[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 190 (Monday, October 1, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59888-59889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24020]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Rural Business-Cooperative Service's (RBS) 
intention to request an extension for a currently approved information 
collection in support of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by November 30, 2012 to 
be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelley Oehler, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, USDA, STOP 3225, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-3225, Telephone (202) 720-6819.

[[Page 59889]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Renewal Energy and Energy Efficiency 
Improvements Program.
    OMB Number: 0570-0050.
    Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 2013.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to eligible 
agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the purchase of 
renewable energy systems and the implementation of energy efficiency 
improvements. REAP also provides grants for renewable energy system 
feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development 
assistance. This notice is specific to the information collection 
required for the renewable energy system and energy efficiency 
improvements portion of REAP.
    The collection of information is vital for Rural Development to 
make wise decisions regarding the eligibility of applicants and 
borrowers, establish selection priorities among competing applicants 
ensure compliance with applicable Rural Development regulations, and 
effectively monitor the grantees and borrowers activities to protect 
the Government's financial interest and ensure that funds obtained from 
the Government are used appropriately. This information will be used to 
determine applicant eligibility, to determine project eligibility and 
feasibility, and to ensure that grantees/borrowers operate on a sound 
basis and use funds for authorized purposes.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 6 hours per response.
    Respondents: Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,634.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 15.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 53,548.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 310,181.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Jeanne 
Jacobs, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, Support Services 
Division at (202) 692-0040.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of USDA, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of USDA's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Jeanne 
Jacobs, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, Support Services 
Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 
1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0742. All responses to 
this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB 
approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: August 30, 2012.
John Padalino,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24020 Filed 9-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P