[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 69 (Monday, April 12, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18536-18545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8196]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

[Docket No. MMS-2010-MRM-0004]


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 1010-0120).

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

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. The title of this information collection request (ICR) is 
``30 CFR Parts 202, 206, 210, 212, 217, and 218, Solid Minerals and 
Geothermal Collections.''

DATES: Submit written comments on or before June 11, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this ICR to MMS by any of the 
following methods. Please use ``ICR 1010-0120'' as an identifier in 
your comment.
     Electronically go to http://www.regulations.gov. In the 
entry titled ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter MMS-2010-MRM-0004, and then 
click search. Follow the instructions to submit public comments. The 
MMS will post all comments.
     Mail comments to Armand Southall, Regulatory Specialist, 
Minerals Management Service, Minerals Revenue Management, P.O. Box 
25165, MS 61013B, Denver, Colorado 80225. Please reference ICR 1010-
0120 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 St., Denver, Colorado 80225. Please 
reference ICR 1010-0120 in your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on technical issues, 
contact Glenn W. Kepler, Sr., Solid Minerals and Geothermal (SM&G), 
Minerals Revenue Management (MRM), MMS, telephone (303) 231-3346, or e-
mail [email protected]. For other comments or questions, contact 
Armand Southall, Regulatory Specialist, Project Management Office--
Regulations, MRM, MMS, telephone (303) 231-3221, or e-mail 
[email protected]. You may contact Mr. Southall to obtain copies, 
at no cost, of (1) the ICR, (2) any associated forms, and (3) the 
regulations that require the subject information collection.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: 30 CFR Parts 202, 206, 210, 212, 217, and 218, Solid 
Minerals and Geothermal Collections.
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0120.
    Bureau Form Numbers: Forms MMS-4430, MMS-4292, and MMS-4293.
    Abstract: The Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior is 
responsible for collecting royalties from lessees who produce minerals 
from leased Federal and Indian lands. The Secretary is required by 
various laws to manage mineral resources production on Federal and 
Indian lands, collect the royalties due, and distribute the funds in 
accordance with those laws. The Secretary also has a trust 
responsibility to manage Indian lands and seek advice and information 
from Indian beneficiaries. The MMS performs the royalty management 
functions and assists the Secretary in carrying out the Department's 
trust responsibility for Indian lands.
    Public laws pertaining to mineral leases on Federal and Indian 
lands are posted at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/PublicLawsAMR.htm.
    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 (royalty) 
of the value received from production from the leased lands. The lease 
creates a business relationship between the lessor and the lessee. The 
lessee is required to report various kinds of information to the lessor 
relative to the disposition of the leased minerals. The information 
collected includes data necessary to assure that royalties are 
accurately valued and appropriately paid.
    The MMS, acting for the Secretary, uses all of the collected 
information to support the Minerals Revenue

[[Page 18537]]

