[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 159 (Friday, August 15, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47969-47980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18963]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

[Docket No. MMS-2008-MRM-0031]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Notice of an extension of a currently approved information 
collection (OMB Control Number 1010-0136).

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

SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we 
are inviting comments on a collection of information that we will 
submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and 
approval. This information collection request (ICR) pertains to 
valuation of oil and gas produced from Federal onshore and offshore 
leases. We changed the title of this ICR to meet OMB requirements and 
to reflect the consolidation of two ICRs relating to Federal oil and 
gas valuation. The new title of this ICR is ``30 CFR Parts 202, 204, 
and 206, Federal Oil and Gas Valuation.'' In this extension, we are 
consolidating the following ICRs, which allows programwide review of 
Federal oil and gas leases:
     1010-0136, previously titled ``30 CFR Part 202--Royalties, 
Subpart C--Federal and Indian Oil and Subpart D--Federal Gas; and Part 
206--Product Valuation, Subpart C--Federal Oil and Subpart D--Federal 
Gas;'' and
     1010-0155, previously titled ``30 CFR Part 204--
Alternatives for Marginal Properties, Subpart C--Accounting and 
Auditing Relief.''

DATES: Submit written comments on or before October 14, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by the following methods:
     Electronically go to http://www.regulations.gov. In the 
``Comment or Submission'' column, enter ``MMS-2008-MRM-0031'' to view 
supporting and related materials for this ICR. Click on ``Send a 
comment or submission'' link to submit public comments. Information on 
using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, 
submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the 
comment period, is available through the site's ``User Tips'' link. All 
comments submitted will be posted to the docket.
     Mail comments to Hyla Hurst, Regulatory Specialist, 
Minerals Management Service, Minerals Revenue Management, P.O. Box 
25165, MS 302B2, Denver, Colorado 80225. Please reference ICR 1010-0136 
in your comments.
     Hand-carry comments or use an overnight courier service. 
Our courier address is Building 85, Room A-614, Denver Federal Center, 
West 6th Ave. and Kipling Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80225. Please 
reference ICR 1010-0136 in your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hyla Hurst, telephone (303) 231-3495, 
or e-mail [email protected]. You may also contact Hyla Hurst to obtain 
copies, at no cost, of (1) the ICR, (2) any associated forms, and (3) 
the regulations that require the subject collection of information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: 30 CFR Parts 202, 204, and 206, Federal Oil and Gas 
Valuation.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0136.
    Bureau Form Number: Form MMS-4393.
    Abstract: The Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior is 
responsible for mineral resource development on Federal and Indian 
lands and the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Under the Mineral Leasing 
Act (30 U.S.C. 1923), the Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982 (25 
U.S.C. 2103), and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 
1353), the Secretary is responsible for managing the production of 
minerals from Federal and Indian lands and the OCS, collecting 
royalties and other mineral revenues from lessees who produce minerals, 
and distributing the funds collected in accordance with applicable 
laws. The MMS performs the mineral revenue management functions for the 
Secretary. Applicable public laws pertaining to mineral leases on 
Federal and Indian lands are located at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/PublicLawsAMR.htm.

General Information

    When a company or an individual enters into a lease to explore, 
develop, produce, and dispose of minerals from Federal or Indian lands, 
that company or individual agrees to pay the lessor a share in an 
amount or value of production from the leased lands. The lessee is 
required to report various kinds of information to the lessor relative 
to the disposition of the leased minerals. Such information is 
generally available within the records of the lessee or others involved 
in developing, transporting, processing, purchasing, or selling of such 
minerals.
    We use the information collected in this ICR to ensure that royalty 
is accurately valued and appropriately paid on oil and gas produced 
from

[[Page 47970]]

Federal onshore and offshore leases. Please refer to the chart for all 
reporting requirements and associated burden hours. All data submitted 
is subject to subsequent audit and adjustment.

Valuation Regulations

    The valuation regulations at 30 CFR part 206, subparts C and D, 
require companies to collect and/or submit information used to value 
their Federal oil and gas, including transportation and processing 
allowance limit information. This is accomplished on Form MMS-2014, 
Report of Sales and Royalty Remittance (OMB Control Number 1010-0140, 
expires November 30, 2009). The information requested is the minimum 
necessary to carry out our mission and places the least possible burden 
on respondents. If the information is not collected, a loss of 
royalties may result for both Federal and state governments.

Transportation and Processing Regulatory Allowance Limits

    The reasonable, actual costs of transportation and processing may 
be deducted from Federal royalties.

Regulatory Allowance Limit for Transportation

    Under certain circumstances, lessees are authorized to deduct from 
royalty payments the reasonable, actual costs of transporting the 
royalty portion of produced oil and gas from the lease to a processing 
or sales point not in the immediate lease area. For oil and gas, 
regulations establish the allowable limit on transportation allowance 
deductions at 50 percent of the value of the oil or gas at the point of 
sale.

Regulatory Allowance Limit for Processing

    When gas is processed for the recovery of gas plant products, 
lessees may claim a processing allowance. Regulations establish the 
allowable limit on processing allowance deductions at 66\2/3\ percent 
of the value of each gas plant product.

