[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4099-4103]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01436]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2021-0086]

Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for
Comment; Investigation-Based Crash Data Studies

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice and request for comments on an extension with
modification of a currently approved information collection.

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SUMMARY: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
invites public comments about our intention to request approval from
the Office of

Management and Budget (OMB) for extension with modification of a
currently approved information collection. Before a Federal agency can
collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval
from OMB. Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit
public comment on proposed collections of information, including
extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections. This
document describes a collection of information for which NHTSA intends
to seek OMB approval on NHTSA's Investigation-Based Crash Data Studies:
Crash Investigation Sampling System (CISS), Special Crash Investigation
(SCI) and Special Study Data Collection.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before March 28, 2022.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Docket No. NHTSA-
2021-0086 through any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Go to the Federal eRulemaking
Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions
for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Management, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room W12-
140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except on Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help
you, please call<PHONE_NUMBER> before coming.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and
docket number for this notice. Note that all comments received will be
posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading
below.
    Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all
comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit https://www.transportation.gov/privacy.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov or the street
address listed above. Follow the online instructions for accessing the
dockets via internet.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or access
to background documents, contact Dinesh Sharma, Crash Investigation
Division (NSA-110),<PHONE_NUMBER>, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, W53-493, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Please identify the relevant
collection of information by referring to its OMB Control Number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), before an agency submits a proposed
collection of information to OMB for approval, it must first publish a
document in the Federal Register providing a 60-day comment period and
otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies
concerning each proposed collection of information. The OMB has
promulgated regulations describing what must be included in such a
document. Under OMB's regulation (at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)), an agency must
ask for public comment on the following: (a) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of
the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) how to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
and (d) how to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses. In compliance with these requirements, NHTSA
asks for public comments on the following proposed collection of
information for which the agency is seeking approval from OMB.
    Title: Investigation-Based Crash Data Studies.
    OMB Control Number: 2127-0706.
    Form Number(s): Form 1278 and 1280.
    Type of Request: Request for extension with modification of a
currently approved information collection.
    Type of Review Requested: Regular.
    Requested Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years from date of
approval.
    Summary of the Collection of Information:
    NHTSA is authorized, under 49 U.S.C. 30182 and 23 U.S.C. 403 to
collect data on motor vehicle traffic crashes to aid in the
identification of issues and the development, implementation, and
evaluation of motor vehicle and highway safety countermeasures. For
decades, NHTSA has been investigating crashes and collecting crash data
through its Investigation-Based Crash Data Studies, namely the Crash
Investigation Sampling System (CISS), Special Crash Investigation
(SCI), and specific issue-based Special Study data collection studies.
Although each of these systems satisfy different purposes and collect
data in different manners, they all utilize the same core variables
(e.g., forms), procedures and protocols for data collection.
    NHTSA is seeking approval to modify the existing information
collection to: (a) Increase the number of crashes investigated by the
crash technicians for 2021 and future years, (b) add Special Study
cases into this package, and (c) add Special Crash Investigation cases
into this package. NHTSA has also adjusted estimates to include the
burden incurred by tow yards, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies
in responding to the collections. The combined impact is a increase of
1,407 burden hours to NHTSA's overall total.
    The CISS is a nationally representative sample of passenger vehicle
crashes which focus on detailed investigation of passenger vehicle
crashes. It provides nationally representative data on fatal and
nonfatal motor vehicle crashes for use in developing and evaluating
federal motor vehicle safety standards and other safety
countermeasures. The CISS began implementation in 2015 and by 2018 was
collecting crash data from thirty-two (32) fully operational sites. The
CISS collects data at both the crash level through scene analysis and
vehicle level through vehicle damage assessment together with injury
source evidence and standardized coding.
    The SCI Program is used to provide NHTSA with the most in-depth and
detailed level of crash investigation data collected by the Agency.
Generally, SCI investigations are conducted for crashes of special
interest, such as those involving new or emerging safety technologies
(e.g., those involving vehicles equipped with crash avoidance
technologies or Automated Driving Systems (ADS)), school buses,
motorcoaches, alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, adaptive control
equipped vehicles, fires, child restraints, and those relevant to
safety defect investigations. The crash investigations are conducted to
document crash circumstances, identify

injury sources, evaluate safety countermeasure effectiveness and
support Agency rulemaking actions. Investigations are also conducted to
provide early detection of alleged or potential vehicle safety defects.
Reports are generated from investigations and all are made available to
the public. The crashes chosen for SCI investigation may be chosen
throughout the year as they arise, or be part of a planned effort to
look into a particular type of crash (such as crashes involving air bag
deployment-related fatalities and injuries).
    In addition to the above-referenced CISS and SCI data collections,
NHTSA also conducts investigation-based special studies using the CISS
and SCI infrastructure to answer questions on a specific topical aspect
of vehicle and highway safety. In the special study cases, data is
typically gathered remotely where documents and investigation details
are requested from investigating agencies and the data is compiled,
coded, and reported on collectively in a summary report detailing the
issue. These special studies will utilize the same infrastructure CISS
and SCI, as well as the same core variables (e.g., forms) and
procedures and protocols. The cases may be selected from an agency's
data set (i.e., CISS, SCI, or Fatality Analysis Reporting System
(FARS)) or through other means (i.e., internet searches, news articles,
and public notification). The cases may or may not be selected to
provide a nationally-representative sample of crashes. In the past,
using the National Automotive Sampling System-Crashworthiness Data
System (NASS-CDS) infrastructure, NHTSA conducted several
investigation-based special studies, including studies on child
occupant protection, air bag effectiveness, and pedestrian safety among
others. NASS-CDS, operated from 1979 through 2015, and was the
predecessor to CISS. Three currently-planned special studies will
collect information on crashes that involve medium-duty trucks (trucks
between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs.), pedestrians or pedalcyclists, and
first responders or construction or maintenance workers struck while
performing official duties on the road.
    NHTSA will also use the information collected through the CISS
infrastructure to support NHTSA's Non-Traffic Surveillance (NTS). CISS
Technicians review over a hundred and fifty thousand crash reports each
year, and some of these reports are not applicable to the CISS program,
but they may be applicable to the NTS data collection. NTS is a virtual
data collection system designed to provide counts and details regarding
fatalities and injuries that occur in non-traffic crashes and in non-
crash incidents. Non-traffic motor vehicle crashes are a class of
crashes that occur off the public trafficways. These crashes,
subsequently referred to as ``non-traffic crashes,'' are mostly single-
vehicle crashes on private roads, two vehicle crashes in parking
facilities, or collisions with pedestrians in driveways. In addition,
there are non-traffic incidents such as a vehicle falling on a person
underneath or an unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning inside the
vehicle. Non-traffic crash data is obtained through NHTSA's CISS, SCI,
Crash Reporting Sampling System (CRSS), and FARS.
    For the standard investigation-based crash data studies acquisition
process, once a crash has been selected for investigation, crash
technicians locate, visit, measure, and photograph the crash scene;
locate, visit, inspect, and photograph involved vehicle(s); conduct a
telephone or personal interview with the involved individuals or a
surrogate (another person who can provide occupant or crash
information, such as parents for a minor or parent or spouse for a
deceased individual); and obtain and record crash injury information
received from various medical data sources. These data are used to
describe and analyze circumstances, mechanisms, and consequences of a
cross section of towed, light passenger motor vehicle crashes in the
United States. The collection of interview data aids in this effort.
    For the special studies, the data is typically gathered following
similar procedures, but is targeted to a specific issue (e.g., child
occupant protection, crash causation factors) as opposed to an entire
investigation. Special Studies investigations also typically only
involve obtaining information from law enforcement, who provide access
to and a copy of the crash report where the data is not electronic.
They do not involve interviewing people involved in crashes, obtaining
medical records or inspecting the vehicles. Each special study has
specific requirements (i.e., types of crashes and/or data collected);
however, the gathering of crash reports for these studies is similar to
the gathering of crash reports in the CISS and SCI programs.