Management Audit and Compliance Management (ACM) and Financial 
Management (FM) processes, and to assure that royalties reported and 
paid are based upon correct product valuation and allocated to the 
proper leases. The MMS also uses the collected information, as do other 
Federal Government, State, and tribal entities, for audit purposes and 
to evaluate the reasonableness of product valuation, production and 
sales allocation, or coal washing and/or transportation allowance 
claim(s) that lessees submit. Specifically, MMS provides the Bureau of 
Land Management (BLM) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) access to 
this information, which they use to conduct production verification, 
ensure lease diligence, and monitor plant efficiencies and inventories 
for maximum recovery, and secondary products. The MMS's determination 
of the appropriate product value, production and sales allocations, and 
coal washing and/or transportation allowance(s) taken directly affects 
the royalties due. Failure to collect such data would prevent the 
Secretary from accomplishing statutory and trust responsibilities.
     Form MMS-4430, Solid Minerals Production and Royalty 
Report--Producers of coal and other solid minerals from Federal and 
Indian leases electronically file this form monthly. The SM&G uses this 
report as the primary accounts receivable document for all solid 
minerals royalties. The producers report the data, on a mine-level 
basis, which contains basic lease-level production volume, valuation, 
and sales information. The SM&G analyzes this production and royalty 
information to assure compliance of all payments with lease terms, 
regulations, and MMS policies including but not limited to product 
valuation, production and sales allocation, and coal washing and/or 
transportation allowance(s) calculation.
     Contracts and Contract Amendments--Coal and metal 
producers submit sales contracts, agreements, and contract amendments 
semi-annually. Sodium, potassium, phosphate, and other solid mineral 
producers, with leases containing ad valorem royalty terms, submit the 
required documents only if specifically requested by MMS.
     Sales Summaries--The SM&G compares sales summary 
information from purchasers to production, and royalty information 
submitted on Form MMS-4430 and facility data submissions.
     Facility Data--Operators of wash plants and of refining, 
ore concentration, or other processing facilities for any coal, sodium, 
potassium, metals, or other solid minerals submit facility data 
information for months in which they process or carry an inventory. The 
SM&G uses this facility information in its compliance process.
     Additional Documents or Evidence--The MMS requests 
detailed statements, documents, or other evidence, i.e. spot sale 
invoices, weigh tickets, laboratory quality reports, transportation 
contracts, and service contracts, supporting our ACM responsibilities 
under Federal and Indian lease terms. The information might further 
define a cost or verify a claim made by the producer.
    Form MMS-4292--Coal Washing Allowance Report and Form MMS-4293--
Coal Transportation Allowance Report--This ICR also provides for the 
collection of coal washing and transportation allowance information for 
Indian leases. The information collected is essential for the royalty 
valuation process.
    The MMS developed Forms MMS-4292, Coal Washing Allowance Report, 
and MMS-4293, Coal Transportation Allowance Report, for industry to 
complete when reporting or requesting a washing or transportation 
allowance.
    Geothermal Resources--This ICR also provides for the collection of 
information on the current royalty valuation methods for geothermal 
resources, which are grouped by usage (electrical generation, direct 
use, and by-product recovery), and by disposition of the resources 
(arm's-length [unaffiliated] contract sales, non-arm's-length contract 
sales, and no contract sales) within each usage group. The MMS relies 
on data that payors report on Form MMS-2014 (ICR 1010-0139) for the 
majority of our business processes including geothermal information.

OMB Approval

    The information we collect under this ICR is essential for the 
royalty valuation process. Not collecting this information would limit 
the Secretary's ability to discharge fiduciary duties and may also 
result in the inability to confirm the accurate royalty value.
    Proprietary information submitted to MMS under this collection is 
protected. No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are 
mandatory for Form MMS-4430. A response is required to obtain benefits 
for Forms MMS-4292 and MMS-4293.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion, annually, monthly.
    Estimated Number and Description of Respondents: 144 reporters.
    Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping ``Hour'' Burden: 3,670 
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 No.
          Citation 30 CFR            Reporting and recordkeeping    Hour burden       annual       Annual burden
                                             requirement                             responses         hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Part 202--Royalties
                                         Subpart H--Geothermal Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
202.351(b)(3)......................  Pay royalties on used,        Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      sold, or otherwise finally                    1010-0139.
                                      disposed of byproducts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
202.353(a), (b), (c), and (d)......  Report on Form MMS-2014,      Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      royalties or direct use              1010-0139. See Sec.   210.52.
                                      fee due for geothermal
                                      resources, byproduct
                                      quantity, and commercially
                                      demineralized water
                                      quantity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
202.353(e).........................  Maintain quality                        AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      measurements for audits.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18538]]

