[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 198 (Friday, October 14, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62446-62451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22344]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[OMB Control Number 1010-0006; Docket ID: BOEM-2017-0016]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Leasing of Sulfur or 
Oil and Gas in the Outer Continental Shelf

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is proposing this information 
collection request (ICR) to renew Control Number 1010-0006 with 
revisions.

DATES: Comments must be received by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) no later than November 14, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Submit your written comments on this ICR to the OMB's desk 
officer for the Department of the Interior at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain within 30 days of publication of this notice. From the 
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain landing page, find this information 
collection by selecting ``Currently under Review--Open for Public 
Comments'' or

[[Page 62447]]

by using the search function. Please provide a copy of your comments by 
parcel delivery to the BOEM Information Collection Clearance Officer, 
Anna Atkinson, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, 
Sterling, Virginia 20166; or by email to [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 1010-0006 in the subject line of your 
comments. You may also comment by searching the docket number BOEM-
2017-0016 at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Atkinson by email at 
[email protected] or by telephone at 703-787-1025. Individuals in 
the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a 
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access 
telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United 
States should use the relay services offered within their country to 
make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, BOEM provides the general public and other Federal 
agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and 
continuing collections of information. This helps BOEM assess the 
impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the 
public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand BOEM's 
information collection requirements and provide the requested data in 
the desired format.
    Title of Collection: ``Leasing of Sulfur or Oil and Gas in the 
Outer Continental Shelf.''
    Abstract: This ICR concerns the paperwork requirements in 30 CFR 
parts 550, 556, and 560. This ICR also concerns the use of forms to 
process bonds, transfer interest in leases, and file relinquishments.
    The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331 
et seq.), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe rules 
and regulations to administer leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf 
(OCS) and all operations conducted under a lease. Operations on the OCS 
must develop oil and natural gas resources in a manner that is 
consistent with the need to make such resources available to meet the 
Nation's energy needs; balance orderly energy resource development with 
protection of human, marine, and coastal environments; ensure the 
public a fair return on the resources of the OCS; and preserve and 
maintain free enterprise competition. Also, the Energy Policy and 
Conservation Act of 1975 prohibits certain lease bidding arrangements 
(42 U.S.C. 6213(a)).
    OMB Control Number: 1010-0006.
    Form Number:
     BOEM-0150, ``Assignment of Record Title Interest in 
Federal OCS Oil and Gas Lease'';
     BOEM-0151, ``Assignment of Operating Rights Interest in 
Federal OCS Oil and Gas Lease'';
     BOEM-0152, ``Relinquishment of Federal OCS Oil and Gas 
Lease'';
     BOEM-2028, ``Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Mineral 
Lessee's or Operator's Bond'';
     BOEM-2028A, ``Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Mineral 
Lessee's or Operator's Supplemental Bond''; and
     BOEM-2030, ``Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Pipeline Right-
of-Way Grant Bond''.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Federal oil, gas, or sulfur lessees 
and operators; right-of-way grant holders.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 21,826 responses.
    Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 21,935 hours.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory or required to obtain or retain 
a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion or annual.
    Total Estimated Annual Non-Hour Burden Cost: $766,053.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: We expect the 
burden estimate for the renewal will be 21,935 hours with 21,826 
responses, which reflects an increase of 2,881 hours and 11,628 
responses. One hour of the increase accounts for Alaska's surety bond 
submission (30 CFR 550.1011), which was not previously included in the 
annual burden hours. The remaining increase of 2,880 annual burden 
hours accounts for submissions of documents under 30 CFR 556.715 and 
556.808. Under the current 1010-0006, BOEM accounted for the burden 
hours to file the requisite fees under 30 CFR 556.715 and 556.808 but 
did not account for the burden hours to submit the requisite documents.
    The following table details the individual components and 
respective burden hour estimates of this ICR.