Description of the Need for the Information and Proposed Use of the
Information

    NHTSA investigates real-world crashes and collects detailed crash
data through CISS, SCI, and Special Studies data collection programs to
identify the primary factors related to the source of crashes and their
injury outcomes. These detailed factors are utilized to develop and
evaluate effective safety countermeasures including the establishment
and enforcement of motor vehicle regulations that reduce the severity
of injury and property damage caused by motor vehicle crashes. The data
collected also give motor vehicle researchers an opportunity to specify
areas in which improvements may be possible, design countermeasure
programs, and evaluate the effects of existing and proposed safety
measures.

Burden to Respondents

    NHTSA has provided a description of the affected public, estimated
number of respondents, description of frequency, and estimates of the
total burden hours and costs for each of the three Investigation-Based
Crash Data Acquisition Systems (CISS, SCI, and Special Studies) below.
In aggregate, NHTSA estimates that the total annual burden is 7,012
hours and $0.

Program: CISS

    Affected Public: People involved in select motor vehicle crashes,
law enforcement jurisdictions that provide access to and a copy of the
crash report where the data is not electronic; hospitals that provide a
copy of the injured occupant's medical treatment of injuries; and tow
or salvage lot facilities that provide access to the storage facility
to inspect the vehicle.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 13,841.
    Frequency: On Occasion.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,736 hours (3,975 + 471 + 170
+ 1,590 + 530).
    The CISS crash data acquisition system includes 5 information
collections. The first information collection covers the collection of
information from individuals involved in crashes via interview. The
estimated number of interview respondents is obtained by multiplying
the approximate number of crashes investigated each year by the average
number of interviews per crash. Based on existing data, each CISS crash
involves an average of approximately 2.25 individuals. NHTSA estimates
that CISS conducts investigations on 5,300 crashes per year. Therefore,
NHTSA estimates that there will be 11,925 respondents per year (5,300
crashes x 2.25 respondents per crash).
    The respondents are contacted only once; however, in rare
circumstances follow-up questions may be needed to clarify data. The
interview requires approximately 20 minutes of a

respondent's time on average. CISS conducts interviews for
approximately 5,300 crashes per year, which NHTSA estimates takes about
45 minutes per crash (2.25 respondents x 20 minutes). Therefore, the
estimated total annual burden hours for the collection of information
from individuals involved in crashes for CISS is 3,975 hours ((5,300
crashes x 45 minutes) / 60 minutes/hour).
    In addition to interviews, crash technicians and investigators must
obtain official records to initiate and complete the cases. These
records include police crash reports and medical records. The second
information collection under CISS is for the collection of crash
records from sampled police jurisdictions. NHTSA estimates that there
are 181 sample police jurisdictions annually. To estimate the burden to
sampled police jurisdictions, NHTSA multiplied the average number of
visits per year by the average burden per visit and the number of
police jurisdictions. On average, each of the 181 sampled police
jurisdictions are queried weekly (or 52 times per year) and each query
is estimated to take 3 minutes. Accordingly, NHTSA estimates the total
annual burden for sampled police jurisdictions to be 2.6 hours per
respondent (3 minutes x 52 visits) and 471 hours for all respondents
(2.6 hours x 181 police jurisdictions = 470.6 hours).
    The third information collection under CISS is for the collection
of crash records from non-sampled police jurisdictions. Based on
existing CISS data, there are 340 non-sampled jurisdictions annually.
To estimate the burden to non-sample police jurisdictions, NHTSA
multiplied the average number of visits per year by the average burden
per visit and the number of non-sampled police jurisdictions. On
average, each of the 340 non-sampled police jurisdictions are visited
twice annually and each query is estimated to take 15 minutes.
Accordingly, NHTSA estimates the total burden for non-sampled police
jurisdictions to be 30 minutes per respondent (15 minutes x 2 visits)
and 170 hours for all respondents ((30 minutes x 340 non-sampled police
jurisdictions) / 60 minutes/hour) = 170 hours).
    The fourth information collection under CISS is for the collection
of medical records from hospitals. Based on existing data, CISS
collects an average of 9,540 records each year from an average of 275
hospitals. NHTSA estimates that a hospital spends 10 minutes for each
record requested. Accordingly, NHTSA estimates the total annual burden
to be 1,590 hours ((9,540 records x 10 minutes) / 60 minutes/hour) and
estimates that each hospital will, on average, spend 5.78 hours
providing the requested information each year (1,590 hours / 275
hospitals).
    The fifth information collection under CISS is for the collection
from tow yards necessary to gain access to and locate a vehicle that
was involved in a crash. Typically, a tow facility operator just needs
to give the crash technician permission to enter the yard to inspect
the vehicle and involves approximately 5 minutes of staff time. CISS
data shows an average of 6,360 visits to tow facilities per year, and
NHTSA estimates 1,120 tow facilities will be visited annually.
Accordingly, NHTSA estimates the total annual burden to be 530 hours
((6,360 visits x 5 minutes) / 60 minutes/hour) and estimates that each
tow facility will, on average, spend 28.39 minutes providing the
requested information each year ((530 hours x 60 minutes) / 1,120
facilities).
    Accordingly, NHTSA estimates that the total burden associated with
the CISS data acquisition system is 6,736 hours (3,975 + 471 + 170 +
1,590 + 530).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Cost: $0.
    There are no capital, start-up, or annual operation and maintenance
costs involved in this collection of information. The respondents would
not incur any reporting costs from the information collection beyond
the opportunity or labor costs associated with the burden hours. The
respondents also would not incur any recordkeeping burden or
recordkeeping costs from the information collection.

Program: Special Crash Investigation (SCI)

    Affected Public: People involved in select motor vehicle crashes,
law enforcement jurisdictions that provide access to and a copy of the
crash report where the data is not electronic; hospitals that provide a
copy of the injured occupant's medical treatment of injuries; and tow
or salvage lot facilities that provide access to the storage facility
to inspect the vehicle.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 500.
    Frequency: On occasion (typically once per year).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 109 hours (67 + 17 + 17 + 8).
    The SCI crash data acquisition system includes 4 information
collections. The first information collection covers the collection of
information from individuals involved in crashes via interview. The
estimated number of interview respondents is obtained by multiplying
the approximate number of crashes investigated each year by the average
number of interviews per crash. Based on existing data, each SCI crash
involves an average of approximately 2 individuals. NHTSA estimates
that SCI conducts investigations on approximately 100 crashes per year.
Therefore, NHTSA estimates that there will be 200 respondents per year
(100 crashes x 2 respondents per crash).
    The respondents are contacted only once; however, in rare
circumstances follow-up questions may be needed to clarify data. The
interview requires approximately 20 minutes of a respondent's time on
average. SCI conducts interviews for approximately 100 crashes per
year, which NHTSA estimates takes about 40 minutes per crash (2
respondents x 20 minutes). Therefore, the estimated total annual burden
hours for the collection of information from individuals involved in
crashes for SCI is approximately 67 hours ((100 crashes x 40 minutes) /
60 minutes/hour = 66.67).
    In addition to interviews, crash technicians and investigators must
obtain official records to initiate and complete the cases. These
records include police crash reports and medical records. The second
information collection under SCI is for the collection of crash records
from police jurisdictions. The SCI investigators contact an estimated
100 police jurisdictions once per year and require approximately 10
minutes of staff time per police jurisdiction. To estimate the burden
to these police jurisdictions, NHTSA multiplied the average number of
visits per year by the average burden per visit and the number of
police jurisdictions. Accordingly, NHTSA estimates the total annual
burden for police jurisdictions to be 10 minutes per respondent (10
minutes x 1 query per year) and 17 hours for all respondents ((10
minutes x 100 police jurisdictions) / 60 minutes/hour = 16.67 hours).
    The third information collection under SCI is for the collection of
medical records from hospitals. Based on existing data, SCI collects an
average of 100 records each year from 100 hospitals (1 request per
hospital per year). NHTSA estimates that a hospital spends 10 minutes
for each record requested. Accordingly, NHTSA estimates the total
annual burden to be 17 hours ((100 records x 10 minutes) / 60 minutes/
hour = 16.67 hours) and estimates that each hospital will, on average,
spend 10 minutes providing the requested information each year (10
minutes x 1 record request per year).
    The fourth information collection under SCI is for the collection
from tow

