[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 26, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77407-77408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-9843]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Geological Survey


Inventory of Geological and Geophysical Collections at State 
Surveys

AGENCY: U.S. Geological Survey.

ACTION: Request for Public Comments on Proposed Information Collection 
Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act.

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

SUMMARY: The proposal to initiate the collection of information 
described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and 
Budget for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of the proposed collection of 
information and related forms may be obtained by contacting the 
Bureau's Clearance Officer at the phone number listed below. OMB has up 
to 60 days to approve the information collection, but may respond after 
30 days; therefore public comments should be submitted to OMB within 30 
days in order to assure maximum consideration. Comments and suggestions 
on the proposal should be made directly to the Desk Officer for the 
Interior Department, OMB-OIRA, via e-mail to [email protected] or 
via facsimile to (202) 395-6566, and to the Bureau Clearance Officer, 
U.S. Geological Survey, 807 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley 
Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192.
    Specific public comments are requested as to:
    1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the Bureau, including whether 
the information will have practical utility;
    2. The accuracy of the Bureau's estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions use;
    3. The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and
    4. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of the appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information 
technology.
    Title: Inventory of Geological and Geophysical Collections at State 
Surveys.
    OMB approval number: 1028-.
    Abstract: Section 351 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 directs the 
Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the U.S. Geological 
Survey, ``to carry out a National Geological and Geophysical data 
Preservation Program'' (NGGDPP). The Implementation Plan for the 
National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program submitted 
to Congress in August 2006 outlines the vision and purpose of the 
program and makes recommendations for implementation of the program. 
One of the action items in the FY 2007 implementation plan is to 
``begin interactions with State geological surveys and other DOI 
agencies that

[[Page 77408]]

maintain geological and geophysical data and samples to address their 
preservation and data rescue needs.'' As the first step in this 
process, the USGS is requesting that each state provide an assessment 
of their current collections resources and data preservation needs. 
This information will provide a snapshot of the diversity of scientific 
collections held, supported, or used by state geological surveys.
    The inventory covers geological and geophysical collections 
including:
    (1) Physical collections such as cores, rocks, minerals, fossils, 
and liquid samples (such as oil).
    (2) Digital collections (such as analyses and well logs) that are/
were related to physical collections.
    (3) Paper and other records (such as microfiche and tapes) that 
need to be converted to digital format (such as seismic lines and 
historical geological records).
    Bureau Form Number: None.
    Frequency: One time.
    Description of Respondents: State Geological Surveys.
    Annual Responses: 50.
    Annual Burden in Hours: 150.
    Bureau Clearance Officer: Fred Travnicek, 703-648-7231.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tamara Dickinson, U.S. Geological 
Survey, MS911 National Center, Reston, Virginia 20192, (703) 648-6633.

P. Patrick Leahy,
Associate Director for Geology, U.S. Geological Surveys.
[FR Doc. 06-9843 Filed 12-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4311-AM-M