Request to Exceed Regulatory Allowance Limitation, Form MMS-4393

    Lessees may request to exceed regulatory limitations. Upon proper 
application from the lessee, we may approve an oil or gas 
transportation allowance in excess of 50 percent or a gas processing 
allowance in excess of 66\2/3\ percent on Federal leases. To request 
permission to exceed a regulatory allowance limit, lessees must submit 
a letter to MMS explaining why a higher allowance limit is necessary 
and provide supporting documentation, including a completed Form MMS-
4393. This form provides us with the data necessary to identify the 
properties and time periods for which the lessee is requesting to 
exceed the regulatory limits.

Accounting and Auditing Relief for Marginal Properties

    We amended our regulations in 2004 to provide guidance to lessees 
and designees seeking accounting and auditing relief for Federal 
marginal properties. There are two types of relief: (1) cumulative 
royalty reports and payments relief; and (2) other relief. Under 30 CFR 
204.202, MMS requires notification from lessees who request to take the 
cumulative royalty reporting and payment relief option. Under 30 CFR 
204.203, MMS requires a relief request from lessees who want to obtain 
any other type of accounting and auditing relief.
    A state may decide in advance if it will allow either or both 
relief options for each particular year. After consulting with the 
state concerned, we will approve, deny, or modify requests in writing. 
Under the regulations, both MMS and the state concerned must approve 
any accounting and auditing relief granted for a marginal property.

OMB Approval

    We are requesting OMB approval to continue to collect this 
information. Not collecting this information would limit the 
Secretary's ability to discharge his/her duties and may also result in 
loss of royalty payments. Proprietary information submitted to MMS 
under this collection is protected, and no items of a sensitive nature 
are included in this information collection.
    For information collections relating to valuation requirements, 
responses are mandatory. For the remaining information collections in 
this ICR, responses are voluntary; only those lessees who request 
approval to exceed the regulatory limits on transportation and 
processing allowances or to obtain the benefits of accounting and 
auditing relief for marginal properties must supply this information.
    Frequency of Response: Annually and on occasion.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: 102 Federal 
lessees/designees and 4 states.
    Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Hour'' Burden: 
21,055 hours.
    We have not included in our estimates certain requirements 
performed in the normal course of business and considered usual and 
customary. The following chart shows the estimated burden hours by CFR 
section and paragraph:

                                   Respondents' Estimated Annual Burden Hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Average number
 Citation 30 CFR 202 and 206      Reporting and recordkeeping       Hour burden      of annual     Annual burden
                                          requirement                                responses         hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              PART 202S--ROYALTIES
                                        Subpart C--Federal and Indian Oil
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Sec.   202.101 Standards for reporting and paying royalties.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
202.101......................  202.101 Oil volumes are to be      Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                reported in barrels of clean oil  0140 (expires 11/30/2009).
                                of 42 standard U.S. gallons (231
                                cubic inches each) at 60 [deg]F,
                                * * *.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Subpart D--Federal Gas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Sec.   202.152 Standards for reporting and paying royalties on gas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
202.152(a) and (b)...........  202.152(a)(1) If you are           Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                responsible for reporting         0140.
                                production or royalties you
                                must:

[[Page 47971]]

 
                               (i) Report gas volumes and
                                British thermal unit (Btu)
                                heating values, if applicable,
                                under the same degree of water
                                saturation;
                               (ii) Report gas volumes in units
                                of 1,000 cubic feet (mcf); and
                               (iii) Report gas volumes and Btu
                                heating value at a standard
                                pressure base of 14.73 pounds
                                per square inch absolute (psia)
                                and a standard temperature base
                                of 60 [deg]F. * * *
                               (b) Residue gas and gas plant
                                product volumes shall be
                                reported as specified in this
                                paragraph. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 PART 204--ALTERNATIVES FOR MARGINAL PROPERTIES
                                    Subpart C--Accounting and Auditing Relief
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Sec.   204.202 What is the cumulative royalty reports and payments relief option?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.202(b)(1)................  204.202(b) To use the cumulative               40               1              40
                                royalty reports and payments
                                relief option, you must do all
                                of the following:
                               (1) Notify MMS in writing by
                                January 31 of the calendar year
                                for which you begin taking your
                                relief. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
204.202(b)(2)................  204.202(b)(2) Submit your royalty  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                report and payment * * *by the    0140.
                                end of February of the year
                                following the calendar year for
                                which you reported annually. * *
                                * If you have an estimated
                                payment on file, you must submit
                                your royalty report and payment
                                by the end of March of the year
                                following the calendar year for
                                which you reported annually;
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (3) Use the sales month prior to
                                the month that you submit your
                                annual report and payment * * *
                                for the entire previous calendar
                                year's production for which you
                                are paying annually. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
204.202(b)(4), (b)(5), (c),    204.202(b) To use the cumulative   Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
 (d)(1), (d)(2), (e)(1), and    royalty reports and payments      0140.
 (e)(2).                        relief option, you must * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (4) Report one line of cumulative
                                royalty information on Form MMS-
                                2014 for the calendar year * * *
                                and
                               (5) Report allowances on Form MMS-
                                2014 on the same annual basis as
                                the royalties for your marginal
                                property production.
                               (c) If you do not pay your
                                royalty by the date due in
                                paragraph (b) of this section,
                                you will owe late payment
                                interest * * * from the date
                                your payment was due under this
                                section until the date MMS
                                receives it. * * *
                               (e) If you dispose of your
                                ownership interest in a marginal
                                property for which you have
                                taken relief * * * you must:
                               (1) Report and pay royalties for
                                the portion of the calendar year
                                for which you had an ownership
                                interest; and
                               (2) Make the report and payment
                                by the end of the month after
                                you dispose of the ownership
                                interest in the marginal
                                property. If you do not report
                                and pay timely, you will owe
                                interest * * * from the date the
                                payment was due. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Sec.   204.203 What is the other relief option?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.203(b)...................  204.203(b) You must request                   200               1             200
                                approval from MMS * * * before
                                taking relief under this option.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Sec.   204.205 How do I obtain accounting and auditing relief?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.205(a) and (b)...........  204.205(a) To take cumulative      Burden covered under Sec.   204.203(b).
                                reports and payments relief
                                under Sec.   204.202, you must
                                notify MMS in writing by January
                                31 of the calendar year for
                                which you begin taking your
                                relief. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------