yards necessary to gain access to and locate a vehicle that was
involved in a crash. Typically, a tow facility operator just needs to
give the crash technician permission to enter the yard to inspect the
vehicle and involves approximately 5 minutes of staff time. SCI
conducts approximately 100 visits to tow facilities per year, and NHTSA
estimates that 100 tow facilities will be visited annually (1 request
per facility per year). Accordingly, NHTSA estimates the total annual
burden to be 8 hours ((100 visits x 5 minutes) / 60 minutes/hour = 8.33
hours) and estimates that each tow facility will, on average, spend 5
minutes providing the requested information each year.
    Accordingly, NHTSA estimates that the total burden associated with
the SCI data acquisition system is 109 hours (67 + 17 + 17 + 8).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Cost: $0.
    There are no capital, start-up, or annual operation and maintenance
costs involved in this collection of information. The respondents would
not incur any reporting costs from the information collection beyond
the opportunity or labor costs associated with the burden hours. The
respondents also would not incur any recordkeeping burden or
recordkeeping costs from the information collection.

Special Studies

    Affected Public: Law enforcement jurisdictions that provide access
to and a copy of the crash report where the data is not electronic.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,000.
    Frequency: On occasion (typically once per year).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 167 hours.
    There is only one information collection for Special Studies in
this ICR. This ICR only covers special studies involving remote-level
investigations.\1\ Accordingly, these remote-level investigations do
not involve interviews of individuals involved in crashes, collection
of medical records from hospitals, or visits to tow facilities.
Instead, these special studies only involve the collection of
information from police jurisdictions.
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    \1\ If NHTSA intends to conduct a special study that is not
remote, it will seek separate clearance.
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    NHTSA estimates that the special studies will involve, on average,
1,000 police jurisdictions each year and require approximately 10
minutes of staff time per police jurisdiction. The total annual hour
burden on jurisdictions for special studies information is estimated to
be 167 hours (1 visit x 10 minutes x 1,000 jurisdictions / 60 minutes/
hour = 166.67).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Cost: $0.
    There are no capital, start-up, or annual operation and maintenance
costs involved in this collection of information. The respondents would
not incur any reporting costs from the information collection beyond
the labor costs associated with the burden hours. The respondents also
would not incur any recordkeeping burden or recordkeeping costs from
the information collection.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours All Programs: 7,012 hours.
    The total estimated annual burden hours to all respondents for this
ICR is 7,012 hours. The table below provides a summary of the estimated
annual burden hours.

                                    Table 2--Summary of Burden Hour Estimates
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                                                Number of
 Information collection title   Number of    responses (per      Burden per        Burden per      Total burden
                               respondents     respondent)        response         respondent
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CISS: Interviews with               11,925        11,925 (1)  20 minutes......  20 minutes.....  3,975 hours.
 Individuals Involved in
 Crashes.
CISS: Collection of Police             181        9,412 (52)  3 minutes.......  156 minutes      470.6 hours.
 Records from Sampled                                                            (2.6 hours).    471 hours.
 Jurisdictions.
CISS: Collection of Police             340           680 (2)  15 minutes......  30 minutes.....  170 hours.
 Records from Non-Sampled
 Jurisdictions.
CISS: Collection of Medical            275     9,540 (34.69)  10 minutes......  5.78 hours.....  1,590 hours.
 Records.
CISS: Access to Tow Yards....        1,120      6,360 (5.68)  5 minutes.......  28.39 minutes..  530 hours.
SCI: Interviews with                   200           200 (1)  20 minutes......  20 minutes.....  67 hours.
 Individuals Involved in
 Crashes.
SCI: Collection of Police              100           100 (1)  10 minutes......  10 minutes.....  17 hours.
 Records.
SCI: Collection of Medical             100           100 (1)  10 minutes......  10 minutes.....  17 hours.
 Records.
SCI: Access to Tow Yards.....          100           100 (1)  5 minutes.......  5 minutes......  8 hours.
Special Studies: Collection          1,000         1,000 (1)  10 minutes......  10 minutes.....  167 hours.
 of Police Records.
                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total....................  ...........  ................  ................  ...............  7,012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Estimated Total Annual Burden Cost All Programs: $0
    Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspects of
this information collection, including (a) whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Department, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Department's estimate
of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to
enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information on respondents, including the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Chapter
35, as amended; 49 CFR 1.49; and DOT Order 1351.29.

    Issued on January 20, 2022.
Chou Lin Chen,
Associate Administrator, National Center for Statistics and Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2022-01436 Filed 1-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P


[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 3, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7968-7972]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00381]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

17 CFR Part 232

[Release Nos. 33-10902; 34-90637; 39-2536, IC-34137]

Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual, Proposed Collection and
Comment Request for Form ID

AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') is
adopting revisions to Volumes I and II of the Electronic Data
Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (``EDGAR'') Filer Manual
(``EDGAR Filer Manual'' or ``Filer Manual'') and related rules. The
revisions substantially reduce the length of Volume I, and amend Volume
I and related rules under Regulation S-T, including provisions
regarding electronic notarizations and remote online notarizations,
which include electronic signatures. The revisions to Volume II reflect
changes made to EDGAR on December 14, 2020. The Commission is also
providing notice and soliciting comments on the Form ID collection of
information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Effective date: February 3, 2021. The incorporation by reference
of the EDGAR Filer Manual is approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of February 3, 2021.
    Comments date: Comments regarding the Form ID collection of
information requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 should be received on or before March 1, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding updates to the
Filer Manual and the related rule amendments, please contact Rosemary
Filou, Chief Counsel; Monica Lilly, Senior Special Counsel; or Jane
Patterson, Senior Counsel; in the EDGAR Business Office at 202-551-
3900, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington,
DC 20549. For questions regarding the submission form types allowing
eligible business development companies and other closed-end investment
companies to file automatic shelf registration statements and
corresponding post-effective amendments and the submission form types
for securities fee registration payments by closed-end investment
companies, please contact Heather Fernandez in the Division of
Investment Management at<PHONE_NUMBER>. For questions regarding the
exhibits available for Regulation A form types, please contact
Christian Windsor, Senior Special Counsel, in the Division of
Corporation Finance at<PHONE_NUMBER>. For questions regarding the
internal control over financial reporting (``ICFR'') auditor
attestation, please contact Christian Windsor, Senior Special Counsel,
in the Division of Corporation Finance at<PHONE_NUMBER>, or for
questions regarding the related changes to the EDGAR XBRL validation,
please contact the Office of Structured Disclosure in the Division of
Economic and Risk Analysis at<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We are adopting an updated EDGAR Filer
Manual, Volume I: ``General Information,'' Version 36 (December 2020)
and Volume II: ``EDGAR Filing,'' Version 56 (December 2020) and
amendments to 17 CFR 232.10 (``Rule 10''), 17 CFR 232.12 (``Rule 12''),
and 17 CFR 232 301 (``Rule 301'') under 17 CFR 232.10 through 232.903
(``Regulation S-T''). The updated Filer Manual volumes are incorporated
by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations. The revisions
substantially reduce the length of Volume I of the Filer Manual while
retaining the procedural requirements for making electronic submissions
on EDGAR. The Volume I revisions also clarify the legal consequences of
misstatements or omissions of fact in EDGAR submissions, and inform
filers of the Commission's authority regarding submissions on EDGAR.
The Commission is also amending Volume I of the Filer Manual and a
related rule under Regulation S-T to allow applicants for EDGAR access
to use electronic notarizations and remote online notarizations, which
include electronic signatures, in addition to notarizations that
include manual signatures. Moreover, the Commission is amending the
same rule to exempt the notarized document requirements for EDGAR
access from certain signature requirements in another rule under
Regulation S-T. In addition, the Commission is amending a rule under
Regulation S-T to reflect the Commission's current hours for submission
of electronic filings. As a separate matter, the Commission is adopting
amendments to Volume II of the Filer Manual to reflect changes made to
EDGAR on December 14, 2020. Finally, the Commission is providing notice
and soliciting comments on the Form ID collection of information
pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