 
                                           Part 206--Product Valuation
                                             Subpart F--Federal Coal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.253(c); 206.254; 206.257(d)(1).  Maintain accurate records             .4166             816             340
                                      for Federal lease coal and
                                      all data relevant to the
                                      royalty value
                                      determination. Report the
                                      coal quantity information
                                      on appropriate forms under
                                      30 CFR part 210.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.257(b)(1), (b)(3), (b)(4),       Demonstrate and certify                 AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
 (d)(2).                              your arm's-length contract
                                      provisions including all
                                      consideration paid by
                                      buyer, directly or
                                      indirectly, for coal
                                      production. Provide
                                      written information of
                                      reported arm's-length coal
                                      sales value and quantity
                                      data.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.257(d)(3)......................  Submit a one-time                         2               1               2
                                      notification when first
                                      reporting royalties on
                                      Form MMS-4430 and for a
                                      change in method.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.257(f).........................  Submit all available data                 5               1               5
                                      relevant to the value
                                      determination proposal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.257(i).........................  Write and sign contract                   2               1               2
                                      revisions or amendments by
                                      all parties to an arm's-
                                      length contract, and
                                      retroactively apply
                                      revisions or amendments to
                                      royalty value for a period
                                      not to exceed two years.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.259(a)(1), (a)(3)..............  Demonstrate that your                   AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      contract is arm's-length.
                                      Provide written
                                      information justifying the
                                      lessee's washing costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.259(a)(1)......................  Report actual washing                   .34              12               4
                                      allowance on Form MMS-4430
                                      for arm's-length sales.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.259(b)(1)......................  Report actual washing                   .75              48              36
                                      allowance on Form MMS-4430
                                      for non-arm's-length or no
                                      contract sales.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.259(b)(2)(iv)..................  Report washing allowance on               1               1               1
                                      Form MMS-4430 after lessee
                                      elects either method for a
                                      wash plant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.259(b)(2)(iv)(A)...............  Report washing allowance on               1               1               1
                                      Form MMS-4430 for
                                      depreciation--use either
                                      straight-line, or a unit
                                      of production method.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.259(c)(1), (c)(2)..............  Submit arm's-length and non-            AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      arm's-length washing
                                      contracts and related
                                      documents to MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.262(a)(1)......................  Report transportation                   .33             240              80
                                      allowance on Form MMS-4430.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.262(a)(1), (a)(3)..............  Demonstrate that your                   AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      contract is arm's-length.
                                      Provide written
                                      information justifying
                                      your transportation costs
                                      when MMS determines the
                                      costs unreasonable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.262(b)(1)......................  Report actual                           .75              24              18
                                      transportation allowance
                                      on Form MMS-4430 for non-
                                      arm's-length or no
                                      contract sales.
206.262(b)(2)(iv)..................  Report transportation                     1               1               1
                                      allowance on Form MMS-4430
                                      after lessee elects either
                                      method for a
                                      transportation system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.262(b)(2)(iv)(A)...............  Report transportation                     1               1               1
                                      allowance on Form MMS-4430
                                      for depreciation--use
                                      either straight-line, or a
                                      unit of production method.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.262(b)(3)......................  Apply to MMS for exception                1               1               1
                                      from the requirement of
                                      computing actual costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.262(c)(1), (c)(2), (e).........  Submit all arm's-length                 AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      transportation contracts,
                                      production agreements,
                                      operating agreements, and
                                      related documents to MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18539]]

 
206.264............................  Propose the value of coal                 1               1               1
                                      for royalty purposes to
                                      MMS for an ad valorem
                                      Federal coal lease.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.265............................  Notify MMS if, prior to                   1               1               1
                                      use, sale, or other
                                      disposition, you enhanced
                                      the value of coal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Subpart H--Geothermal Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.301(b).........................  Certify values reported for             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      royalty purposes as bona
                                      fide sales not involving
                                      considerations other than
                                      the sale of the mineral,
                                      and required to supply
                                      supporting information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.352(b)(1)(ii)..................  Determine the royalty on                  1               1               1
                                      produced geothermal
                                      resources, used in your
                                      power plant for generation
                                      and sale of electricity,
                                      for Class I leases, as
                                      approved by MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.353(c)(2)(i)(A), (d)(9), (e)(4)  Include a return on capital             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      you invested when the
                                      purchase of real estate
                                      for transmission
                                      facilities is necessary.
                                      Allowable operating and
                                      maintenance expenses
                                      include other directly
                                      allocable and attributable
                                      operating and maintenance
                                      expenses that you can
                                      document.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.353(g).........................  Request change to other                   1               1               1
                                      depreciation alternative
                                      method with MMS approval.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.353(h)(1)......................  Use a straight-line                       1               1               1
                                      depreciation method, but
                                      not below salvage value,
                                      for equipment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.353(m)(2)......................  Amend your prior estimated    Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      Form MMS-2014 reports to                      1010-0139.
                                      reflect actual
                                      transmission cost
                                      deductions, and pay any
                                      additional royalties due
                                      plus interest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.353(n).........................  Submit all arm's-length                 AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      transmission contracts,
                                      production and operating
                                      agreements and related
                                      documents, and other data
                                      for calculating the
                                      deduction.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.354(b)(1)(ii)..................  Redetermine your generating               1               1               1
                                      cost rate annually and
                                      request MMS approval to
                                      use a different deduction
                                      period.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.354(c)(2)(i)(A), (d)(9), (e)(4)  Include a return on capital             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      you invested when the
                                      purchase of real estate
                                      for a power plant site is
                                      necessary. Allowable
                                      operating and maintenance
                                      expenses include other
                                      directly allocable and
                                      attributable operating and
                                      maintenance expenses that
                                      you can document.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.354(g).........................  Request change to other                   1               1               1
                                      depreciation alternative
                                      method with MMS approval.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.354(h).........................  Use a straight-line                       1               1               1
                                      depreciation method, but
                                      not below the salvage
                                      value, for equipment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.354(m)(2)......................  Amend your prior estimated    Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      Form MMS-2014 reports to                      1010-0139.
                                      reflect actual generating
                                      cost deductions and pay
                                      any additional royalties
                                      due plus interest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.354(n).........................  Submit all arm's-length                 AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      power plant contracts,
                                      production and operating
                                      agreements and related
                                      documents, and other data
                                      for calculating the
                                      deduction.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18540]]