[[Page 47972]]

 
                               (b) To obtain other relief under
                                Sec.   204.203, you must file a
                                written request for relief with
                                MMS. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Sec.   204.206 What will MMS do when it receives my request for other relief?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.206(a)(3)(i) and (b)(1)..  204.206 When MMS receives your     Burden covered under Sec.   204.203(b).
                                request for other relief under
                                Sec.   204.205(b), it will
                                notify you in writing as
                                follows:
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (a) If your request for relief is
                                complete, MMS may either
                                approve, deny, or modify your
                                request in writing after
                                consultation with any State. * *
                                *
                               (3) If MMS modifies your relief
                                request, MMS will notify you of
                                the modifications.
                               (i) You have 60 days from your
                                receipt of MMS's notice to
                                either accept or reject any
                                modification(s) in writing. * *
                                *
                               (b) If your request for relief is
                                not complete, MMS will notify
                                you in writing. * * *
                               (1) You must submit the missing
                                information within 60 days of
                                your receipt of MMS's notice. *
                                * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Sec.   204.208 May a State decide that it will or will not allow one or both of the relief options under this
                                                    subpart?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.208(c)(1) and (d)(1).....  204.208(c) If a State decides * *              40               4             160
                                * that it will or will not allow
                                one or both of the relief
                                options * * * within 30 days * *
                                * the State must:
                               (1) Notify the Associate Director
                                for Minerals Revenue Management,
                                MMS, in writing, of its intent
                                to allow or not allow one or
                                both of the relief options. * *
                                *
                               (d) If a State decides in advance
                                * * * that it will not allow one
                                or both of the relief options *
                                * * the State must:
                               (1) Notify the Associate Director
                                for Minerals Revenue Management,
                                MMS, in writing, of its intent
                                to allow one or both of the
                                relief options. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Sec.   204.209 What if a property ceases to qualify for relief obtained under this subpart?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.209(b)...................  204.209(b) If a property is no                  6               1               6
                                longer eligible for relief * * *
                                the relief for the property
                                terminates as of December 31 of
                                that calendar year. You must
                                notify MMS in writing by
                                December 31 that the relief for
                                the property has terminated. * *
                                *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Sec.   204.210 What if a property is approved as part of a nonqualifying agreement?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.210(c) and (d)...........  204.210(c) * * * the volumes on    Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                which you report and pay royalty  0140.
                                * * * must be amended to reflect
                                all volumes produced on or
                                allocated to your lease under
                                the nonqualifying agreement as
                                modified by BLM. * * * Report
                                and pay royalties for your
                                production using the procedures
                                in Sec.   204.202(b).
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (d) If you owe additional
                                royalties based on the
                                retroactive agreement approval
                                and do not pay your royalty by
                                the date due in Sec.
                                204.202(b), you will owe late
                                payment interest determined
                                under 30 CFR 218.54 from the
                                date your payment was due under
                                Sec.   204.202(b)(2) until the
                                date MMS receives it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Sec.   204.214(b) Is minimum royalty due on a property for which I took relief?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204.214(b)(1) and (b)(2).....  204.214(b) If you pay minimum      Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                royalty on production from a      0140.
                                marginal property during a
                                calendar year for which you are
                                taking cumulative royalty
                                reports and payment relief, and:
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (1) The annual payment you owe
                                under this subpart is greater
                                than the minimum royalty you
                                paid, you must pay the
                                difference between the minimum
                                royalty you paid and your annual
                                payment due under this subpart;
                                or

[[Page 47973]]