I. Background

    Volume I of the Filer Manual provides general information regarding
electronic submissions to the Commission on EDGAR, including
information concerning requirements for becoming an EDGAR filer.\1\ The
Commission is substantially reducing the length of Volume I of the
Filer Manual while retaining the procedural requirements for making
electronic submissions on EDGAR. The revisions remove unnecessary and
outdated content from Volume I, and relocate basic instructions and
technical explanations to a newly designed web page on the Commission's
website.
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    \1\ We originally adopted the Filer Manual on April 1, 1993,
with an effective date of April 26, 1993. Release No. 33-6986 (Apr.
1, 1993) [58 FR 18638]. The most recent update to the Filer Manual
was Volume II: ``EDGAR Filing,'' Version 55 (November 2020). See
Electronic Signatures in Regulation S-T Rule 302, Release No. 33-
10889 (Nov. 17, 2020) [85 FR 78224] (``Electronic Signatures
Release'').
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    In addition, the Commission is:
     Enhancing the statement in Volume I about the consequences
of making false statements or omissions of fact in EDGAR submissions,
and informing filers of the authority of the Commission to, and some of
the circumstances in which the Commission may, prevent acceptance or
dissemination of an attempted submission on EDGAR or revoke EDGAR
access;
     Amending Rule 10 of Regulation S-T \2\ and Volume I of the
Filer Manual to accept electronic notarizations and remote online
notarizations, which include electronic signatures, in addition to
notarizations that include

manual signatures, to support requests for EDGAR access;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See 17 CFR 232.10(b) (``Rule 10(b)'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Amending Rule 10 of Regulation S-T to exclude the
authentication document in Rule 10(b) from the signature requirements
of 17 CFR 232.302 (``Rule 302''); \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See 17 CFR 232.10(c) (``Rule 10(c)''); see also Rule 302.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Amending Rule 12 of Regulation S-T to reflect the
Commission's current hours for submission of electronic filings and to
conform to the Filer Manual; \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See 17 CFR 232.12(c) (``Rule 12(c)'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Making amendments to Volume II of the Filer Manual
corresponding to the EDGAR updates in Release 20.4; and
     Providing notice and soliciting comments on potential
changes to the burden estimates associated with the Form ID collection
of information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Amendments to Volume I of the Filer Manual and Rule 10 of
Regulation S-T

    The updated Volume I of the Filer Manual retains and streamlines
procedural requirements pertaining to EDGAR filing times, access,
maintaining accurate information, paying filing fees, and prohibiting
submission of social security numbers to EDGAR. The updated Volume I
omits extensive step-by-step instructions and elementary technical
explanations including EDGAR screen shots and error messages, an
explanation of browsers, and a glossary of terms. The Commission is
making accessible, user-friendly instructions and information available
to filers on the recently revised ``EDGAR Information for Filers'' web
page on SEC.gov.\6\ Moreover, filers may consult relevant topical
Commission division or office web pages.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See EDGAR--Information for Filers available at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/filer-information. The Commission staff has
improved the architecture and content on the EDGAR Information for
Filers web page, including the addition of an extensive How Do I
guide which contains some of the information that previously was
included in the EDGAR Filer Manual: Volume I ``General
Information,'' Version 35. See How Do I guide available at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/filer-information/how-do-i.
    \7\ For example, filers may consult the Series and Class
(Contract) Identifiers information page on SEC.gov available at
https://www.sec.gov/info/edgar/ednews/seriesclassfaq063006.htm for
guidance on this topic, and the Filing Fees Branch homepage
available at https://www.sec.gov/page/ffbsectionlanding for
information about filing fees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission is also removing technical explanations from Volume
I of the Filer Manual that existed to assist a sub-section of filers
who opted to use private industry software to construct filings outside
of EDGAR, including using the Extensible Markup Language (XML)
format.\8\ These technical specifications are available to filers on
the ``EDGAR Information for Filers'' web page on SEC.gov.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I, Version 35, Section 6.4.
    \9\ Certain technical specifications are replicated in Volume II
of the Filer Manual. See, e.g., EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume II,
Version 54, Section 9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, the updated Volume I of the Filer Manual clarifies the
statement informing filers of the consequences of false statements or
omissions of fact in submissions to EDGAR. Previously, Volume I only
referenced potential criminal liability for intentionally making false
statements or omissions of fact in submissions to the Commission in
violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001.\10\ However, it is also possible that
false statements or omissions of fact in submissions to EDGAR could
give rise to violations of other criminal or civil statutes or
regulations, including the antifraud and civil liability provisions of
the federal securities laws.\11\ Accordingly, we have amended Volume I
of the Filer Manual to make clear that misstatements or omissions of
fact in a submission to the Commission on EDGAR may constitute a
criminal violation under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and/or a violation of other
criminal or civil laws.\12\ Moreover, the Commission has added an
explicit notice to filers in Volume I of the authority of, and certain
circumstances in which the Commission may, prevent acceptance or
dissemination of an attempted submission on EDGAR or revoke EDGAR
access.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I, Version 35, Section 3.1.
    \11\ See, e.g., Sections 11, 12(a)(2), and 17(a)(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933.
    \12\ See EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I, Version 36, Section 1.
    \13\ See EDGAR Filer Manual, Version 36, Volume I, Section 1.
Rule 15 specifies in more detail the Commission's ability to prevent
submissions to EDGAR. See Release No. 33-10901 (Dec. 11, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rule 10 of Regulation S-T previously required filers to submit a
manually signed and notarized document as part of the application for
EDGAR access.\14\ Volume I further mandated that the filer's authorized
signatory sign and have notarized a printed copy of the completed
online application.\15\ Since these provisions were adopted,
technological advancements have made electronic notarization and remote
online notarization, which include electronic signatures, possible, and
electronic notarization and remote online notarization are now
recognized in most states.\16\ These methods of notarization will
provide an efficient means of authenticating signatures in connection
with requests for EDGAR access and avoid the challenges associated with
disruptions to in-person notary services caused by natural disasters,
pandemics, and similar events. Remote online notarization in particular
would allow filers to notarize EDGAR access requests from a convenient
location using a state-registered remote notary public.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See Rule 10(b).
    \15\ See EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I, Version 35, Section
<IP_ADDRESS>.4.
    \16\ Currently, over 36 states have enacted electronic
notarization laws, while 25 states have enacted remote online
notarization laws (certain of the latter group of states have not
yet fully implemented remote online notarization). In addition, due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, 34 states (including several that have not
yet fully implemented remote online notarization) have issued
emergency orders temporarily authorizing notaries to perform remote
online notarization. See What States Allow Electronic Notary,
DocVerify, https://www.docverify.com/Products/E-Notaries/What-States-Allow-Electronic-Notary; Remote Notarization: What You Need
to Know, National Notary Association (November 13, 2020), https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2018/06/remote-notarization-what-you-need-to-know; Answers To Urgent Questions
Notaries Are Asking About Remote Online Notarization, National
Notary Association (Aug. 14, 2020), https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/answers-urgent-questions-notaries-ron.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore, the Commission is updating Regulation S-T and Volume I
of the Filer Manual to clarify that the Commission will accept
electronic notarization and remote online notarization, which include
electronic signatures, in connection with EDGAR access requests
submitted pursuant to Rule 10 of Regulation S-T.\17\ In addition, the
Commission is permitting foreign filers to use the foreign local
equivalent of a notary public or to obtain remote online notarization
recognized by the law of any state or

territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ See amended Rule 10(b) (removing the manual signature
requirement for EDGAR access requests) and EDGAR Filer Manual,
Volume I, Version 36, Section 3 (``The notarized signature of an
authorized individual must be obtained by manual, electronic, or
remote online notarization recognized by the law of any state or
territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, and must
include a manual or electronic signature of the authorized
individual, as required by the notary for the type of notarization
at issue. Foreign filers who do not have access to a United States
notary public must use the foreign local equivalent of a notary
public or obtain notarization by a remote online notary recognized
by the law of any state or territory of the United States or the
District of Columbia.''). Under the amendments, remote online
notarization valid in any of the 50 states, United States
territories, or the District of Columbia would be accepted,
regardless of the location of the applicant, under the theory that a
validated notary in any of these locations would suffice for federal
identity verification purposes.
    \18\ See EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I, Version 36, Section 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, we are revising Rule 10 to exclude the authentication
document required by Rule 10 from the signature requirements of Rule
302 of Regulation S-T.\19\ Among other things, Rule 302 requires
signatures to any electronic submission to be in typed form, rather
than manual format, and provides various signature authentication
requirements related to typed signatures.\20\ Since Rule 10 currently
requires filers to submit a manually signed authentication document,
that authentication document is not subject to the requirements of Rule
302. However, since as discussed above we are removing the manual
signature requirement from Rule 10 to permit electronic notarization
and remote online notarization, which include electronic signatures,
the authentication document required by Rule 10 would be subject to
Rule 302's signature authentication requirements unless excluded from
its provisions. Since Rule 10 already provides separate signature
authentication requirements,\21\ we do not believe it is necessary to
require filers seeking EDGAR access to comply with the signature
authentication requirements of both Rule 10 and Rule 302.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ See amended Rule 10(c); see also Rule 302.
    \20\ The Commission recently amended Rule 302 to permit the use
of electronic signatures in signature authentication documents
required to be executed and retained in connection with EDGAR
filings. See Electronic Signatures Release, supra note 1. Amended
Rule 302 provides, among other things, that each signatory to an
electronic filing shall manually or electronically sign a signature
page or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise
adopting his or her signature that appears in typed form within the
electronic filing (``authentication document''). Rule 302 further
provides that an electronically signed authentication document must
meet certain requirements set forth in the EDGAR Filer Manual and
that each signatory who electronically signs an authentication
document pursuant to Rule 302 must manually sign a document
attesting that, when using electronic signatures for purposes of
Rule 302, the use of such electronic signature constitutes the legal
equivalent of such individual's manual signature for purposes of
authenticating the signature to any filing for which it is provided.
    \21\ As discussed above, Rule 10 of Regulation S-T provides that
filers must submit a signed and notarized document as part of the
application for EDGAR access. See supra note 14 and accompanying
text.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Amendments to Rule 12, Regulation S-T

    The Commission is amending Rule 12(c) of Regulation S-T to reflect
that electronic filings and other documents may be submitted ``from 6
a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time'' instead of ``by direct transmission,
via dial-up modem or internet . . . from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern
Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in
effect.'' We are removing an antiquated and unnecessary reference to
the method of submission and adjusting the filing times to reflect the
Commission's current practice and the correct filing times set forth in
the Filer Manual.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I, Version 36, Section 2
(``The SEC accepts electronic submissions on EDGAR . . . from 6 a.m.
to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.''). This information was also included in
previous versions of the Filer Manual. See, e.g., EDGAR Filer
Manual, Version 35, Volume I, Section 2.2 (``EDGAR accepts . . . new
filings . . . from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Eastern Time.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Edgar Release 20.4 and Amendments to Volume II of the Filer Manual

    EDGAR was updated in Release 20.4, and corresponding amendments to
Volume II of the Filer Manual are being made to reflect these changes,
described below.
    On April 8, 2020, the Commission adopted rules to modify the
registration, communications, and offering processes for business
development companies and other closed-end investment companies
including allowing such eligible entities to file automatic shelf
registration statements (ASRs) and corresponding post-effective
amendments (POSASRs).\23\ EDGAR Release 20.4 adds the following new
submission form types: N-2ASR: Automatic shelf registration statement
on Form N-2 for well-known seasoned issuers; and N-2 POSASR: Post-
effective amendment to an automatic shelf registration statement on
Form N-2 for well-known seasoned issuers. EDGAR Release 20.4 also adds
new header data elements to the following submission form types: N-2,
N-2/A, N-2MEF, POS 8C, 486APOS, 486BPOS, and 486BXT. In the Securities
Offering Reform Release, the Commission also adopted amendments to
modernize its approach to securities fee registration payment by
requiring closed-end investment companies that operate as ``interval
funds'' to pay securities registration fees using the same method as
mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. EDGAR Release 20.4 adds a new
header data element to the following submission form types: N-2, N-2/A,
N-14 8C, N-14 8C/A, and N-14MEF. EDGAR Release 20.4 also allows filers
to itemize share class information on submission form types 24F-2NT and
24F-2NT/A, when the investment company type is ``N-2.'' See Chapter 3
(Index to Forms), Chapter 4 (Filing Fee Information), Chapter 7
(Preparing and Transmitting EDGARLink Online Submissions), Appendix A
(Messages Reported by EDGAR), and Appendix C (EDGAR Submission Types)
of the EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume II: ``EDGAR Filing.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ See Securities Offering Reform for Closed-End Investment
Companies, Release No. 33-10771 (Apr. 8, 2020) [85 FR 33290]
(``Securities Offering Reform Release'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On March 12, 2020, the Commission adopted a requirement that
issuers include a check box on the cover page of their Forms 10-K, 20-
F, and 40-F annual reports to disclose whether they have obtained an
ICFR auditor attestation under section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act.\24\ EDGAR Release 20.4 updates the EDGAR XBRL validation to
require an ICFR auditor attestation flag on the following submission
form types: 10-K, 10-K/A, 10-KT, 10-KT/A, 20-F, 20-F/A, 40-F, and 40-F/
A. This flag is a part of the XBRL DEI-2020 Taxonomy. See Chapter 6
(Interactive Data) of the EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume II: ``EDGAR
Filing.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ See Accelerated Filer and Large Accelerated Filer
Definitions, Release No 34-88365 (Mar. 12, 2020) [85 FR 17178].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On March 2, 2020, the Commission adopted amendments to the
financial disclosure requirements for guarantors and issuers of
guaranteed securities registered or being registered, and added a new
exhibit requirement for Securities Act of 1933 registration statements
and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 periodic reports, as well as
Regulation A offering statements and reports, to improve those
requirements for both investors and registrants.\25\ The amendments
made new exhibits available for Regulation A form types to permit
filers to identify subsidiaries that provide guarantees. Filers have
the option to attach these new exhibits officially in HTML or ASCII
format (and unofficially in PDF format). Accordingly, EDGAR Release
20.4 adds the following new exhibits:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See Financial Disclosures about Guarantors and Issuers of
Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize
a Registrant's Securities, Release No. 33-10762 (Mar. 2, 2020) [85
FR 21940].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     ``EX1A-17 GNTR/ISSR'' on form types DOS, DOS/A, 1-A, 1-A/
A, and 1-A POS;
     ``EX1K-17 GNTR/ISSR'' on form types 1-K and 1-K/A;
     ``EX1SA-17 GNTR/ISSR'' on form types 1-SA and 1-SA/A;
     ``EX1U-17 GNTR/ISSR'' on form types 1-U and 1-U/A; and
     ``ADD EXHB'' on form types DOS, DOS/A, 1-A, 1-A/A, 1-A
POS, 1-K, 1-K/A, 1-SA, 1-SA/A, 1-U, and 1-U/A.
    To simplify future updates to the exhibits for these forms, EDGAR
Release 20.4 adds ``ADD EXHB'' on form types DOS, DOS/A, 1-A, 1-A/A, 1-
A POS, 1-

