[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26751-26754]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11294]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0865; FRL-9150-6]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Internet Survey Research for Improving Fuel Economy 
Label Design and Content; EPA ICR No. 2390.01, OMB Control No. 2060-NEW

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 for a new Information Collection Request (ICR) to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Before submitting the 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 June 11, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2009-0865 by one of the following methods:
     http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: [email protected].
     Fax: (202) 566-1741.
     Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center 
(EPA/DC), Air and Radiation Docket, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2009-0865.
     Hand Delivery: Docket Center, (EPA/DC) EPA West, Room 
B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC, Attention Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0865. Such deliveries are only accepted during the 
Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be 
made for deliveries of boxed information. Such deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2009-0865. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included 
in the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you 
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through http://www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The http://www.regulations.gov Web site 
is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your 
identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of 
your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without 
going through http://www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be 
automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is 
placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you 
submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name 
and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any 
disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to 
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA 
may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid 
the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of 
any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public 
docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberts French, Compliance and 
Innovative Strategies Division, Office of Transportation and Air 
Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Dr., Ann 
Arbor, MI 48105; telephone number: (734) 214-4380; fax number: (734) 
214-4869; e-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

How can I access the Docket and/or submit comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0865, which is available for online viewing at 
http://www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air and 
Radiation Docket and Information Center in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/
DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 
The EPA/DC Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The

[[Page 26752]]

telephone number for the Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the 
telephone number for the OAR Docket is 202-566-1742.
    Use http://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft 
collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the 
index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those 
documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once 
in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number 
identified in this document.

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.

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 docket 
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page 
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

What information collection activity or ICR does this apply to?

    Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0865.
    Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are 
randomly selected U.S. citizens. Some screening may be done to ensure 
that the respondents may have some familiarity with fuel economy and 
fuel economy labels. For example, respondents could be randomly 
selected from records of people who have recently purchased a vehicle. 
Details regarding the specific sampling method concepts are discussed 
below in section I.B.1.
    Title: Focus Group and Internet Survey Research for Improving Fuel 
Economy Label Design and Content.
    ICR Numbers: EPA ICR No. 2390.01, OMB Control No. 2060-NEW.
    ICR Status: This ICR is for a new information collection activity. 
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. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations 
in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register when 
approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by 
publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate means, such 
as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The 
display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is 
consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.

I. Description of Information Collection Activities

A. Background

    EPA is responsible under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 
1975 (EPCA) for developing the fuel economy labels that are posted on 
window stickers of all new light duty cars and trucks sold in the U.S. 
and, beginning with the 2011 model year, on all new medium-duty 
passenger vehicles (a category that includes large sport-utility 
vehicles and passenger vans).
    In 2006, EPA updated how the city and highway fuel economy values 
are calculated to better reflect typical real-world driving patterns 
and provide more realistic fuel economy estimates. Since then, a 
projected increase in market penetration of advanced technology 
vehicles, in particular plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 
electric vehicles (EVs), will require new label metrics to effectively 
communicate information to consumers. EPA projects an increase in the 
near future in the market penetration of advanced technology vehicles 
like PHEVs and EVs. These vehicles run on electricity obtained from the 
grid in addition to gasoline, and therefore their fuel consumption 
cannot be precisely conveyed by the current miles-per-gallon (MPG) 
metric.
    As part of its ongoing responsibilities under EPCA, EPA sought 
public comments in the ``Proposed Rulemaking to Establish Light-Duty 
Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel 
Economy Standards'' (September 28, 2009; 74 FR 49454, at 49576) on 
issues surrounding consumer vehicle labeling of conventional gasoline 
vehicles in general and labeling of advanced technology vehicles in 
particular. At that time, EPA announced plans to initiate a separate 
rulemaking to explore in detail the information displayed on the 
current fuel economy label and requested comments on providing relevant 
information to consumers, including adding information regarding fuel 
economic such as consumption in fuel use. EPA also requested comments 
on approaches to providing information about a vehicle's greenhouse gas 
emissions.
    Recently, the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) 
introduced additional new labeling requirements that are to be 
implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
(NHTSA). In the same proposed rulemaking as EPA (September 28, 2009; 74 
FR 49454, at 49739), NHTSA also requested comments on how it should 
undertake its new labeling responsibilities.
    To maximize regulatory efficiency, minimize the burden on 
manufacturers and provide the best information possible to American 
consumers, EPA and NHTSA are conducting a joint rulemaking to redesign 
the current fuel economy label. The primary purposes of this regulatory 
action are: (1) To design new fuel economy labels that are consistent 
with the EISA requirements in 40 U.S.C. 32908(g), (2) to develop labels 
that address the unique nature of advanced technology vehicles that use 
electricity and gasoline, and (3) to propose adding some new 
information and changing the overall look of all fuel economy labels 
for all conventional vehicles (while continuing to meet the statutory 
requirements in EPCA).
    These purposes all fall under an overarching goal of better 
informing consumers about the fuel consumption, fuel costs, and 
environmental impacts associated with new vehicles at both the point of 
purchase and while conducting pre-purchase research. Specifically, the 
re-designed labels will need to meet the requirements defined by 49 
U.S.C.