 
                               (2) The annual payment you owe
                                under this subpart is less than
                                the minimum royalty you paid,
                                you are not entitled to a credit
                                because you must pay at least
                                the minimum royalty amount on
                                your lease each year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           PART 206--PRODUCT VALUATION
                                             Subpart C--Federal Oil
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Sec.   206.102 How do I calculate royalty value for oil that I or my affiliate sell(s) under an arm's-length
                                                    contract?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.102(e)(1)................  206.102(e) If you value oil under  AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                paragraph (a) of this section:
                                (1) MMS may require you to
                                certify that your or your
                                affiliate's arm's-length
                                contract provisions include all
                                of the consideration the buyer
                                must pay, either directly or
                                indirectly, for the oil.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Sec.   206.103 How do I value oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.103(a)...................  206.103 This section explains how              45               5             225
                                to value oil that you may not
                                value under Sec.   206.102 or
                                that elect under Sec.
                                206.102(d) to value under this
                                section. First determine whether
                                paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of
                                this section applies to
                                production from your lease, or
                                whether you may apply paragraph
                                (d) or (e) with MMS approval.
                               (a) Production from leases in
                                California or Alaska. Value is
                                the average of the daily mean
                                ANS spot prices published in any
                                MMS-approved publication during
                                the trading month most
                                concurrent with the production
                                month. * * *
                               (1) To calculate the daily mean
                                spot price. * * *
                               (2) Use only the days. * * *
                               (3) You must adjust the value. *
                                * *
206.103(a)(4)................  206.103(a)(4) After you select an               8               2              16
                                MMS-approved publication, you
                                may not select a different
                                publication more often than once
                                every 2 years, * * *.
206.103(b)(1)................  206.103(b) Production from leases             400               2             800
                                in the Rocky Mountain Region. *
                                * * (1) If you have an MMS-
                                approved tendering program, you
                                must value oil. * * *
206.103(b)(1)(ii)............  206.103(b)(1)(ii) If you do not               400               2             800
                                have an MMS-approved tendering
                                program, you may elect to value
                                your oil under either paragraph
                                (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this
                                section. * * *
206.103(b)(4)................  206.103(b)(4) If you demonstrate              400               2             800
                                to MMS's satisfaction that
                                paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3)
                                of this section result in an
                                unreasonable value for your
                                production as a result of
                                circumstances regarding that
                                production, the MMS Director may
                                establish an alternative
                                valuation method.
206.103(c)(1)................  206.103(c) Production from leases              50              10             500
                                not located in California,
                                Alaska or the Rocky Mountain
                                Region. (1) Value is the NYMEX
                                price, plus the roll, adjusted
                                for applicable location and
                                quality differentials and
                                transportation costs under Sec.
                                 206.112.
206.103(e)(1) and (2)........  206.103(e) Production delivered               330               2             660
                                to your refinery and the NYMEX
                                price or ANS spot price is an
                                unreasonable value.
                               (1) * * * you may apply to the
                                MMS Director to establish a
                                value representing the market at
                                the refinery if: * * *.
                               (2) You must provide adequate
                                documentation and evidence
                                demonstrating the market value
                                at the refinery. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Sec.   206.105 What records must I keep to support my calculations of value under this subpart?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.105......................  206.105 If you determine the       Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                value of your oil under this      0140.
                                subpart, you must retain all
                                data relevant to the
                                determination of royalty value.
                                * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 47974]]

 
                             Sec.   206.107 How do I request a value determination?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.107(a)...................  206.107(a) You may request a                  330               8           2,640
                                value determination from MMS. *
                                * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Sec.   206.109 When may I take a transportation allowance in determining value?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.109(c)(2)................  206.109(c) Limits on                            8               1               8
                                transportation allowances. (2)
                                You may ask MMS to approve a
                                transportation allowance in
                                excess of the limitation in
                                paragraph (c)(1) of this
                                section. * * * Your application
                                for exception (using Form MMS-
                                4393, Request to Exceed
                                Regulatory Allowance Limitation)
                                must contain all relevant and
                                supporting documentation
                                necessary for MMS to make a
                                determination. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Sec.   206.110 How do I determine a transportation allowance under an arm's-length transportation contract?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.110(a)...................  206.110(a) * * * You must be able  AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                to demonstrate that you or your
                                affiliate's contract is at arm's
                                length. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.110(d)(3)................  206.110(d) If your arm's-length               330               2             660
                                transportation contract includes
                                more than one liquid product,
                                and the transportation costs
                                attributable to each product
                                cannot be determined. * * *
                               (3) You may propose to MMS a cost
                                allocation method. * * *
206.110(e)...................  206.110(e) If your arm's-length               330               1             330
                                transportation contract includes
                                both gaseous and liquid
                                products, and the transportation
                                costs attributable to each
                                product cannot be determined
                                from the contract, then you must
                                propose an allocation procedure
                                to MMS.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.110(e)(1) and (2)........  206.110(e)(1) * * * If MMS         Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                rejects your cost allocation,     0140.
                                you must amend your Form MMS-
                                2014 * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (2) You must submit your initial
                                proposal, including all
                                available data, within 3 months
                                after first claiming the
                                allocated deductions on Form MMS-
                                2014.
206.110(g)(2)................  206.110(g) If your arm's-length               330               1             330
                                sales includes a provision
                                reducing the contract price by a
                                transportation factor, * * *
                               (2) You must obtain MMS approval
                                before claiming a transportation
                                factor in excess of 50 percent
                                of the base price of the
                                product.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Sec.   206.111 How do I determine a transportation allowance if I do not have an arm's-length transportation
                                        contract or arm's-length tariff?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.111(g)...................  206.111(g) To compute                         330               1             330
                                depreciation, you may elect to
                                use either * * * After you make
                                an election, you may not change
                                methods without MMS approval. *
                                * *
206.111(k)(2)................  206.111(k)(2) You may propose to              330               1             330
                                MMS a cost allocation method on
                                the basis of the values * * *
206.111(l)(1)................  206.111(l)(1) Where you transport             330               1             330
                                both gaseous and liquid products
                                through the same transportation
                                system, you must propose a cost
                                allocation procedure to MMS.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.111(l)(2)................  206.111(l)(2) * * * If MMS         Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                rejects your cost allocation,     0140.
                                you must amend your Form MMS-
                                2104 for the months that you
                                used the rejected method and pay
                                any additional royalty and
                                interest due.
206.111(l)(3)................  206.111(l)(3) You must submit      Burden covered under Sec.   206.111(l)(1).
                                your initial proposal, including
                                all available data, within 3
                                months after first claiming the
                                allocated deductions on Form MMS-
                                2014.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Sec.   206.112 What adjustments and transportation allowances apply when I value oil production from my lease
                                     using NYMEX prices or ANS spot prices?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.112(a)(1)(ii)............  206.112(a)(1)(ii) * * * under an              330               1             330
                                exchange agreement that is not
                                at arm's length, you must obtain
                                approval from MMS for a location
                                and quality differential. * * *

