[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 115 (Friday, June 13, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33801-33802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13330]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 10, 2008.
    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, Pub. L. 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.

[[Page 33802]]

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Renewal Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0050.
    Summary of Collection: This program is authorized under the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Act) that established the 
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program 
under title IX, Section 9006. The Act requires the Secretary of 
Agriculture to create a program to make direct loans, loan guarantees, 
and grants to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to purchase 
renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The 
program is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small 
businesses reduce energy cost and consumption, develop new income 
streams, and help meet the nation's critical energy needs. The Act also 
mandates the maximum percentage the Rural Business-Cooperative Service 
(RBS) will provide in funding for these types of projects. Applicants 
wishing to apply for the grant or guaranteed loans will have to submit 
applications along with specified documents to the State Rural Energy 
Coordinator.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS will use the collected 
information to determine applicant eligibility, to determine project 
eligibility and feasibility, ensure compliance with applicable 
regulations, and to ensure that grantees/borrowers operate on a sound 
basis and use funds for authorized purposes. Without this collection of 
information RBS would be unable to meet the requirements of the Act and 
effectively administer the program.
    This notice reflects an increase in figures to encompass the 
projected increase in applicants due to additional funding and public 
interest in the program that was not accounted for in the Federal 
Register notice published on January 9, 2008.
    Description of Respondents: Farmers, ranchers, and business or 
other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1,507.
    Frequency of Responses: Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 77,412.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-13330 Filed 6-12-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P