K, 1-K/A,1-SA, 1-SA/A, 1-U, and 1-U/A. The ``ADD EXHB'' exhibit will
replace the EX1A-15 ADD EXHB, EX1K-15 ADD EXHB, EX1SA-15 ADD EXHB, and
EX1U15 ADD EXHB exhibits. To implement the change, EDGAR Release 20.4
removes the following exhibits:
     ``EX1A-15 ADD EXHB'' from DOS, DOS/A, 1-A, 1-A/A, and 1-A
POS form types;
     ``EX1K-15 ADD EXHB'' from 1-K and 1-K/A form types;
     ``EX1SA-15 ADD EXHB'' from 1-SA and 1-SA/A form types; and
     ``EX1U-15 ADD EXHB'' from 1-U and 1-U/A form types.
    See Appendix E (Automated Conformance Rules for EDGAR Data Fields)
of the EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume II: ``EDGAR Filing.''
    Finally, Volume II of the EDGAR Filer Manual has been revised to
update contact information for certain divisions and offices. See
Chapter 2 (Quick Guide to EDGAR Filing) of the EDGAR Filer Manual,
Volume II: ``EDGAR Filing.''

V. Amendments to Rule 301, Regulation S-T

    Along with the adoption of the updated Filer Manual, we are
amending Rule 301 of Regulation S-T to provide for the incorporation by
reference into the Code of Federal Regulations of the current
revisions. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
    The updated EDGAR Filer Manual is available at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/filer-information/current-edgar-filer-manual. The EDGAR Filer
Manual is also available for website viewing and printing in the
Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC
20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3
p.m.

VI. Administrative Law Matters

    Because the Filer Manual and rule amendments relate solely to
agency procedures or practice and do not substantially alter the rights
and obligations of non-agency parties, publication for notice and
comment is not required under the Administrative Procedure Act
(``APA'').\26\ It follows that the amendments do not require analysis
under requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act \27\ or a report
to Congress under the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A).
    \27\ 5 U.S.C. 601-612.
    \28\ 5 U.S.C. 804(3)(C).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The effective date for the updated Filer Manual and the related
rules is February 3, 2021. In accordance with the APA,\29\ we find that
there is good cause to establish an effective date less than 30 days
after publication of these rules. For the revisions to Volume I of the
Filer Manual, the changes that we are adopting today do not impose new
burdens. The Volume I revisions retain the procedural requirements for
making electronic submissions on EDGAR. The revisions remove
unnecessary and outdated content from the Filer Manual and relocate
elementary instructions and explanations to a web page on the
Commission's website. Additionally, the Volume I revisions clarify the
message in the Filer Manual concerning the consequences of making false
statements or omissions of fact in EDGAR submissions, and inform filers
of the Commission's authority regarding submissions on EDGAR. The
Volume I revisions and related rule amendments generally relieve
restrictions by incorporating the acceptance of electronic
notarizations and remote online notarizations, which include electronic
signatures, in addition to manual signatures and manual notarizations,
to support requests for EDGAR access. For the revisions to Volume II of
the Filer Manual, the Commission believes that establishing an
effective date less than 30 days after publication of these rules is
necessary to coordinate the effectiveness of the updated Volume II of
the Filer Manual with the related system upgrades. We therefore believe
that the advance publication of the updated Filer Manual and the
related rules prior to the effective date is unnecessary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VII. Proposed Collection and Comment Request for Form ID

    Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Commission is soliciting
comments on the collection of information summarized below. The
Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to
the Office of Management and Budget for extension and approval.
    Form ID (OMB Control No. 3235-0328) must be completed and filed
with the Commission by all individuals, companies, and other
organizations who seek access to file electronically on the
Commission's primary electronic filing system, EDGAR. Those seeking
access to file on EDGAR typically include those who are required to
make certain disclosures pursuant to the federal securities laws. The
information provided on Form ID is an essential part of the security of
EDGAR. Form ID is a not a public document because it is used solely for
the purpose of screening applicants and granting access to EDGAR. Form
ID must be submitted whenever an applicant seeks an EDGAR
identification number and access codes to file on EDGAR. The Commission
may consider enhancing the EDGAR access process to require filers that
already have EDGAR identification numbers but do not have EDGAR access
codes to submit a Form ID to obtain access codes to file on EDGAR. If
these enhancements become effective, we estimate that approximately
48,493 filers will file Form ID annually and that it will take
approximately 0.15 hours per response to prepare for a total of 7,274
annual burden hours. The estimate includes the number of filers without
identification numbers and filers with identification numbers that seek
to obtain access codes for purposes of submitting electronic filings on
EDGAR.
    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 control number.
    Written comments are invited on: (i) Whether this proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of
the burden imposed by the collection of information; (iii) ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected;
and (iv) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will
be given to comments and suggestions submitted in writing.
    Please direct your written comments to David Bottom, Director/Chief
Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Cynthia
Roscoe, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549 or send an email to:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
VIII. Statutory Basis

    We are adopting the amendments to Regulation S-T under the
authority in Sections 6, 7, 8, 10, and 19(a) of the Securities Act of
1933,\30\ Sections 3, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15B, 23, and 35A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934,\31\ Section 319 of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939,\32\ and Sections 8, 30, 31, and 38

of the Investment Company Act of 1940.\33\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ 15 U.S.C. 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j, and 77s(a).
    \31\ 15 U.S.C. 78c, 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o, 78o-4, 78w, and 78ll.
    \32\ 15 U.S.C. 77sss.
    \33\ 15 U.S.C. 80a-8, 80a-29, 80a-30, and 80a-37.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Subjects in 17 CFR Part 232

    Incorporation by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Securities.

Text of the Amendments

    In accordance with the foregoing, title 17, chapter II of the Code
of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 232--REGULATION S-T--GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR
ELECTRONIC FILINGS

0
1. The general authority citation for part 232 continues to read as
follows:

    Authority:  15 U.S.C. 77c, 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j, 77s(a), 77z-3,
77sss(a), 78c(b), 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o(d), 78w(a), 78ll, 80a-6(c),
80a-8, 80a-29, 80a-30, 80a-37, 7201 et seq.; and 18 U.S.C. 1350,
unless otherwise noted.
* * * * *

0
2. Amend Sec.  232.10 by revising paragraph (b)(2) and adding paragraph
(c) to read as follows:

Sec.  232.10  Application of part 232.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) File, by uploading as a Portable Document Format (PDF)
attachment to the Form ID filing, a notarized document, signed by the
applicant, that includes the information required to be included in the
Form ID filing and confirms the authenticity of the Form ID filing.
    (c) The requirements of Sec.  232.302 (Rule 302) do not apply to
the notarized document required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
* * * * *

0
3. Amend Sec.  232.12 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:

Sec.  232.12   Business hours of the Commission.

* * * * *
    (c) Submissions by direct transmission. Electronic filings and
other documents may be submitted to the Commission each day, except
Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Eastern Time.

0
4. Revise Sec.  232.301 to read as follows:

Sec.  232.301  EDGAR Filer Manual.

