the ENERGY STAR Energy Tracking
Tool) is estimated to be 2.5 hours per plant.  These burden estimates
include the time for conducting initial set-up, gathering facility and
energy data, and entering the data to track energy performance during
the year.

RECOGNITION

The burden for applying to EPA for recognition is estimated to vary
depending on the type of recognition.  The burden is estimated to range
up to 12 hours to apply for the ENERGY STAR.  This includes the time for
gathering information and completing/submitting the application
materials.  The burden is estimated to be about 3 hours to apply for the
“Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR.”  This includes the time for
gathering and entering data into Target Finder and completing/submitting
the application materials.  The burden is estimated to range up to 14
hours for an organization to apply for an ENERGY STAR Award.  This
includes the time for preparing and submitting the application
materials. The burden is estimated to be about 8 hours to apply for the
National Building Competition. This includes the time for
completing/submitting three data release reports, final verification
report, and documentation of efforts, if desired.

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-2006-0407, which is available for online viewing at
www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and Radiation
Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Building, Room B3334,
1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.  The EPA Docket Center
Public Reading Room is open from 8:00 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, D.C. 20503, Attention:  Desk Officer for EPA.  Please
include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0407 in any
correspondence.

 For additional information on the ENERGY STAR Program, refer to the
document, “ENERGY STAR and Other Climate Protection Partnerships 2007
Annual Report.” It can be found at:  HYPERLINK
"http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index"
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index .

 The application will consist of three components until a Portfolio
Manager upgrade in June 2013: a Statement of Energy Performance (SEP),
stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect; a
Data Checklist; and Letter of Agreement (LOA). After June 2013, the
application will include the same information and data items, but the
format will be consolidated and streamlined to consist of the Data
Checklist and Letter of Agreement (LOA) only.

 For additional information on the ENERGY STAR Program, refer to the
document, “ENERGY STAR and Other Climate Protection Partnerships 2007
Annual Report.” It can be found at:  HYPERLINK
"http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index"
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index .

 PAGE

 PAGE   i

 PAGE  11


[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 108 (Monday, June 6, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36214-36216]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13144]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6006; Airspace Docket No. 15-AGL-3]

Proposed Modification of Class D Airspace; Peru, IN

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify Class D airspace at Grissom Air
Reserve Base (ARB), IN, to allow for a lower Circling Minimum Descent
Altitude, where Instrument Flight Rules Category E circling procedures
are being used. This action would increase the area of the existing
controlled airspace for Grissom ARB, IN. Additionally, this action
would add Peru, Grissom ARB, IN to the subtitle of the airspace
designation.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 21, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590;
telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2016-
6006; Docket No. 15-AGL-3, at the beginning of your comments. You may
also submit

comments through the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. You may
review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5527), is on the
ground floor of the building at the above address.
    FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
The order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of
FAA Order 7400.9Z at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebecca Shelby, Central Service
Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described
in Subtitle VII, Part, A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section,
the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of
airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient
use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority
as it would modify Class D airspace at Grissom ARB, Peru, IN.

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as
they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in
triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with
those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the
following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. FAA-2016-6006/
Airspace Docket No. 15-AGL-3.'' The postcard will be date/time stamped
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal
business hours at the Central Service Center, Operation Support Group,
10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future
NPRMs should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking<PHONE_NUMBER>, to
request a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application
procedure.

Availability and Summary of Documents Proposed for Incorporation by
Reference

    This document would amend FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations
and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, and effective September 15,
2015. FAA Order 7400.9Z is publicly available as listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.9Z lists Class A, B,
C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting
points.

The Proposal

    This action proposes to amend Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR), Part 71 by modifying Class D airspace at Grissom ARB, IN, to
within a 5.8-mile radius of the airport. This increase would allow for
a lower Circling Minimum Descent Altitude, where Instrument Flight
Rules Category E circling procedures are being used. Also, this action
would add Peru, Grissom Air Reserve Base, IN, to the subtitle of the
airspace designation. Controlled airspace is needed for the safety and
management of IFR operations at the airport.
    Class D airspace areas are published in Section 5000 of FAA Order
7400.9Z, dated August 6, 2015, and effective September 15, 2015, which
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D airspace
designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in
the Order.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves
an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current, is
non-controversial and unlikely to result in adverse or negative
comments. It, therefore: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26,
1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation
as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter
that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this rule, when promulgated, would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as
follows:

     Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O.
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9Z,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, and
effective September 15, 2015, is amended as follows:

Section 5000 Class D Airspace.