 
206.356(a)(1)......................  Determine the royalty on                  1               1               1
                                      produced significant
                                      geothermal resource
                                      quantities, for Class I
                                      leases, with the weighted
                                      average of the arm's-
                                      length gross proceeds used
                                      to operate the same direct-
                                      use facility.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.356(a)(2)......................  For Class I leases, the                  48               2              96
                                      efficiency factor of the
                                      alternative energy source
                                      will be 0.7 for coal and
                                      0.8 for oil, natural gas,
                                      and other fuels derived
                                      from oil and natural gas,
                                      or an efficiency factor
                                      proposed by the lessee and
                                      approved MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.356(a)(3)......................  For Class I leases, a                     1               1               1
                                      royalty determined by any
                                      other reasonable method
                                      approved by MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.356(b)(3)......................  Provide MMS data showing                  1               1               1
                                      the geothermal production
                                      amount, in pounds or
                                      gallons of geothermal
                                      fluid, to input into the
                                      fee schedule for Class III
                                      leases.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.356(c).........................  The MMS will determine fees               1               1               1
                                      on a case-by-case basis
                                      for geothermal resources
                                      other than hot water.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.357(b)(3)......................  Determine the royalty due                 1               1               1
                                      on byproducts by any other
                                      reasonable valuation
                                      method approved by MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.358(d).........................  Use a discrete field on       Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      Form MMS-2014 to notify                       1010-0139.
                                      MMS of a transportation
                                      allowance.
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
206.358(d)(2)......................  Submit arm's-length                     AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      transportation contracts
                                      for reviews and audits, if
                                      MMS require.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.358(e).........................  Pay any additional                      AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      royalties due plus
                                      interest, if you have
                                      improperly determined a
                                      byproduct transportation
                                      allowance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.359(a)(1), (a)(2),               Provide written information             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
 (c)(2)(i)(A), (d)(9), (e)(4).        justifying your
                                      transportation costs if
                                      MMS require you to
                                      determine the byproduct
                                      transportation allowance.
                                      Include a return on
                                      capital if the purchase
                                      was necessary. Allowable
                                      operating and maintenance
                                      expenses include any other
                                      directly allocable and
                                      attributable operating and
                                      maintenance expenses that
                                      you can document.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.359(g).........................  The lessee may not later                  1               1               1
                                      elect to change to the
                                      other alternative without
                                      MMS approval to compute
                                      costs associated with
                                      capital investment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.359(h)(1)......................  You must use a straight-                  1               1               1
                                      line depreciation method
                                      based on the life of
                                      either equipment, or
                                      geothermal project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.359(l)(2)......................  You must amend your prior     Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      Form MMS-2014 reports to                      1010-0139.
                                      reflect actual byproduct
                                      transportation cost
                                      deductions and pay any
                                      additional royalties due
                                      plus interest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.360(a)(1), (a)(2), (b).........  Retain all data relevant to             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      the royalty value, or fee
                                      you paid. Show how you
                                      calculated, then submit
                                      all data to MMS upon
                                      request.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.361(a)(1)......................  The MMS may review and                  AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      audit your data and will
                                      direct you to use a
                                      different measure, if
                                      royalty value, gross
                                      proceeds, or fee is
                                      inconsistent with subpart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18541]]