[[Page 47975]]

 
206.112(a)(1)(ii)............  206.112(a)(1)(ii) * * * If MMS                330               2             660
                                prescribes a different
                                differential, you must apply. *
                                * * You must pay any additional
                                royalties owed * * * plus the
                                late payment interest from the
                                original royalty due date, or
                                you may report a credit. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.112(a)(3) and (4)........  206.112(a)(3) If you transport or             330               4           1,320
                                exchange at arm's length (or
                                both transport and exchange) at
                                least 20 percent, but not all,
                                of your oil produced from the
                                lease to a market center,
                                determine the adjustment between
                                the lease and the market center
                                for the oil that is not
                                transported or exchanged (or
                                both transported and exchanged)
                                to or through a market center as
                                follows: * * *.
                               (4) If you transport or exchange
                                (or both transport and exchange)
                                less than 20 percent of your
                                crude oil produced from the
                                lease between the lease and a
                                market center, you must propose
                                to MMS an adjustment between the
                                lease and the market center for
                                the portion of the oil that you
                                do not transport or exchange (or
                                both transport and exchange) to
                                a market center. * * * If MMS
                                prescribes a different
                                adjustment. * * * You must pay
                                any additional royalties owed *
                                * * plus the late payment
                                interest from the original
                                royalty due date, or you may
                                report a credit. * * *
206.112(b)(3)................  206.112(b)(3) * * * you may                   330               4           1,320
                                propose an alternative
                                differential to MMS. * * * If
                                MMS prescribes a different
                                differential * * *. You must pay
                                any additional royalties owed *
                                * * plus the late payment
                                interest from the original
                                royalty due date, or you may
                                report a credit. * * *
206.112(c)(2)................  206.112(c)(2) * * * If quality                330               2             660
                                bank adjustments do not
                                incorporate or provide for
                                adjustments for sulfur content,
                                you may make sulfur adjustments,
                                based on the quality of the
                                representative crude oil at the
                                market center, of 5.0 cents per
                                one-tenth percent difference in
                                sulfur content, unless MMS
                                approves a higher adjustment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Sec.   206.114 What are my reporting requirements under an arm's-length transportation contract?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.114......................  206.114 You or your affiliate      Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                must use a separate entry on      0140.
                                Form MMS-2014 to notify MMS of
                                an allowance based on
                                transportation costs you or your
                                affiliate incur.
206.114......................  206.114 MMS may require you or     AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                your affiliate to submit arm's-
                                length transportation contracts,
                                production agreements, operating
                                agreements, and related
                                documents.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Sec.   206.115 What are my reporting requirements under a non-arm's-length transportation arrangement?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.115(a)...................  206.115(a) You or your affiliate   Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                must use a separate entry on      0140.
                                Form MMS-2014 to notify MMS of
                                an allowance based on
                                transportation costs you or your
                                affiliate incur.
206.115(c)...................  206.115(c) MMS may require you or  AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                your affiliate to submit all
                                data used to calculate the
                                allowance deduction. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Subpart D--Federal Gas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Sec.   206.152 Valuation standards-unprocessed gas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.152(b)(1)(i) and (iii)...  206.152(b)(1)(i) * * * The lessee  AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                shall have the burden of
                                demonstrating that its contract
                                is arm's-length. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (iii) * * * When MMS determines
                                that the value may be
                                unreasonable, MMS will notify
                                the lessee and give the lessee
                                an opportunity to provide
                                written information justifying
                                the lessee's value.
206.152(b)(2)................  206.152(b)(2) * * * The lessee                330               1             330
                                must request a value
                                determination in accordance with
                                paragraph (g) of this section
                                for gas sold pursuant to a
                                warranty contract; * * *.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------

[[Page 47976]]