* * * * *

AGL IN D Grissom ARB, IN [Amended]

Peru, Grissom Air Reserve Base, IN
    (Lat. 40[deg]38'53'' N., long. 086[deg]09'08'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including
3,300 feet MSL within a 5.8 mile radius of Grissom ARB. This Class D
airspace is effective during the specific dates and times
established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and
time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/
Facility Directory.

    Issued in Fort Worth, TX, on May 25, 2016.
Walter L. Tweedy,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2016-13144 Filed 6-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 135 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38073-38074]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15179]

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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. CP21-469-000]

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.; Summit Utilities Arkansas,
Inc.; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline

    Take notice that on June 28, 2021, CenterPoint Energy Resources
Corporation (CERC), 1005 Congress Avenue, Suite 650, Austin, Texas
78701, and Summit Utilities Arkansas, Inc. (Summit Arkansas), 10825 E.
Geddes Ave., Suite 410, Centennial, Colorado 80112, filed in Docket No.
CP21-469-000 an abbreviated application under section 7(f) of the
Natural Gas Act (NGA), and Part 157 of the Commission's regulations,
requesting that the Commission: (i) Amend the service area
determination granted in docket number CP19-111-000 \1\ on July 10,
2019 to remove certain service areas, as CERC will no longer have
cross-border service areas in these locations; and (ii) transfer one
service area currently authorized in the order referenced above to
Summit Arkansas so that Summit Arkansas will succeed to a service area
within which Summit Arkansas may, without further Commission
authorization own and operate certain facilities that provide natural
gas distribution service across state lines. Summit Arkansas requests
the service area determination with respect to a limited geographic
area at the border between Arkansas and Texas in which Summit Arkansas
will provide natural gas distribution service across state lines.
Summit Arkansas also requests a finding that Summit Arkansas qualifies
for treatment as a local distribution company for purposes of
transportation under section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978
(NGPA), and a waiver of the Commission's accounting, reporting, and
other regulatory requirements ordinarily applicable to natural gas
companies under the NGA and the NGPA, all as more fully set forth in
the application which is on file with the Commission and open to public
inspection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ CenterPoint Energy Res. Corp., 168 FERC ] 62,011 (2019).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the
Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an
opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the
internet through the Commission's Home Page (http://ferc.gov) using the
``eLibrary'' link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three
digits in the docket number field to access the document. At this time,
the Commission has suspended access to the Commission's Public
Reference Room, due to the proclamation declaring a National Emergency
concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), issued by the
President on March 13, 2020. For assistance, contact the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call toll-free,
(886) 208-3676 or TYY,<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    Any questions regarding this filing may be directed to Hallie Flint
Gilman, Chief Legal Officer Summit Utilities, 10825 E Geddes Ave.,
Suite 410, Centennial, CO 80112, by phone at<PHONE_NUMBER> ext. 1428,
or by email at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    Pursuant to Section 157.9 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and
Procedure,\2\ within 90 days of this Notice the Commission staff will
either: Complete its environmental review and place it into the
Commission's public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or issue a
Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule
for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other
milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff's issuance of
the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) or environmental
assessment (EA) for this proposal. The filing of an EA in the
Commission's public record for this proceeding or the issuance of a
Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify
federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all
necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal
authorizations within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission
staff's FEIS or EA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ 18 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 157.9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Participation

    There are two ways to become involved in the Commission's review of
this project: You can file comments on the project, and you can file a
motion to intervene in the proceeding. There is no fee or cost for
filing comments or intervening. The deadline for filing a motion to
intervene is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 2, 2021.

Comments

    Any person wishing to comment on the project may do so. Comments
may include statements of support or objections to the project as a
whole or specific aspects of the project. The more specific your
comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your comments
are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments on or
before August 2, 2021.
    There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the
Commission. In all instances, please reference the Project docket
number CP21-469-000 in your submission.
    (1) You may file your comments electronically by using the eComment
feature, which is located on the Commission's website at www.ferc.gov
under the link to Documents and Filings. Using eComment is an easy
method for interested persons to submit brief, text-only comments on a
project;
    (2) You may file your comments electronically by using the eFiling
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov)
under the link to Documents and Filings. With eFiling, you can provide
comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your
submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking
on ``eRegister.'' You will be asked to select the type of filing you
are making; first select ``General'' and then select ``Comment on a
Filing''; or
    (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to
the following address below.\3\ Your written comments must reference
the Project docket number (CP21-469-000).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Hand delivered submissions in docketed proceedings should be
delivered to Health and Human Services, 12225 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, Maryland 20852.