    Filers must prepare electronic filings in the manner prescribed by
the EDGAR Filer Manual, promulgated by the Commission, which sets forth
the technical formatting requirements for electronic submissions. The
requirements for becoming an EDGAR Filer and updating company data are
set forth in the updated EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume I: ``General
Information,'' Version 36 (December 2020). The requirements for filing
on EDGAR are set forth in the updated EDGAR Filer Manual, Volume II:
``EDGAR Filing,'' Version 56 (December 2020). All of these provisions
have been incorporated by reference into the Code of Federal
Regulations, which action was approved by the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You must
comply with these requirements in order for documents to be timely
received and accepted. The EDGAR Filer Manual is available at https://www.sec.gov/edgar/filer-information/current-edgar-filer-manual. The
EDGAR Filer Manual is also available for website viewing and printing
in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington,
DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3
p.m. You can also inspect the document at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of
this material at NARA, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    By the Commission.

    Dated: December 11, 2020.
Vanessa A. Countryman,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-00381 Filed 2-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 125 (Monday, June 30, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36800-36801]
[FR Doc No: 2014-15223]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. RC11-6-004]

North American Electric Reliability Corporation; Notice of Filing

    Take notice that on June 20, 2014, the North American Electric
Reliability Corporation (NERC) submitted a compliance filing and report
in accordance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Order
(FERC or Commission) in North American Electric Reliability
Corporation, 143 FERC ] 61,253 (2013) (One Year Report Order).
    Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must
file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of
Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be
considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to
be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the
proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of
intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices,
motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. On or
before the comment date, it is not necessary to serve motions to
intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant.
    The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper using the ``eFiling'' link at http://www.ferc.gov. Persons unable to file electronically should submit an
original and 5 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC
20426.
    This filing is accessible on-line at http://www.ferc.gov, using the
``eLibrary'' link and is available for review in the Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an ``eSubscription''
link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive email
notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For
assistance with any FERC Online service, please email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call<PHONE_NUMBER> (toll free). For
TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Comment Date: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 21, 2014.

    Dated: June 24, 2014.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-15223 Filed 6-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 193 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56284-56286]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22069]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2020-0016]

Meetings To Implement Pandemic Response Voluntary Agreement Under
Section 708 of the Defense Production Act

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security.

ACTION: Announcement of meetings.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) held two
meetings to implement the Voluntary

Agreement for the Manufacture and Distribution of Critical Healthcare
Resources Necessary to Respond to a Pandemic.

DATES: The first meeting took place on Thursday, September 30, 2021,
from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The second meeting took
place on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Glenn, Office of Business,
Industry, Infrastructure Integration, via email at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or
via phone at<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of these meetings is provided as
required by section 708(h)(8) of the Defense Production Act (DPA), 50
U.S.C. 4558(h)(8), and consistent with 44 CFR part 332.
    The DPA authorizes the making of ``voluntary agreements and plans
of action'' with representatives of industry, business, and other
interests to help provide for the national defense.\1\ The President's
authority to facilitate voluntary agreements with respect to responding
to the spread of COVID-19 within the United States was delegated to the
Secretary of Homeland Security in Executive Order 13911.\2\ The
Secretary of Homeland Security further delegated this authority to the
FEMA Administrator.\3\
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    \1\ 50 U.S.C. 4558(c)(1).
    \2\ 85 FR 18403 (Apr. 1, 2020).
    \3\ DHS Delegation 09052, Rev. 00.1 (Apr. 1, 2020); DHS
Delegation Number 09052 Rev. 00 (Jan. 3, 2017).
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    On August 17, 2020, after the appropriate consultations with the
Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, FEMA
completed and published in the Federal Register a ``Voluntary
Agreement, Manufacture and Distribution of Critical Healthcare
Resources Necessary to Respond to a Pandemic'' (Voluntary
Agreement).\4\ Unless terminated earlier, the Voluntary Agreement is
effective until August 17, 2025, and may be extended subject to
additional approval by the Attorney General after consultation with the
Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. The Agreement may be used to
prepare for or respond to any pandemic, including COVID-19, during that
time.
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    \4\ 85 FR 50035 (Aug. 17, 2020). The Attorney General, in
consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, made
the required finding that the purpose of the voluntary agreement may
not reasonably be achieved through an agreement having less
anticompetitive effects or without any voluntary agreement and
published the finding in the Federal Register on the same day. 85 FR
50049 (Aug. 17, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On December 7, 2020, the first plan of action under the Voluntary
Agreement--the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the
Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) to Respond to COVID-19 (PPE Plan of Action)--was
finalized.\5\ The PPE Plan of Action established several sub-committees
under the Voluntary Agreement, focusing on different aspects of the PPE
Plan of Action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See 85 FR 78869 (Dec. 7, 2020). See also 85 FR 79020 (Dec.
8, 2020).
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    On May 24, 2021, four additional plans of action under the
Voluntary Agreement--the Plan of Action to Establish a National
Strategy for the Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of
Diagnostic Test Kits and other Testing Components to respond to COVID-
19, the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the
Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Drug Products, Drug
Substances, and Associated Medical Devices to respond to COVID-19, the
Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the Manufacture,
Allocation, and Distribution of Medical Devices to respond to COVID-19,
and the Plan of Action to Establish a National Strategy for the
Manufacture, Allocation, and Distribution of Medical Gases to respond
to COVID-19--were finalized.\6\ These plans of action established
several sub-committees under the Voluntary Agreement, focusing on
different aspects of each plan of action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See 86 FR 27894 (May 24, 2021). See also 86 FR 28851 (May
28, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The meetings were chaired by the FEMA Administrator or her delegate
and attended by the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal
Trade Commission or their delegates. In implementing the Voluntary
Agreement, FEMA adheres to all procedural requirements of 50 U.S.C.
4558 and 44 CFR part 332.
    Meeting Objectives: The objectives of the meetings were as follows:
    1. Gather committee Participants and Attendees to ask targeted
questions for situational awareness related to the active Plans of
Action (PPE, Drug Products and Drug Substances, Diagnostic Test Kits,
Medical Devices, and Medical Gases).
    2. Establish priorities for COVID-19 response under the Voluntary
Agreement.
    3. Identify tasks that should be completed under the appropriate
Sub-Committee.
    4. Identify information gaps and areas that merit sharing (both
from FEMA to the private sector and vice versa).
    Meetings Closed to the Public: By default, the DPA requires
meetings held to implement a voluntary agreement or plan of action be
open to the public.\7\ However, attendance may be limited if the
Sponsor \8\ of the voluntary agreement finds that the matter to be
discussed at a meeting falls within the purview of matters described in
5 U.S.C. 552b(c), such as trade secrets and commercial or financial
information. The Sponsor of the Voluntary Agreement, the FEMA
Administrator, found that these meetings to implement the Voluntary
Agreement involved matters which fall within the purview of matters
described in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c) and the meetings were therefore closed to
the public.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
    \8\ ``[T]he individual designated by the President in subsection
(c)(2) [of section 708 of the DPA] to administer the voluntary
agreement, or plan of action.'' 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Meetings Closed to the Public: By default, the DPA requires
meetings held to implement a voluntary agreement or plan of action be
open to the public.\9\ However, attendance may be limited if the
Sponsor \10\ of the voluntary agreement finds that the matter to be
discussed at a meeting falls within the purview of matters described in
5 U.S.C. 552b(c), such as trade secrets and commercial or financial
information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
    \10\ ``[T]he individual designated by the President in
subsection (c)(2) [of section 708 of the DPA] to administer the
voluntary agreement, or plan of action.'' 50 U.S.C. 4558(h)(7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Sponsor of the Voluntary Agreement, the FEMA Administrator,
found that these meetings to implement the Voluntary Agreement involved
matters which fall within the purview of matters described in 5 U.S.C.
552b(c) and the meetings were therefore closed to the public.
    Specifically, these meetings may have required participants to
disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is
privileged or confidential. Disclosure of such information allows for
meetings to be closed to the public pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4).
    The success of the Voluntary Agreement depends wholly on the
willing participation of the private sector participants. Failure to
close these meetings to the public could reduce active participation by
the signatories due to a perceived risk that sensitive company
information could be prematurely released to the public. A premature
public disclosure of a private sector participant's information could
reduce trust and support for the Voluntary Agreement.