                                                Burden Breakdown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Hour burden          Average
                                                            ---------------------    number of     Annual burden
    30 CFR  Part 550 Subpart J      Reporting requirement *     Non-hour cost         annual           hours
                                                                   burdens           responses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
550.1011(a)......................  Provide surety bond       Gulf of Mexico 0.25              52              13
                                    (Form BOEM-2030) and
                                    required information.
                                                             Pacific 3.5........               3              11
                                                             Alaska 1...........               1               1
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    30 CFR 550, Subpart J, Total.  ........................  ...................    56 Responses        25 hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 62448]]


 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Hour burden          Average
                                                            ---------------------    number of     Annual burden
    30 CFR  Part 556 and NTLs       Reporting requirement *     Non-hour cost         annual           hours
                                                                   burdens           responses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
104(b)...........................  Submit confidentiality    0.25...............             500             125
                                    agreement.
                                                            -------------------------------------
106..............................  Cost recovery and          Cost recovery and service fees and               0
                                    service fees;                associated documentation are
                                    confirmation receipt.          covered under individual
                                                               requirements throughout part. **
107..............................  Submit required             Burden covered in 30 CFR 560.500                0
                                    documentation
                                    electronically through
                                    BOEM-approved system;
                                    comply with filing
                                    specifications, as
                                    directed by notice in
                                    the Federal Register in
                                    accordance with 30 CFR
                                    560.500.
                                                            -------------------------------------
107..............................  File seals, documents,    10 min.............             400              67
                                    statements, signatures,
                                    etc., to establish
                                    legal status of all
                                    future submissions
                                    (paper or electronic).
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................             900             192
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
201-204..........................  Submit nominations,          Not considered an information                  0
                                    suggestions, comments,   collection (IC) as defined in 5 CFR
                                    and information in                   1320.3(h)(4).
                                    response to requests
                                    for information or
                                    comments, draft or
                                    proposed 5-year leasing
                                    program, etc.,
                                    including information
                                    from States and local
                                    governments, Federal
                                    agencies, industry, and
                                    others.
                                                            -------------------------------------
202-204..........................  Submit nominations &      4..................              69             276
                                    specific information
                                    requested in draft
                                    proposed 5-year leasing
                                    program, from States
                                    and local governments.
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................              69             276
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
301; 302.........................  Submit response &          Not considered IC as defined in 5                0
                                    specific information               CFR 1320.3(h)(4).
                                    requested in requests
                                    for industry interest
                                    and calls for
                                    information and
                                    nominations, etc., on
                                    areas proposed for
                                    leasing; including
                                    information from States
                                    and local governments.
                                                            -------------------------------------
302(d)...........................  Request summary of        1..................               5               5
                                    interest
                                    (nonproprietary
                                    information) for calls
                                    for information and
                                    requests for interest,
                                    etc.
305; 306.........................  States or local           4..................              25             100
                                    governments submit
                                    comments,
                                    recommendations, other
                                    responses on size,
                                    timing, or location of
                                    proposed lease sale.
                                    Request extension;
                                    enter agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................              30             105
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart D
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
400-402; 405.....................  Establish file for        2..................             107             214
                                    qualification; submit
                                    evidence and
                                    certification for
                                    lessee and bidder
                                    qualification. Provide
                                    updates; obtain BOEM
                                    approval &
                                    qualification number.
                                                            -------------------------------------
403(c)...........................  Request hearing on        Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                    disqualification.                 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9).
                                                            -------------------------------------
403; 404.........................  Notify BOEM if you or     1.5................              50              75
                                    your principals are
                                    excluded, disqualified,
                                    or convicted of a
                                    crime--Federal non-
                                    procurement debarment
                                    and suspension
                                    requirements; request
                                    exception; enter
                                    transaction.
                                                            -------------------------------------

[[Page 62449]]

