[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 47 (Monday, March 11, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10912-10913]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-5740]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-7156-2]


Agency Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment 
Request; Investigations into Possible Noncompliance of Motor Vehicles

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): Investigations into Possible 
Noncompliance of Motor Vehicles; EPA ICR Number 222.06; OMB Number 
2060-0086 expiring June 30, 2002. 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 May 10, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons may obtain copy of the ICR without charge 
from: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Certification and 
Compliance Division; ATTN: Richard W. Nash, 2000 Traverwood Dr, Ann 
Arbor MI 48105.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard W. Nash, 2000 Traverwood Dr, 
Ann Arbor, MI 48105. (734) 214-4412; [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
owners/lessees of motor vehicles.
    Title: Investigations into Possible Noncompliance of Motor 
Vehicles; EPA ICR Number 222.06; OMB Number 2060-0086 expiring June 30, 
2002.
    Abstract: As part of an integrated compliance program, EPA 
occasionally needs to evaluate the emission performance of in-use motor 
vehicles. In order to perform this function, EPA must solicit certain 
information from the vehicle owner/lessee. Participation in the 
information survey, as well as the vehicle evaluation, is strictly 
voluntary. Typically, a group of 25 potential participants is 
identified. They are asked to return a postcard indicating their 
willingness to participate and if so, to verify some limited vehicle 
information. They are also asked when it would be suitable to contact 
them. Those willing to participate are called and asked about a half 
dozen questions concerning vehicle condition and maintenance. Depending 
on owner/lessee response, additional groups of potential participants 
may be contacted until a sufficient number of vehicles has been 
obtained.
    Information collected is used to assure that vehicles procured meet 
certain criteria. For example, since a manufacturer's responsibility to 
recall passenger cars is limited to 10 years of age or 100,000 miles of 
use, vehicles tested to establish potential recall liability must also 
meet those criteria. Other testing programs and vehicle types have 
different criteria. All information is publicly available.
    The previous description generally describes how EPA obtains 
information on in-use passenger cars and light trucks from individual 
owners and lessees. Heavy duty trucks, those commonly referred to as 
over ``\3/4\ ton'' capacity, are usually employed commercially; 
typically they are part of a ``fleet'' of identical (or very similar) 
vehicles. Consequently, EPA employs a slightly different method to 
obtain them. Potential owners/lessees can be found in registrations 
lists; engine manufacturers will also supply identities of their 
customers. Occasionally, a fleet operator will contact EPA and 
volunteer to participate. Once potential sources are identified, EPA 
will make a brief telephone call to the fleet managers to ascertain if 
they wish to participate. If the response is positive, EPA will visit 
the fleet to inspect vehicles and review maintenance records. (Fleets 
typically keep very good records on each vehicle; EPA can quickly 
determine if a particular unit is acceptable.) A single fleet can 
supply multiple vehicles and, typically, is quite willing to 
participate. Therefore, EPA makes far fewer inquiries than with 
individual owners of light vehicles. Based on comments, EPA may decide 
to address light and heavy duty vehicles separately.
    EPA uses several techniques in selecting the class or category of 
motor vehicles to be evaluated. First, if based on other information 
(e.g., defect reports, service bulletins) there is a suspicion that a 
problem exists; EPA may target a particular group. Second, groups with 
a large number of vehicles have potential for significant air quality 
effects; they may be selected for that reason. New emission control 
technology without a proven history is another factor in making 
selections. Finally, some vehicle classes are selected on a random 
basis.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information

[[Page 10913]]

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: EPA estimates that approximately 1800 will be 
contacted, on average they will spend approximately 20 minutes each 
responding for a total burden of approximately 600 hours. The average 
reflects those who decline to participate (who will spend a short time 
reading the solicitation letter and discard it) as well as those who 
participate and will be asked a few additional questions about vehicle 
condition and maintenance. This collection is entirely voluntary, there 
are no recordkeeping requirements. 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.

    Dated: March 4, 2002
Robert Brenner,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 02-5740 Filed 3-8-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-M