 
206.361(a)(2)......................  Pay either royalties or       Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      fees due plus interest if                     1010-0139.
                                      MMS directs you to use a
                                      different royalty value,
                                      measure of gross proceeds,
                                      or fee.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.361(b), (c), (d)...............  The MMS may require you to:             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      Increase the gross
                                      proceeds to reflect any
                                      additional consideration;
                                      use another valuation
                                      method; provide written
                                      information justifying
                                      your gross proceeds;
                                      demonstrate that your
                                      contract is arm's length;
                                      and certify that the
                                      provisions in your sales
                                      contract include all of
                                      the consideration the
                                      buyer paid you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.361(f)(2)......................  Write and sign contract                   1               1               1
                                      revisions or amendments by
                                      all parties to the
                                      contract.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.364(a)(1)......................  Request a value                           3              20              60
                                      determination from MMS in
                                      writing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.364(c)(2)......................  Make any adjustments in       Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      royalty payments, if you                      1010-0139.
                                      owe additional royalties,
                                      and pay the royalties owed
                                      plus interest after the
                                      Assistant Secretary issues
                                      a determination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.364(d)(2)......................  You may appeal an order       Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      requiring you to pay                          1010-0122.
                                      royalty under the
                                      determination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.366............................  State, tribal, or local       Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      government lessee must pay                    1010-0139.
                                      a nominal fee, if uses a
                                      geothermal resource.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Subpart J--Indian Coal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.456(b)(1), (b)(3), (b)(4)......  Demonstrate that your                   AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      contract is arm's-length.
                                      Provide written
                                      information justifying the
                                      reported coal value. And
                                      certify that your arm's-
                                      length contract provisions
                                      include all direct or
                                      indirect consideration
                                      paid by buyer for the coal
                                      production.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.456(d)(1); 206.452 (c); 206.453  Retain all data relevant to             .42              48              20
                                      the determination of
                                      royalty value to which
                                      individual Indian lease
                                      coal should be allocated.
                                      Report coal quantity
                                      information on Form MMS-
                                      4430, Solid Minerals
                                      Production and Royalty
                                      Report, as required under
                                      30 CFR part 210.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.456(d)(2)......................  An Indian lessee will make              AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      available arm's-length
                                      sales and sales quantity
                                      data for like-quality coal
                                      sold, purchased, or
                                      otherwise obtained from
                                      the area when requested by
                                      an authorized MMS or
                                      Indian representative, or
                                      the Inspector General of
                                      the Department of the
                                      Interior or other persons
                                      authorized to receive such
                                      information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.456(d)(3)......................  Notify MMS by letter                      1               1               1
                                      identifying the valuation
                                      method used and procedure
                                      followed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.456(f).........................  Propose a value                           1               1               1
                                      determination method to
                                      MMS; submit all available
                                      data relevant to method;
                                      and use that method until
                                      MMS decides.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.456(i).........................  Write and sign contract                   1               1               1
                                      revisions or amendments by
                                      all parties to an arm's-
                                      length contract.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18542]]