 
405..............................  Notify BOEM of all        Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                    mergers, name changes,            5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1).
                                    or change of business.
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................             157             289
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart E
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
500; 501.........................  Submit bids, deposits,    5..................           2,000          10,000
                                    and required
                                    information, including
                                    GDIS & maps; in manner
                                    specified. Make data
                                    available to BOEM.
                                                            -------------------------------------
500(e); 517......................  Request reconsideration   Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                    of bid decision.                  5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9).
501(e)...........................  Apply for reimbursement.     Burden covered in OMB Control                  0
                                                                 Number 1010-0048, 30 CFR 551.
511(b); 517......................  Submit appeal of listing  Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                    on restricted joint               5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9).
                                    bidders list; appeal
                                    bid decision.
                                                            -------------------------------------
513; 514.........................  File statement and        2..................             100             200
                                    detailed report of
                                    production. Make
                                    documents available to
                                    BOEM.
                                                            -------------------------------------
515..............................  Request exemption from    Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                    bidding restrictions;             5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9).
                                    submit appropriate
                                    information.
                                                            -------------------------------------
516..............................  File agreement on         3.5................               2               7
                                    determination of lessee
                                    following BOEM's notice
                                    of tie bid.
520; 521; 600(c).................  Execute lease (includes   1..................             852             852
                                    submission of evidence
                                    of authorized agent,
                                    completion of steps
                                    leading to lease
                                    execution, and request
                                    adjusted effective date
                                    of lease); submit
                                    required data and
                                    rental.
520(b)...........................  Provide acceptable bond   0.25...............               1               1
                                    for payment of a
                                    deferred bonus.
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................           2,955          11,060
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Subparts F, G, H
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
700-716..........................  File application and      1..................           1,414           1,414
                                    required information
                                    for assignment or
                                    transfer of record
                                    title or any other
                                    lease interest (Form
                                    BOEM-0150) (includes
                                    sale, sublease,
                                    segregation exchange,
                                    transfer); request
                                    effective date and
                                    confidentiality;
                                    provide notifications.
                                    **.
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                      $198 fee x 1,414 forms = $279,972
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
715(a); 808(a)...................  File required             1..................           2,369           2,369
                                    instruments creating or
                                    transferring working
                                    interests, etc., for
                                    record purposes. **.
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                      $29 fee x 2,369 filings = $68,701
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
715(b); 808(b)...................  Submit ``non-required''   .25................          11,518           2,880
                                    documents, for record
                                    purposes that
                                    respondents want BOEM
                                    to file with the lease
                                    document. (Accepted on
                                    behalf of lessees as a
                                    service; BOEM does not
                                    require nor need them.).
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                     $29 fee x 11,518 filings = $334,022
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
800-810..........................  File application and      1..................             421             421
                                    required information
                                    for assignment or
                                    transfer of operating
                                    interest (Form BOEM-
                                    0151) (includes sale,
                                    sublease, segregation
                                    exchange, severance,
                                    transfer); request
                                    effective date; provide
                                    notifications. **.
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                        $198 fee x 421 forms = $83,358
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................          15,722           7,084
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 62450]]

 
                                                                                                        $766,053
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900(a)-(e); 901; 902; 903(a).....  Submit form for OCS       0.33...............             135              45
                                    mineral lessee's and
                                    operator's bond (Form
                                    BOEM-2028); execute
                                    bond.
900(c), (d), (f), (g); 901(c),     Demonstrate financial     3.5................             166             581
 (d), (f); 902(e).                  worth and ability to
                                    carry out present and
                                    future financial
                                    obligations, request
                                    approval of another
                                    form of security, or
                                    request reduction in
                                    amount of supplemental
                                    bond required on BOEM-
                                    approved forms. Monitor
                                    and submit required
                                    information.
900(e); 901; 902; 903(a).........  Submit form for OCS       0.25...............             141              35
                                    mineral lessee's and
                                    operator's supplemental
                                    plugging & abandonment
                                    bond (Form BOEM-2028A);
                                    execute bond.
900(f), (g)......................  Submit authority for      2..................              12              24
                                    Regional Director to
                                    sell Treasury or
                                    alternate type of
                                    securities.
                                                            -------------------------------------
901..............................  Submit exploration plan,     IC burden covered in separate                  0
                                    development and           approved collection for 1010-0151,
                                    production plan,              30 CFR part 550, subpart B.
                                    development operations
                                    coordination document.
901(f)...........................  Submit oral/written       Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                    comment on adjusted               5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9).
                                    bond amount and
                                    information.
                                                            -------------------------------------
903(b)...........................  Notify BOEM of any lapse  1..................               4               4
                                    in bond coverage and
                                    action filed alleging
                                    lessee, surety, or
                                    guarantor is insolvent
                                    or bankrupt.
904..............................  Provide plan and          12.................               2              24
                                    instructions to fund
                                    lease-specific
                                    abandonment account and
                                    related information;
                                    request approval to
                                    withdraw funds.
905..............................  Provide third-party       19.................              46             874
                                    guarantee, indemnity
                                    agreement, financial
                                    and required
                                    information, related
                                    notices, reports, and
                                    annual update; notify
                                    BOEM if guarantor
                                    becomes unqualified.
905(d)(3); 906...................  Provide notice of and     0.5................             378             189
                                    request approval to
                                    terminate period of
                                    liability, cancel bond,
                                    or other security;
                                    provide required
                                    information.
907(c)(2)........................  Provide information to    16.................               5              80
                                    demonstrate lease will
                                    be brought into
                                    compliance.
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................             889           1,856
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Subpart K
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1101.............................  Request relinquishment    1..................             247             247
                                    (Form BOEM-0152) of
                                    lease; submit required
                                    information.
1102.............................  Request additional time   1..................               1               1
                                    to bring lease into
                                    compliance.
                                                            -------------------------------------
1102(c)..........................  Comment on cancellation.  Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                                                      5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9).
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
    Subtotal.....................  ........................  ...................             248             248
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
        30 CFR 556 Total.........  ........................  ...................          20,970          21,110
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                   ........................             $766,053 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Average
                                                                                     number of     Annual burden
         30 CFR Part 560            Reporting requirement *      Hour burden          annual           hours
                                                                                     responses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
560.224(a).......................  Request BOEM to           Requirement not considered IC under               0
                                    reconsider field                  5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9)
                                    assignment of a lease.
                                                            -------------------------------------
560.500..........................  Submit required           1..................             800             800
                                    documentation
                                    electronically through
                                    BOEM-approved system;
                                    comply with filing
                                    specifications, as
                                    directed by notice in
                                    the Federal Register
                                    (e.g., bonding info.).

