[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 26, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24850-24851]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-12132]



[[Page 24850]]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OEI-2009-0328, FRL-8909-4]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Regulations.gov Information Collection; OMB Control 
No. 2025-0008, EPA ICR No. 2357.02

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to 
submit a request to replace an emergency Information Collection Request 
(ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This emergency ICR 
was approved by OMB on May 18, 2009. Before submitting this ICR to OMB 
for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects 
of the proposed information collection as described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 27, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OEI-
2009-0328, to (1) EPA online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred 
method), by e-mail to [email protected], by mail to: EPA Docket 
Center, Environmental Protection Agency, mail code 28221T, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, or by hand delivery: EPA 
Docket Center, EPA West Bldg, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only accepted during the 
Docket's normal hours of operation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shanita Brackett, OEI/OIC/CStD at the 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., (MC 2822-
T), Washington, DC 20460; telephone number (202) 566-1008; fax 
number(202) 566-1611: e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically 
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
    (i) 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;
    (ii) 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;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) 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 
submission of responses. In particular, EPA is requesting comments from 
very small businesses (those that employ less than 25) on examples of 
specific additional efforts that EPA could make to reduce the paperwork 
burden for very small businesses affected by this collection.

What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments.
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific 
examples.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used 
that support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified 
under DATES.
    7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the ICR 
title on the first page of your response. You may also provide the 
Federal Register citation.

What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does this Apply To?

    Title: Regulations.gov Information Collection.
    OMB Control Number: 2025-0008.
    Abstract: In response to the Presidential memorandum, the 
eRulemaking Program will launch the Regulations.gov `feedback exchange' 
Web site in May 2009. This interactive Web site will showcase new 
technologies being considered for Regulations.gov. The `feedback 
exchange' will serve as a learning laboratory for open government, 
enabling the public to provide input on the Regulations.gov interface, 
build a community of practice on the Federal regulatory development 
process, and ensure that the eRulemaking Program can efficiently manage 
federal resources by testing new tools before they are launched.
    The Regulations.gov `feedback exchange' Web site will provide the 
public with a preview of new technologies considered for 
Regulations.gov. It will also enable the public to provide feedback on 
these technologies. Technologies considered for the Regulations.gov 
`feedback exchange' include: User Profiles; Comment Threads and Wikis; 
Ratings, Polls, and Tagging; an interactive Educational Tool; and an 
Information Export capability. These technologies will be deployed 
iteratively, with components deployed upon the site's release in May 
2009 and during subsequent upgrades to the Web site. User profiles 
enable the public to register on the site and pre-load submitter 
information for later use as well as save their own personalized 
searches, RSS feeds, and e-mail alerts without the use of persistent 
cookies. Comment Threads allow the public to enter into virtual 
conversations with one another about a topic. Wikis enable the public 
to collaboratively develop and modify narrative descriptions about a 
topic. Ratings and Polls allow the public to indicate a preference for 
a topic or issue via the selection of stars or thumbs up/thumbs down 
icons which graphically provide an at-a-glance indication of public 
sentiment and can simplify navigation. Tagging provides the public with 
the ability to tag or label information they or someone else has posted 
to the site to ease navigation and to promote the formation of common 
interest categories. The Educational Tool will inform the public about 
the Federal rulemaking process through interactive text and images. The 
Data Export capability enables the public to download and review the 
contents of a rulemaking docket as well as mix and match such 
information with other information in a new way (also known as a 
``mash-up''). The Regulations.gov ``feedback exchange'' will rely on 
feedback from Government, Industry, Academia and Citizenry to improve 
Regulations.gov as time goes on.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 35 
hours per year. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial 
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or 
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This 
includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, 
install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of 
collecting, validating, and verifying

[[Page 24851]]

information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and 
providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any 
previously applicable instructions and requirements which have 
subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a 
collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the 
collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the 
information.
    The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate, 
which is only briefly summarized here:
    Affected Entities: Anyone that chooses to visit Regulations.gov.
    Estimated Total Number of Potential Respondents: 1,000.
    Estimated Total Number of Potential Responses: 7,000.
    Frequency of Response: Occasionally.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 35 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Capital and Operations and Maintenance 
Costs: $ 0.

What Is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR?

    EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as 
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for 
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will 
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR 
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the 
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any 
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: May 19, 2009.
John Moses,
Director, Collection Strategies Division.
 [FR Doc. E9-12132 Filed 5-22-09; 8:45 am]
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