 
206.458(a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1)(i),    Deduct the reasonable                     2               1               2
 (c)(1)(iii), (c)(2)(i),              actual coal washing
 (c)(2)(iii).                         allowance costs incurred
                                      under an arm's-length
                                      contract, and allowance
                                      based upon their
                                      reasonable actual costs
                                      under a non-arm's-length
                                      or no contract, after
                                      submitting a completed
                                      page one of Form MMS-4292,
                                      Coal Washing Allowance
                                      Report, containing the
                                      actual costs for the
                                      previous reporting period,
                                      within 3 months after the
                                      end of the calendar year
                                      after the initial and for
                                      succeeding reporting
                                      periods, and report
                                      deduction on Form MMS-4430
                                      for an arm's-length, or a
                                      non-arm's-length, or no
                                      contract.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.458(a)(3)......................  Provide written information             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      justifying your washing
                                      costs when MMS determines
                                      your washing value
                                      unreasonable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.458(b)(2)(iv)..................  The lessee may not later                  1               1               1
                                      elect to change to the
                                      other alternative without
                                      MMS approval.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.458(b)(2)(iv)(A)...............  Elect either a straight-                  1               1               1
                                      line depreciation method
                                      based on the life of
                                      equipment or reserves, or
                                      a unit of production
                                      method.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.458(c)(1)(iv), (c)(2)(vi)......  Submit arm's-length washing             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      contracts and all related
                                      data used on Form MMS-4292.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.461(a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1)(i),    Submit a completed page one               2               1               2
 (c)(1)(iii), (c)(2)(i),              of Form MMS-4293, Coal
 (c)(2)(iii).                         Transportation Allowance
                                      Report, of reasonable,
                                      actual transportation
                                      allowance costs incurred
                                      by the lessee for
                                      transporting the coal
                                      under an arm's-length
                                      contract, in which you may
                                      claim a transportation
                                      allowance retroactively
                                      for a period of not more
                                      than 3 months prior to the
                                      first day of the month
                                      that you filed the form
                                      with MMS, unless MMS
                                      approves a longer period
                                      upon a showing of good
                                      cause by the lessee.
                                      Submit also a completed
                                      Form MMS-4293 based upon
                                      the lessee's reasonable
                                      actual costs under a non-
                                      arm's-length or no
                                      contract. (Emphasis
                                      added.).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.461(a)(3)......................  Provide written information             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      justifying your
                                      transportation costs when
                                      MMS determines your
                                      transportation value
                                      unreasonable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.461(b)(2)(iv)..................  Submit completed Form MMS-                1               1               1
                                      4293 after a lessee has
                                      elected to use either
                                      method for a
                                      transportation system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.461(b)(2)(iv)(A)...............  Submit completed Form MMS-                1               1               1
                                      4293 to compute
                                      depreciation for election
                                      to use either a straight-
                                      line depreciation, or unit-
                                      of-production method.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.461(b)(3)......................  Submit completed Form MMS-                1               1               1
                                      4293 for exception from
                                      the requirement of
                                      computing actual costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.461(c)(1)(iv), (c)(2)(vi)......  Submit arm's-length                     AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      transportation contracts,
                                      production and operating
                                      agreements, and related
                                      documents used on Form MMS-
                                      4293.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.463............................  Propose the value of coal                 1               1               1
                                      for royalty purposes to
                                      MMS for an ad valorem
                                      Federal coal lease.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
206.464............................  Notify MMS if, prior to                   1               1               1
                                      use, sale, or other
                                      disposition, you enhance
                                      the value of coal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18543]]

 
                                           Part 210--Forms and Reports
                                       Subpart E--Solid Minerals, General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.201(a)(1); 206.259(c)(1)(i),     Submit a completed Form MMS-            .75           1,668           1,251
 (c)(2), (e)(2); 206.262(c)(1),       4430. Report washing and
 (c)(2)(i), (e)(2); 206.458(c)(4),    transportation allowances
 (e)(2); 206.461(c)(4), (e)(2).       as a separate line on Form
                                      MMS-4430 for arm's-length,
                                      non-arm's-length, or no
                                      contract sales, unless MMS
                                      approves a different
                                      reporting procedure.
                                      Submit also a corrected
                                      Form MMS-4430 to reflect
                                      actual costs, together
                                      with any payment, in
                                      accordance with
                                      instructions provided by
                                      MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.202(a)(1), (c)(1)..............  Submit sales summaries via              .50           1,140             570
                                      electronic mail where
                                      possible for all coal and
                                      other solid minerals
                                      produced from Federal and
                                      Indian leases and for any
                                      remote storage site.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.203(a).........................  Submit sales contracts,                   1              30              30
                                      agreements, and contract
                                      amendments for sale of all
                                      coal and other solid
                                      minerals produced from
                                      Federal and Indian leases
                                      with ad valorem royalty
                                      terms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.204(a)(1)......................  Submit facility data if you             .25             360              90
                                      operate a wash plant,
                                      refining, ore
                                      concentration, or other
                                      processing facility for
                                      any coal, sodium,
                                      potassium, metals, or
                                      other solid minerals
                                      produced from Federal or
                                      Indian leases with ad
                                      valorem royalty terms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.205(a), (b)....................  Submit detailed statements,             AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      documents, or other
                                      evidence necessary to
                                      verify compliance, as
                                      requested.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Subpart H--Geothermal Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.351............................  Maintain geothermal records   Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      on microfilm, microfiche,                     1010-0139.
                                      or other recorded media.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.352............................  Submit additional                         1               1               1
                                      geothermal information on
                                      special forms or reports.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210.353............................  Submit completed Form MMS-    Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      2014 monthly once sales or                    1010-0139.
                                      utilization of geothermal
                                      production occur.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Part 212--Records and Forms Maintenance
                                       Subpart E--Solid Minerals--General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
212.200(a).........................  Maintain all records                    .25           4,064           1,016
                                      pertaining to Federal and
                                      Indian solid minerals
                                      leases for 6 years after
                                      records are generated
                                      unless the record holder
                                      is notified, in writing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Subpart H--Geothermal Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
212.351(a).........................  Retain accurate and           Hour burden covered under OMB Control Numbers
                                      complete records for         1010-0139 (for Forms MMS-2014 and MMS-4054).
                                      payments of royalties,
                                      rentals, and other amounts
                                      due of Federal geothermal
                                      leases.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
212.351(b).........................  Maintain all records          Hour burden covered under OMB Control Numbers
                                      pertaining to Federal        1010-0139 (for Forms MMS-2014 and MMS-4054).
                                      geothermal leases by a
                                      lessee, operator, revenue
                                      payor, or other person for
                                      6 years.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Part 217--Audits and Inspections
                                                 Subpart E--Coal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
217.200............................  Furnish, free of charge,                AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      duplicate copies of audit
                                      reports that express
                                      opinions on such
                                      compliance with Federal
                                      lease terms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 18544]]