[[Page 62451]]

 
    30 CFR 560 Total.............  ........................  ...................             800             800
        Total Reporting for        ........................  ...................          21,826          21,935
         Collection.
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                   ........................  ...................  $766,053 Non-Hour Cost Burdens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In the future, BOEM may require electronic filing of certain submissions.
** Cost recovery/service fees.
--For requests of approval for various operations or submission of plans or applications, the burdens are
  included with other OMB-approved collections: for BOEM, 30 CFR part 550 (subpart A, Control Number 1010-0114;
  subpart B, Control Number 1010-0151); and for BSEE, 30 CFR part 250 (subpart A, Control Number 1014-0022;
  subpart D, Control Number 1014-0018).
--All submission for designation of operator (Form BOEM-1123) under 30 CFR parts 550, 556, and 560 are captured
  in OMB Control Number 1010-0114.

    A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period on 
this proposed ICR was published on May 24, 2022 (87 FR 31576). BOEM did 
not receive any comments during the 60-day comment period.
    BOEM is again soliciting comments on the proposed ICR. BOEM is 
especially interested in public comments addressing the following 
issues: (1) is the collection necessary to the proper functions of 
BOEM; (2) what can BOEM do to ensure that this information is processed 
and used in a timely manner; (3) is the burden estimate accurate; (4) 
how might BOEM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (5) how might BOEM minimize the burden 
of this collection on the respondents, including minimizing the burden 
through the use of information technology?
    Comments submitted in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record and will be available for public review on 
www.reginfo.gov. You should be aware that your entire comment--
including your address, phone number, email address, or other 
personally identifiable information included in your comment--may be 
made publicly available. Even if BOEM withholds your information in the 
context of this ICR, your comment is subject to the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA). If your comment is requested under the FOIA, 
your information will only be withheld if BOEM determines that a FOIA 
exemption to disclosure applies. BOEM will make such a determination in 
accordance with the Department of the Interior's (DOI) FOIA regulations 
and applicable law.
    In order for BOEM to consider withholding from disclosure your 
personally identifiable information, you must identify, in a cover 
letter, any information contained in your comments that, if released, 
would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of your personal 
privacy. You must also briefly describe any possible harmful 
consequence of the disclosure of information, such as embarrassment, 
injury, or other harm.
    Note that BOEM will make available for public inspection all 
comments on www.reginfo.gov, in their entirety, submitted by 
organizations and businesses or by individuals identifying themselves 
as representatives of organizations or businesses.
    BOEM protects proprietary information in accordance with FOIA (5 
U.S.C. 552), DOI's implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and 30 CFR 
parts 550 and 552 promulgated pursuant to the Outer Continental Shelf 
Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1352(c)).
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid 
OMB control number.
    The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Karen Thundiyil,
Chief, Office of Regulations, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2022-22344 Filed 10-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P