[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 29, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29125-29126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13419]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6983-9]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under EPA's 
Natural Gas STAR Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit the 
following continuing Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB): Reporting and Recordkeeping 
Requirements Under EPA's Natural Gas STAR Program, EPA ICR Number 
1736.02, OMB Control Number 2060-0328, expiring on 9/30/2001. Before 
submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting 
comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as 
described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 1, 2001.

[[Page 29126]]


ADDRESSES: 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., MC 6202J, Washington, DC 20460. 
Interested persons may obtain a copy of the ICR without charge by 
writing to the above address or downloading it off the Internet at 
http://www.epa.gov/icr and refer to EPA ICR No. 1736.02.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gunning at EPA's Natural Gas STAR 
Program by phone at (202) 564-9736, by email at [email protected], 
or by fax at (202) 565-2254.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
those which produce, process, transport, and distribute natural gas.
    Title: ``Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under EPA's 
Natural Gas STAR Program'', EPA ICR Number 1736.02, OMB Control Number 
2060-0328, expiring on 9/30/2001.
    Abstract: Natural Gas STAR is an EPA-sponsored, voluntary program 
that encourages natural gas companies to adopt cost effective methods 
for reducing methane emissions. Natural Gas STAR Partners agree to 
implement cost-effective Best Management Practices, which will save 
participants money and improve environmental quality. EPA needs to 
collect information to establish program participation and to obtain 
general information on new Natural Gas STAR Partners. EPA also uses the 
information collection to evaluate a Partner's progress and 
performance, assess overall program results, and develop technical 
guidance documents for the benefit of the industry. Information 
collection is accomplished through the use of an annual reporting 
process that allows companies to report their accomplishments in either 
a traditional hard-copy format or electronically. Participation in 
Natural Gas STAR is voluntary. Natural Gas STAR Partners may designate 
information submitted under this ICR as confidential business 
information. EPA will treat all such information as confidential 
business information and will not make the company or agency-specific 
information collected under this ICR available to the general public. 
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.
    The EPA would like to solicit comments to:
    (i) Evaluate 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;
    (ii) Evaluate 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;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through 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.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 47 
hours per facility. 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.
    Respondents/Affected Entities: 90.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 90.
    Frequency of Response: varies.
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 4,230 hours.
    Estimated Total Annualized Cost Burden: $310,002.

    Dated: May 11, 2001.
Kathleen Hogan,
Director, Climate Protection Partnership Division.
[FR Doc. 01-13419 Filed 5-25-01; 8:45 am]
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