 
                                         Subpart F--Other Solid Minerals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
217.250............................  Furnish, free of charge,                AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      duplicate copies of annual
                                      or other audits of your
                                      books.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Subpart G--Geothermal Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
217.300............................  The Secretary or his/her                AUDIT PROCESS. See Note.
                                      authorized representative,
                                      will initiate and conduct
                                      audits or reviews that
                                      relate to compliance with
                                      applicable regulations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Part 218--Collection of Royalties, Rentals, Bonuses, and Other Monies
                        Due the Federal Government and Credits and Incentives Due Lessees
                                         Subpart B--Oil and Gas, General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.57(a)(2), (b)(3)(i)............  Person (``informant'')                    1               1               1
                                      should submit any
                                      information he or she
                                      believes would be valuable
                                      to MMS in writing, in the
                                      form of a letter and
                                      notify the MMS Director
                                      that he/she is claiming a
                                      reward.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Subpart E--Solid Minerals--General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.201(b); 206.457(b); 206.460(d).  You must tender all                   .0055           1,368               8
                                      payments under Sec.
                                      218.51 except for Form MMS-
                                      4430 payments, include
                                      both your customer
                                      identification and your
                                      customer document
                                      identification numbers on
                                      your payment document, and
                                      you shall be liable for
                                      any additional royalties,
                                      plus interest, if
                                      improperly determined a
                                      washing or transportation
                                      allowance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.203(a), (b)....................  Recoup an overpayment on                  1               1               1
                                      Indian mineral leases
                                      through a recoupment on
                                      Form MMS-4430 against the
                                      current month's royalties
                                      and submit the tribe's
                                      written permission to MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Subpart F--Geothermal Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.300............................  Submit all rental and         Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      deferred bonus payments                       1010-0139.
                                      when due and pay in value
                                      all royalties due
                                      determined by MMS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.301............................  The payor shall tender all    Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      payments.                                     1010-0139.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.304............................  Pay the direct use fees in    Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      addition to the annual                        1010-0139.
                                      rental due.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.305(a).........................  Pay advanced royalties,       Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      under 43 CFR 3212.15(a)(1)                    1010-0139.
                                      to retain your lease, that
                                      equal to the average
                                      monthly royalty you paid
                                      under 30 CFR part 206,
                                      subpart H.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.306(a)(2)......................  You may receive a credit                  4               1               4
                                      against royalties if MMS
                                      approves in advance your
                                      contract.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.306(b).........................  Pay in money any royalty      Hour burden covered under OMB Control Number
                                      amount that is not offset                     1010-0139.
                                      by the credit allowed
                                      under this section.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Burden................................................................           9,880           3,670
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 60-day notice in 
the Federal Register

[[Page 18545]]

* * * 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 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. We also will post the ICR at http://www.mrm.mms.gov/Laws_R_D/FRNotices/FRInfColl.htm.
    Public Comment Policy: We will post all comments, including names 
and addresses of respondents, at http://www.regulations.gov. 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 April 2, 2010.
Gregory J. Gould,
Associate Director for Minerals Revenue Management.
[FR Doc. 2010-8196 Filed 4-9-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P