 
206.152(b)(3)................  206.152(b)(3) MMS may require a    AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                lessee to certify that its arm's-
                                length contract provisions
                                include all of the consideration
                                to be paid by the buyer, either
                                directly or indirectly, for the
                                gas.
206.152(e)(1)................  206.152(e)(1) Where the value is   Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                determined pursuant to paragraph  0140.
                                (c) of this section, the lessee
                                shall retain all data relevant
                                to the determination of royalty
                                value. * * *
206.152(e)(2)................  206.152(e)(2) Any Federal lessee   AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                will make available upon request
                                to the authorized MMS or State
                                representatives, to the Office
                                of the Inspector General of the
                                Department of the Interior, or
                                other person authorized to
                                receive such information, arm's-
                                length sales and volume data for
                                like-quality production sold,
                                purchased or otherwise obtained
                                by the lessee from the field or
                                area or from nearby fields or
                                areas.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.152(e)(3)................  206.152(e)(3) A lessee shall                  330               2             660
                                notify MMS if it has determined
                                value pursuant to paragraph
                                (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this
                                section. * * *
206.152(g)...................  206.152(g) The lessee may request             330               6           1,980
                                a value determination from MMS.
                                * * * The lessee shall submit
                                all available data relevant to
                                its proposal. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Sec.   206.153 Valuation standards--processed gas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.153(b)(1)(i) and (iii)...  206.153(b)(1)(i) * * * The lessee
                                shall have the burden of
                                demonstrating that its contract
                                is arm's-length. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (iii) * * * When MMS determines    AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                that the value may be
                                unreasonable, MMS will notify
                                the lessee and give the lessee
                                an opportunity to provide
                                written information justifying
                                the lessee's value.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.153(b)(2)................  206.153(b)(2) * * * The lessee                330               1             330
                                must request a value
                                determination in accordance with
                                paragraph (g) of this section
                                for gas sold pursuant to a
                                warranty contract; * * *.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.153(b)(3)................  206.153(b)(3) MMS may require a    AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                lessee to certify that its arm's-
                                length contract provisions
                                include all of the consideration
                                to be paid by the buyer, either
                                directly or indirectly, for the
                                residue gas or gas plant
                                product.
206.153(e)(1)................  206.153(e)(1) Where the value is   Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                determined pursuant to paragraph  0140.
                                (c) of this section, the lessee
                                shall retain all data relevant
                                to the determination of royalty
                                value. * * *
206.153(e)(2)................  206.153(e)(2) Any Federal lessee   AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                will make available upon request
                                to the authorized MMS or State
                                representatives, to the Office
                                of the Inspector General of the
                                Department of the Interior, or
                                other persons authorized to
                                receive such information, arm's-
                                length sales and volume data for
                                like-quality residue gas and gas
                                plant products sold, purchased
                                or otherwise obtained by the
                                lessee from the same processing
                                plant or from nearby processing
                                plants.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.153(e)(3)................  206.153(e)(2) A lessee shall                  330               2             660
                                notify MMS if it has determined
                                any value pursuant to paragraph
                                (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this
                                section. * * *
206.153(g)...................  206.153(g) The lessee may request             330               4           1,320
                                a value determination from MMS.
                                * * * The lessee shall submit
                                all available data relevant to
                                its proposal. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Sec.   206.154 Determination of quantities and qualities for computing royalties.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.154(c)(4)................  206.154(c)(4) * * * A lessee may              330               1             330
                                request MMS approval of other
                                methods for determining the
                                quantity of residue gas and gas
                                plant products allocable to each
                                lease. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 47977]]

 
                                Sec.   206.156 Transportation allowances-general.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.156(c)(3)................  206.156(c)(3) Upon request of a                 8               3              24
                                lessee, MMS may approve a
                                transportation allowance
                                deduction in excess of the
                                limitation prescribed by
                                paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of
                                this section. * * * An
                                application for exception (using
                                Form MMS-4393, Request to Exceed
                                Regulatory Allowance Limitation)
                                shall contain all relevant and
                                supporting documentation
                                necessary for MMS to make a
                                determination. * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Sec.   206.157 Determination of transportation allowances.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.157(a)(1)(i).............  206.157(a) Arm's-length            AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                transportation contracts. (1)(i)
                                * * * The lessee shall have the
                                burden of demonstrating that its
                                contract is arm's-length. * * *
206.157(a)(1)(i).............  206.157(a)(1)(i) * * * The lessee  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                must claim a transportation       0140.
                                allowance by reporting it on a
                                separate line entry on the Form
                                MMS-2014.
206.157(a)(1)(iii)...........  206.157(a)(1)(iii) * * * When MMS  AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                determines that the value of the
                                transportation may be
                                unreasonable, MMS will notify
                                the lessee and give the lessee
                                an opportunity to provide
                                written information justifying
                                the lessee's transportation
                                costs.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.157(a)(2)(ii)............  206.157(a)(2)(ii) * * * the                   330               1             330
                                lessee may propose to MMS a cost
                                allocation method on the basis
                                of the values of the products
                                transported. * * *
206.157(a)(3)................  206.157(a)(3) If an arm's-length              330               1             330
                                transportation contract includes
                                both gaseous and liquid products
                                and the transportation costs
                                attributable to each cannot be
                                determined from the contract,
                                the lessee shall propose an
                                allocation procedure to MMS. * *
                                * The lessee shall submit all
                                relevant data to support its
                                proposal. * * *
206.157(a)(5)................  206.157(a)(5) * * * The                       100               1             100
                                transportation factor may not
                                exceed 50 percent of the base
                                price of the product without MMS
                                approval.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.157(b)(1)................  206.157(b) Non-arm's-length or no  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                contract. (1) The lessee must     0140.
                                claim a transportation allowance
                                by reporting it on a separate
                                line entry on the Form MMS-2014.
                                * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.157(b)(2)(iv) and          206.157(b)(2)(iv) After a lessee              100               1             100
 (b)(2)(iv)(A).                 has elected to use either method
                                for a transportation system, the
                                lessee may not later elect to
                                change to the other alternative
                                without approval of the MMS.
                               (A) After an election is made,
                                the lessee may not change
                                methods without MMS approval. *
                                * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.157(b)(3)(i).............  206.157(b)(3)(i) * * * Except as              100               1             100
                                provided in this paragraph, the
                                lessee may not take an allowance
                                for transporting a product which
                                is not royalty bearing without
                                MMS approval.
206.157(b)(3)(ii)............  206.157(b)(3)(ii) * * * the                   100               1             100
                                lessee may propose to the MMS a
                                cost allocation method on the
                                basis of the values of the
                                products transported. * * *
206.157(b)(4)................  206.157(b)(4) Where both gaseous              100               1             100
                                and liquid products are
                                transported through the same
                                transportation system, the
                                lessee shall propose a cost
                                allocation procedure to MMS. * *
                                * The lessee shall submit all
                                relevant data to support its
                                proposal. * * *
206.157(b)(5)................  206.157(b)(5) You may apply for               100               1             100
                                an exception from the
                                requirement to compute actual
                                costs under paragraphs (b)(1)
                                through (b)(4) of this section.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.157(c)(1)(i).............  206.157(c) Reporting               Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                Requirements. (1) Arm's-length    0140.
                                contracts. (i) You must use a
                                separate entry on Form MMS-2014
                                to notify MMS of a
                                transportation allowance.