[[Page 26753]]

32908(b) and 32908(g) as detailed below.
    EPA's statutory labeling requirements are found in 49 U.S.C. 
32908(b) and require that the label contain:
     The fuel economy of the automobile.
     The estimated annual fuel cost of operating the 
automobile.
     The range of fuel economy of comparable automobiles of all 
manufacturers.
     A statement that a booklet is available from the dealer to 
assist in making a comparison of fuel economy of other automobiles 
manufactured by all manufacturers in that model year.
     The amount of the automobile fuel efficiency tax imposed 
on the sale of the automobile under section 4064 of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 4064).
     Other related information required or authorized by the 
EPA Administrator NHTSA's statutory labeling requirements are found in 
49 U.S.C. 32908(g) and additionally require:
     Information on a vehicle's performance over its useful 
life with respect to:
     Fuel economy.
     Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
     Other emissions.
     The creation of a rating system for consumers to easily 
compare, at the point of purchase, vehicles' fuel economy, GHG 
emissions, and other emissions, including designations of the vehicles 
with:
     Lowest GHG emissions over the useful life of the vehicles.
     Highest fuel economy.
    To help the agencies develop a joint label that meets the statutory 
requirements as well as the policy objectives outlined above, EPA is 
conducting voluntary focus groups and an Internet survey over the 
course of developing the rulemaking to solicit information from a 
diverse group of consumers regarding what information displayed on the 
fuel economy label will best serve the intended purpose of providing 
consumers with useful and meaningful information about the fuel 
efficiency of the vehicles they are considering purchasing.\1\ EPA is 
in the process of conducting three ``phases'' of focus groups. Each 
phase has a different concentration, enabling us to test consumer 
comprehension of and reaction to different fuel economy, cost, and 
environmental information and label displays. The result of these focus 
groups, when combined, will increase EPA and NHTSA's understanding of 
which potential label metrics, information and overall label displays 
present the required information in a more understandable and 
compelling manner.
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    \1\ See 74 FR 63149, December 2, 2009, for EPA's initial Notice 
for Proposed Collection and Comment Request regarding the ICR for 
these activities.
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    The first focus group (conducted under ICR Number 2343.01) aimed to 
test consumer understanding and use of the current fuel economy label 
and the importance of various information elements on today's label. 
This phase also assessed consumer reactions to the introduction of new 
information on future labels for conventionally fueled vehicles. 
Specifically, consumers were asked to consider various presentations of 
fuel economy and fuel consumption, fuel cost, environmental 
performance, and other factors. The second phase (conducted under ICR 
Number 2343.02) focused on determining what information is most 
important and helpful on labels for advanced technology vehicles and 
how that information is best presented. Specifically, the second focus 
group tested what metrics (fuel economy and fuel consumption, fuel 
cost, environmental performance, etc.) are most appropriate for 
electric vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid 
electric vehicles and how the labels can best inform consumers of the 
fact that vehicle fuel consumption and efficiency depends significantly 
on how the vehicles are used. The third phase of focus group research, 
currently in the planning stages, will ask consumers to assist in 
developing the most effective and compelling presentation for the 
overall label, ensuring that all options tested include elements 
meeting all EPCA and EISA statutory requirements. This notice requests 
comment on the Internet survey as described in section I.B. below.
    The upcoming joint EPA/NHTSA notice of proposed rulemaking will 
propose a collection of label designs for consideration and public 
comment. These designs will be based largely on the focus group 
research. Following conclusion of the focus group research, EPA will 
conduct an Internet-based survey to test the label designs developed 
and tested in the focus groups with a broader audience. This notice 
discusses the potential survey sampling methods, survey question types, 
and broad content. As described below, EPA is seeking comments on the 
outlined approach for the Internet survey.