    A resulting loss of support by the participants for the Voluntary
Agreement would significantly frustrate the implementation of the
Agency's objectives. Thus, these meeting closures are permitted
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B).

Deanne Criswell,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2021-22069 Filed 10-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-19-P


[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 15, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78355-78357]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25141]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0456; FRL-11424-01-OCSPP]

Proposed Revisions to the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation
Program (NLLAP); Notice of Availability and Request for Comment

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the
availability of and soliciting comment on proposed revisions to EPA's
document titled ``Laboratory Quality System Requirements (LQSR)
Revision 3.0'' dated November 5, 2007, under the National Lead
Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). Proposed revisions reflected
in the draft document titled, ``Laboratory Quality Standards for
Recognition'' (LQSR 4.0),'' are intended to update and streamline the
guidance by referencing existing laboratory standards already in
practice by NLLAP participating laboratories and directly related to
laboratory lead analysis, and to update the test and sampling method
standards to better complement EPA's lead-based paint program
activities.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 15, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0456, through the Federal eRulemaking
Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions
for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information
you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Additional
instructions on commenting and visiting the docket, along with more
information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    For technical information contact: Scott Drewes, Existing Chemicals
Risk Management Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200

Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(202) 564-8833; email address: [email protected].
    For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill,
422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202)
554-1404; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you perform or
may perform testing under the Agency's regulations regarding lead or
otherwise interact with such testing programs. Specifically, entities
potentially affected by these revisions are Fixed-Site, Mobile, and
Field Sampling and Measurement Organizations (FSMOs) that perform lead
testing. Analytical testing laboratories currently recognized by the
NLLAP, and accreditation organizations that currently administer the
NLLAP or other organizations that might seek a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Agency to become an accreditation
organization could be affected by today's revisions. In addition,
certified inspectors, certified risk assessors, developers,
manufacturers, distributors of equipment and supplies used by FSMOs
testing lead might also be affected by these revisions; and EPA-
authorized state and tribal lead-based paint training and certification
programs may also be affected by these revisions.
    Other entities potentially affected by changes to the NLLAP for
lead testing are the owners and managers of target housing and child-
occupied facilities, as well as realtors, lessees, and residents, who
ultimately pay for the testing services and stand to benefit by
obtaining lead test results quicker.
    Since other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not
attempted to describe all of the specific entities that may be affected
by this notice. If you have any questions regarding the applicability
of this notice to a particular entity, consult the technical person
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. Reasonable Availability to the Public

    You may access the International Organization for Standardization
and International Electrochemical Commission (ISO/IEC) Standard 17025:
2017 (E) ``General requirements for the competence of testing and
calibration laboratories.'' through the ANSI IBR reading room at
https://ibr/ansi.org as well as the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) standard E1583-17 ``Standard Practice for Evaluating
Laboratories Engaged in Determination of Lead in Paint, Dust, Airborne
Particulates, and Soil Taken from and Around Buildings and Related
Structures'' at https://astm-y.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/mpezzella_astm_org/EVDPKoFENotKmA_Cx20yyZoB8A2L-Uh8ou1nfIEGZoHfgA?rtime=sxRRGVaB20g. These standards were incorporated
into the LQSR 4.0 and referenced in this document.

C. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?

1. Submitting CBI
    Do not submit CBI to EPA through https://www.regulations.gov or
email. If you wish to include CBI in your comment, please follow the
applicable instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets#rules and clearly mark the part or all of the information that
you claim to be CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment
that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that
does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for
inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be
disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part
2.
2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments
    When preparing and submitting your comments, see the commenting
tips at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html.

II. Background

    EPA is identified by Congress as the federal agency responsible for
establishing an accreditation program for laboratories participating in
the analysis of lead in paint, soil and dust samples as a part of a
national residential lead-based paint abatement and control program. In
response to this federal mandate, the Office of Pollution Prevention
and Toxics (OPPT) established the NLLAP which recognizes laboratories
which have demonstrated the ability to accurately analyze for lead in
paint, dust and soil samples. EPA also publishes the LQSR which sets
the minimum lab standards under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
section 405(b) for laboratory analysis of lead in paint films, soil and
dust.
    There are two basic components to the NLLAP. The first component is
a laboratory proficiency testing program (the Environmental Laboratory
Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) Program) administered by the
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) in conjunction with
EPA's NLLAP. AIHA sends out ELPAT proficiency testing samples on a
quarterly basis (four test rounds per year). AIHA assimilates the test
results for each test round and evaluates the laboratories performance
on a statistical basis. The second component of the NLLAP is a systems
audit to be conducted by a laboratory accrediting organization
recognized by EPA. EPA currently recognizes the organizations as
accrediting organizations through a memorandum of agreement (https://www.epa.gov/lead/national-lead-laboratory-accreditation-program-nllap).
Once a laboratory successfully meets the requirements of the ELPAT
Program and passes an NLLAP system audit, the laboratory is recognized
by EPA under the NLLAP.
    In 1993, EPA issued its first version of the LQSR, which outlined
minimum requirements for NLLAP recognized laboratories. An organization
requesting NLLAP recognition shall be a laboratory capable of
performing sampling and/or lead testing. A laboratory shall have
distinct staffing, instrumentation, sampling and test methods, as
appropriate, and depending upon the type, a laboratory may have
multiple physical facilities and may use field test kits. Currently, an
organization must meet the requirements listed in the third version of
the LSQR, also referred to as LQSR 3.0, to attain recognition under the
NLLAP as a lead-testing laboratory. The last revision of the LQSR was
published in 2007 and EPA is now proposing to revise and rename it to
``Laboratory Quality Standards for Recognition'' (LQSR 4.0).

III. Proposed Revisions

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)
requires federal agencies to use technical standards already developed
or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies if compliance would
not be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impracticable. The
current LQSR guidance (LQSR 3.0), refers to a now outdated 2005 version
of a laboratory quality standard, ISO/IEC Standard 17025: 2005 (E)
``General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories''. In addition, there are other laboratory standards in
LQSR 3.0 that are already in practice by NLLAP participating
laboratories and directly related to laboratory lead analysis, making
parts of the elements in LQSR 3.0 duplicative. Therefore, EPA is
proposing to

streamline the LQSR by conforming and referencing the updated ISO
17025: 2017 (E) and ASTM E1583-17. OPPT has reviewed the updated
laboratory standards and identified any gaps or areas where additional
clarification or criteria are needed between ISO 17025: 2017 and ASTM
E1583-17 and the proposed LQSR 4.0. These additional clarifications or
criteria are included throughout the proposed draft.
    EPA is also proposing updates in LQSR 4.0 which are needed to
support EPA's implementation of EPA's lead-based paint program,
specifically the activities under 40 CFR part 745 which are being
reconsidered in a separate action titled, ``Reconsideration of the
Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance
Levels'' (88 FR 50444, August 1, 2023) (FRL-8524-01-OCSPP). For
example, EPA is proposing in this action to clarify that the laboratory
must demonstrate that the test and/or sampling methods used can achieve
a quantitation limit equal to or less than 50% of the lowest action
level for dust wipe samples for the relevant surface area (e.g.,
windowsills, floors). EPA is requesting comment on the impact of the
proposed revision as it relates to laboratory capabilities to meet the
proposed lower regulatory limits. Learn more about EPA's efforts to
lower the dust-lead hazard standards and post-abatement dust-lead
clearance levels under TSCA sections 402 and 403: https://www.epa.gov/lead/hazard-standards-and-clearance-levels-lead-paint-dust-and-soil-tsca-sections-402-and-403.
    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.

    Dated: November 8, 2023.
Denise Keehner,
Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.
[FR Doc. 2023-25141 Filed 11-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P