[[Page 47978]]

 
206.157(c)(1)(ii)............  206.157(c)(1)(ii) The MMS may      AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                require you to submit arm's-
                                length transportation contracts,
                                production agreements, operating
                                agreements, and related
                                documents. * * *
206.157(c)(2)(i).............  206.157(c)(2) Non-arm's-length or  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                no contract. (i) You must use a   0140.
                                separate entry on Form MMS-2014
                                to notify MMS of a
                                transportation allowance.
206.157(c)(2)(iii)...........  206.157(c)(2)(iii) The MMS may     AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                require you to submit all data
                                used to calculate the allowance
                                deduction. * * *
206.157(e)(2), (e)(3), and     206.157(e) Adjustments. (2) For    Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
 (f)(1).                        lessees transporting production   0140.
                                from onshore Federal leases, the
                                lessee must submit a corrected
                                Form MMS-2014 to reflect actual
                                costs, together with any
                                payment, in accordance with
                                instructions provided by MMS.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (3) For lessees transporting gas
                                production from leases on the
                                OCS, if the lessee's estimated
                                transportation allowance exceeds
                                the allowance based on actual
                                costs, the lessee must submit a
                                corrected Form MMS-2014 to
                                reflect actual costs, together
                                with its payments, in accordance
                                with instructions provided by
                                MMS. * * *
                               (f) Allowable costs in
                                determining transportation
                                allowances. * * * (1) Firm
                                demand charges paid to pipelines
                                * * * if you receive a payment
                                or credit from the pipeline for
                                penalty refunds, rate case
                                refunds, or other reasons, you
                                must reduce the firm demand
                                charge claimed on the Form MMS-
                                2014 by the amount of that
                                payment. You must modify Form
                                MMS-2014 by the amount received
                                or credited for the affected
                                reporting period and pay any
                                resulting royalty and late
                                payment interest due;
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Sec.   206.158 Processing allowances--general.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.158(c)(3)................  206.158(c)(3) Upon request of a                 8              12              96
                                lessee, MMS may approve a
                                processing allowance in excess
                                of the limitation prescribed by
                                paragraph (c)(2) of this
                                section. * * * An application
                                for exception (using Form MMS-
                                4393, Request to Exceed
                                Regulatory Allowance Limitation)
                                shall contain all relevant and
                                supporting documentation for MMS
                                to make a determination. * * *
206.158(d)(2)(i).............  206.158(d)(2)(i) If the lessee                 40               2              80
                                incurs extraordinary costs for
                                processing gas production from a
                                gas production operation, it may
                                apply to MMS for an allowance
                                for those costs. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.158(d)(2)(ii)............  206.158(d)(2)(ii) * * * to retain  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                the authority to deduct the       0140.
                                allowance the lessee must report
                                the deduction to MMS in a form
                                and manner prescribed by MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Sec.   206.159 Determination of processing allowances.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.159(a)(1)(i).............  206.159(a) Arm's-length            AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                processing contracts.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (1)(i) * * * The lessee shall
                                have the burden of demonstrating
                                that its contract is arm's-
                                length. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.159(a)(1)(i).............  206.159(a)(1)(i) * * * The lessee  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                must claim a processing           0140.
                                allowance by reporting it on a
                                separate line entry on the Form
                                MMS-2014.
206.159(a)(1)(iii)...........  206.159(a)(1)(iii) * * * When MMS  AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                determines that the value of the
                                processing may be unreasonable,
                                MMS will notify the lessee and
                                give the lessee an opportunity
                                to provide written information
                                justifying the lessee's
                                processing costs.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------

[[Page 47979]]

