[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 73 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 19166]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7233]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

 April 12, 2007.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) whether the 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 burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to 
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 should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or 
fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these 
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if 
received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the 
submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8681.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Rural Utilities Service

    Title: Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794).
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0117.
    Summary of Collection: In December 1998, the Rural Utilities 
Service (RUS) published its revised Environmental Policies and 
Procedures and in 2003 revisions were made to clarify policy on certain 
environmental review processes. The rule promulgated environmental 
regulations that cover all RUS Federal actions taken by RUS' electric, 
telecommunications, water and environmental programs. The regulation 
was necessary to ensure continued RUS compliance with the Council on 
Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural 
Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 
parts 1500-1508), and certain related Federal environmental laws, 
statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders. RUS electric, 
telecommunications, water and environmental program borrowers provide 
environmental documentation to assure that policy contained in NEPA is 
followed.
    Need and Use of the Information: RUS will collect information to 
evaluate the cost and feasibility of the proposed project and the 
environmental impact. If the information is collected, the agency would 
not be in compliance with NEPA and CEQ regulations.
    Description of Respondents: Non-for-profit institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1,339.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 486,440.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
 [FR Doc. E7-7233 Filed 4-16-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P