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426

    The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments (options 1
and 2 above) and has eFiling staff available to assist you at (202)
502-8258 or [email protected] Persons who comment on the
environmental review of this project will be placed on the Commission's
environmental mailing list, and will receive notification when the
environmental documents (EA or EIS) are issued for this project and
will be notified of meetings associated with the

Commission's environmental review process.
    The Commission considers all comments received about the project in
determining the appropriate action to be taken. However, the filing of
a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the
proceeding. To become a party, you must intervene in the proceeding.
For instructions on how to intervene, see below.

Interventions

    Any person, which includes individuals, organizations, businesses,
municipalities, and other entities,\4\ has the option to file a motion
to intervene in this proceeding. Only intervenors have the right to
request rehearing of Commission orders issued in this proceeding and to
subsequently challenge the Commission's orders in the U.S. Circuit
Courts of Appeal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ 18 CFR 385.102(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To intervene, you must submit a motion to intervene to the
Commission in accordance with Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of
Practice and Procedure \5\ and the regulations under the NGA \6\ by the
intervention deadline for the project, which is August 2, 2021. As
described further in Rule 214, your motion to intervene must state, to
the extent known, your position regarding the proceeding, as well as
the your interest in the proceeding. [For an individual, this could
include your status as a landowner, ratepayer, resident of an impacted
community, or recreationist. You do not need to have property directly
impacted by the project in order to intervene.] For more information
about motions to intervene, refer to the FERC website at https://www.ferc.gov/resources/guides/how-to/intervene.asp.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 18 CFR 385.214.
    \6\ 18 CFR 157.10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There are two ways to submit your motion to intervene. In both
instances, please reference the Project docket number CP21-469-000 in
your submission.
    (1) You may file your motion to intervene by using the Commission's
eFiling feature, which is located on the Commission's website
(www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings. New eFiling
users must first create an account by clicking on ``eRegister.'' You
will be asked to select the type of filing you are making; first select
``General'' and then select ``Intervention.'' The eFiling feature
includes a document-less intervention option; for more information,
visit https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/document-less-intervention.pdf; or
    (2) You can file a paper copy of your motion to intervene, along
with three copies, by mailing the documents to the address below.\7\
Your motion to intervene must reference the Project docket number CP21-
469-000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Hand delivered submissions in docketed proceedings should be
delivered to Health and Human Services, 12225 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, Maryland 20852.

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426

    The Commission encourages electronic filing of motions to intervene
(option 1 above) and has eFiling staff available to assist you at (202)
502-8258 or [email protected]
    Motions to intervene must be served on the applicant either by mail
or email at: Gulf States Transmission LLC, 1300 Main Street, Houston,
Texas 77002; or at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Any
subsequent submissions by an intervenor must be served on the applicant
and all other parties to the proceeding. Contact information for
parties can be downloaded from the service list at the eService link on
FERC Online. Service can be via email with a link to the document.
    All timely, unopposed \8\ motions to intervene are automatically
granted by operation of Rule 214(c)(1).\9\ Motions to intervene that
are filed after the intervention deadline are untimely, and may be
denied. Any late-filed motion to intervene must show good cause for
being late and must explain why the time limitation should be waived
and provide justification by reference to factors set forth in Rule
214(d) of the Commission's Rules and Regulations.\10\ A person
obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by
the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies (paper or
electronic) of all documents filed by the applicant and by all other
parties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ The applicant has 15 days from the submittal of a motion to
intervene to file a written objection to the intervention.
    \9\ 18 CFR 385.214(c)(1).
    \10\ 18 CFR 385.214(b)(3) and (d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tracking the Proceeding

    Throughout the proceeding, additional information about the project
will be available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at
(866) 208-FERC, or on the FERC website at www.ferc.gov using the
``eLibrary'' link as described above. The eLibrary link also provides
access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission,
such as orders, notices, and rulemakings.
    In addition, the Commission offers a free service called
eSubscription which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances
and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time
you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with
notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to
the documents. For more information and to register, go to
www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp.
    Intervention Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, August 2,
2021.

    Dated: July 12, 2021.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-15179 Filed 7-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P