 
206.159(a)(3)................  206.159(a)(3) If an arm's-length              330               1             330
                                processing contract includes
                                more than one gas plant product
                                and the processing costs
                                attributable to each product
                                cannot be determined from the
                                contract, the lessee shall
                                propose an allocation procedure
                                to MMS. * * * The lessee shall
                                submit all relevant data to
                                support its proposal. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.159(b)(1)................  206.159(b) Non-arm's-length or no  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                contract. (1) * * * The lessee    0140.
                                must claim a processing
                                allowance by reflecting it as a
                                separate line entry on the Form
                                MMS-2014. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.159(b)(2)(iv) and          206.159(b)(2)(iv) * * * When a                100               1             100
 (b)(2)(iv)(A).                 lessee has elected to use either
                                method for a processing plant,
                                the lessee may not later elect
                                to change to the alternative
                                without approval of the MMS.
                               (A) * * * After an election is
                                made, the lessee may not change
                                methods without MMS approval. *
                                * *
206.159(b)(4)................  206.159(b)(4) A lessee may apply              100               1             100
                                to MMS for an exception from the
                                requirements that it compute
                                actual costs in accordance with
                                paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3)
                                of this section. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.159(c)(1)(i).............  206.159(c) Reporting               Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                requirements--(1) Arm's-length    0140.
                                contracts. (i) The lessee must
                                notify MMS of an allowance based
                                on incurred costs by using a
                                separate line entry on the Form
                                MMS-2014.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.159(c)(1)(ii)............  206.159(c)(1)(ii) The MMS may      AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                require that a lessee submit
                                arm's-length processing
                                contracts and related documents.
                                * * *
206.159(c)(2)(i).............  206.159(c)(2) Non-arm's-length or  Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                no contract.                      0140.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (i) The lessee must notify MMS of
                                an allowance based on incurred
                                costs by using a separate line
                                entry on the Form MMS-2014.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.159(c)(2)(iii)...........  206.159(c)(2)(iii) Upon request    AUDIT PROCESS. See note.
                                by MMS, the lessee shall submit
                                all data used to prepare the
                                allowance deduction. * * *
206.159(e)(2) and (3)........  206.159(e) Adjustments.            Burden covered under OMB Control Number 1010-
                                                                  0140.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                               (2) For lessees processing
                                production from onshore Federal
                                leases, the lessee must submit a
                                corrected Form MMS-2014 to
                                reflect actual costs, together
                                with any payment, in accordance
                                with instructions provided by
                                MMS.
                               (3) For lessees processing gas
                                production from leases on the
                                OCS, if the lessee's estimated
                                processing allowance exceeds the
                                allowance based on actual costs,
                                the lessee must submit a
                                corrected Form MMS-2014 to
                                reflect actual costs, together
                                with its payment, in accordance
                                with instructions provided by
                                MMS. * * *
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total....................  .................................  ..............             106          21,055
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: AUDIT PROCESS--The Office of Regulatory Affairs determined 
that the audit process is exempt from the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 because MMS staff asks non-standard questions to resolve 
exceptions.

    Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Non-hour Cost'' 
Burden: We have identified no ``non-hour cost'' burden associated with 
the collection of information.
    Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) 
provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.
    Comments: Before submitting an ICR to OMB, PRA Section 
3506(c)(2)(A) requires each agency ``* * * to provide notice * * * and 
otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies 
concerning each proposed collection of information * * *.'' Agencies 
must specifically solicit comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the 
proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to 
perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) 
evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information; (c) enhance the quality, 
usefulness, and clarity of the

[[Page 47980]]

information to be collected; and (d) minimize the burden on the 
respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    The PRA also requires agencies to estimate the total annual 
reporting ``non-hour cost'' burden to respondents or recordkeepers 
resulting from the collection of information. If you have costs to 
generate, maintain, and disclose this information, you should comment 
and provide your total capital and startup cost components or annual 
operation, maintenance, and purchase of service components. You should 
describe the methods you use to estimate major cost factors, including 
system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital 
equipment, discount rate(s), and the period over which you incur costs. 
Capital and startup costs include, among other items, computers and 
software you purchase to prepare for collecting information; 
monitoring, sampling, and testing equipment; and record storage 
facilities. Generally, your estimates should not include equipment or 
services purchased: (i) Before October 1, 1995; (ii) to comply with 
requirements not associated with the information collection; (iii) for 
reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the 
Government; or (iv) as part of customary and usual business or private 
practices.
    We will summarize written responses to this notice and address them 
in our ICR submission for OMB approval, including appropriate 
adjustments to the estimated burden. We will provide a copy of the ICR 
to you without charge upon request. The ICR also will be posted at 
http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/FRNotices/FRInfColl.htm.
    Public Comment Policy: We will post all comments in response to 
this notice at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/FRNotices/FRInfColl.htm. We also will make copies of the comments available for 
public view, including names and addresses of respondents, during 
regular business hours at our offices in Lakewood, Colorado. Before 
including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal 
identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire 
comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made 
publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to 
withhold from public view your personal identifying information, we 
cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
    MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz, (202) 
208-7744.

    Dated: August 11, 2008.
Gregory J. Gould,
Associate Director for Minerals Revenue Management.
[FR Doc. E8-18963 Filed 8-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P