[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 83 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23274-23275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-9309]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment Standards Administration


Proposed Extension of the Approval of Information Collection 
Requirements

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Employment Standards Administration is soliciting 
comments concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the 
information collection: Miner's Claim for Benefits Under the Black Lung 
Benefits Act (CM-911), and Employment History (CM-911a). A copy of the 
proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting 
the office listed below in the addresses section of this Notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addresses section below on or before June 30, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Mr. Steven M. Andoseh, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone 
(202) 693-0373, fax (202) 693-1451, E-mail [email protected]. 
Please use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or 
E-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Title IV of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 as 
amended by the Black Lung Benefits Reform Act of 1977 and subsequent 
amendments, 30

[[Page 23275]]

U.S.C. 901 et seq., provides for the payment of benefits to a coal 
miner who is totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis (black lung 
disease) and to certain survivors of the miner who died due to 
pneumoconiosis.
    A miner who applies for black lung benefits must complete the CM-
911 (application form). The completed form gives basic identifying 
information about the applicant and is the beginning of the development 
of the black lung claim. The applicant must complete a CM-911a at the 
same time the black lung application form is submitted. This form when 
completed is formatted to render a complete history of employment and 
helps to establish if the miner currently or formerly worked in the 
nation's coal mines. The person filing for benefits must have worked in 
the nation's coal mines or be a survivor of a coal miner as described 
under Title IV of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as 
amended, in order for benefits to be pursued. This information 
collection is currently approved for use through September 30, 2008.

II. Review Focus

    The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments 
which:
     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;
     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;
     Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
     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 submissions of responses.

III. Current Actions

    The Department of Labor seeks the approval for the extension of 
this currently approved information collection in order to carry out 
its responsibility to determine eligibility for black lung benefits.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection of 
information.
    Agency: Employment Standards Administration.
    Titles: Miner's Claim for Benefits Under the Black Lung Benefits 
Act; Employment History.
    OMB Number: 1215-0052.
    Agency Numbers: CM-911; CM-911a.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Average Time per Responses: 42 minutes.
    Total Respondents: 7,500.
    Total Annual Responses: 7,500.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 5,250.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $1,449.00.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: April 24, 2008.
Steve Andoseh,
Acting Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, 
Division of Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration 
and Planning, Employment Standards Administration.
 [FR Doc. E8-9309 Filed 4-28-08; 8:45 am]
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