[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 38 (Monday, February 26, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 8240]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03797]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 21, 2018.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the 
accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of 
the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) 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 regarding this information collection received by March 
26, 2018 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: 
Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office 
Building, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are 
encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: 
[email protected] or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental 
Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-
7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-
8958.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Rural Business--Cooperative Service

    Title: Rural Energy for America Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0067.
    Summary of Collection: The collection of this information is 
required pursuant to the passing of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), which established the Rural Energy for 
America Program (REAP) under Title IX, Section 9007. The Agricultural 
Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) continued this authority except that the 
ability to make grants for feasibility studies has been removed from 
REAP. 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 eligible entities to 
conduct energy audits and provide renewable energy development 
assistance.
    Need and Use of the Information: Information will be collected 
using several forms and non-forms. The information will be used to 
determine applicant eligibility and feasibility, and to ensure that 
grantees/borrowers operate on a sound basis and use funds for 
authorized purposes. Failure to collect proper information could result 
in improper determinations of eligibility or improper use of funds.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; 
Individuals; State, local government, or Tribal.
    Number of Respondents: 1,918.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion; 
Monthly; Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 109,986.

Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-03797 Filed 2-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P