B. Internet Survey

    The goals of the Internet survey are to examine how understandable 
the new label designs are, and whether the new labels will improve 
consumers' abilities to select more fuel-efficient vehicles. It will 
test these questions for both conventional and advanced technology 
vehicles.
1. Sampling Method
    Based on OMB guidance, this study plans to use two convenience 
samples: Self-selected U.S. new vehicle purchasers and people who have 
expressed an intention to purchase a new vehicle by requesting a price 
quote from a dealer. Because the study is not a probability-based 
sample, it may not yield estimates representative of the target 
population, new vehicle buyers. However, even if the results are not 
representative of the population, the agencies believe that the study 
design will provide quantitative estimates of differences in consumer 
responses between various test conditions, and it may be possible to 
adjust results to reflect differences between the respondents and the 
target population.
    These samples will be divided into a number of separate groups (the 
number of groups depends on the number of label designs being tested). 
One version of the online survey will be developed for each group, 
identical in every way except that each of the groups will see only one 
of the label designs to be tested. To estimate the burden of this 
information collection we are assuming approximately 500 respondents 
for each label being tested, and a maximum of 12 different label 
designs (consisting of 3 overall labels with 4 unique associated labels 
to address (1) gasoline, (2) electric, (3) plug-in hybrid, and (3) 
extend-range plug-in hybrid vehicle needs), thus resulting in a 
potential maximum of 6,000 respondents.
    To test respondents' understanding of the labels, each respondent 
will be shown a series of paired labels. In each pair, all vehicle 
characteristics will be held constant except the metric whose 
understanding is being tested. For instance, the fuel economy of the 
vehicles may differ, or one may be a conventional vehicle and one an 
electric vehicle. The consumer will then be asked to identify which 
vehicle has a better rating for the metric being tested. For instance, 
the consumer would be asked which vehicle has better fuel economy, or 
is less expensive to drive for a short distance. If one group scores 
more highly in answering these questions correctly, then the label 
associated with that group will appear to be more understandable than 
the other labels.
    To test the influence of the labels, respondents will face similar 
pairs of

[[Page 26754]]

labels for vehicles with all vehicle attributes constant except those 
varied on the label. Instead of identifying the label that has the 
better metric, the respondent would be asked which of these vehicles 
she would prefer to buy. Comparisons will involve both conventional and 
advanced technology vehicles. Respondents may be asked to decide based 
not only on metrics, but also on price differences. For instance, a 
respondent may see a vehicle with better fuel economy but a higher 
purchase price. Because the survey will collect respondents' 
demographic and commute-pattern information, it will be possible to 
assess whether the commuter chose the vehicle that had lower costs for 
her commute.
    For both these areas of study, the use of discrete-choice questions 
is intended to reduce both the time burden on respondents and the 
potential for respondents to manipulate results through strategic 
responses to questions.
2. Methods To Maximize Response Rate and Deal With Non-Response
    We will use a number of approaches to increase the response rate 
and minimize potential non-response bias. These methods will include:
     Optimizing the questionnaire length and question types to 
strike the right balance between obtaining the necessary information 
and ensuring the questionnaire is not burdensome. The target length for 
the survey is 15 minutes.
     Interviewing five representative respondents using 
cognitive interview techniques in order to identify areas of 
misunderstanding, improved question wording, and areas of potential 
length reduction.
     Pre-testing the survey with a sample of 50 representative 
respondents to ensure that the survey programming functions as planned 
and that the data is stored in a way that allows for in-depth data 
analysis.
     Ensuring anonymity of respondent data by keeping any 
identifying information in a separate file from survey question 
responses. Appropriate procedures will be enacted to prevent 
unauthorized access to respondent data and by preventing disclosure of 
the responses of individual participants.
     Providing respondents with the primary investigator's 
contact information so that they can ask any questions regarding the 
questionnaire.
     Monitoring the response rate daily and address any issues 
daily in order to increase the response rate and reduce burden to 
respondents.

II. Burden Statement

    The public reporting and recordkeeping burden for the Internet 
online survey collection of information is estimated to average 20 
minutes per response. 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 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:
    Estimated total number of potential respondents: 6000.
    Frequency of response: One time.
    Estimated total average number of responses for each respondent: 1.
    Estimated total annual burden hours: 2080 hours.
    Estimated total annual burden costs: $61,152.

What is the next Step in the process for this ICR?

    EPA will consider the comments received. The final ICR package for 
the online Internet survey will be submitted to OMB for review and 
approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. If you have any questions about 
this ICR or the approval process, please contact the technical person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: May 6, 2010.
Margo T. Oge,
Director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
[FR Doc. 2010-11294 Filed 5-11-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P