[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76580-76581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-21163]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 12540]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Advance 
Notification Form: Tourist and Other Non-Governmental Activities in the 
Antarctic Treaty Area

ACTION: Notice of request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. 
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are 
requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals 
and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for 
public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to 
November 18, 2024.
    You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on 
this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the 
document by entering ``Docket Number: DOS-2024-0036'' in the Search 
field. Then click the ``Comment Now'' button and complete the comment 
form.
     Email: [email protected].
     Regular Mail: Send written comments to: Suzanne McGuire, 
Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, Room 2665, Bureau of Oceans and 
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of 
State, 2201 C Street NW, Washington DC 20520.
    You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information 
collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional 
information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including 
requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and 
supporting documents, to Suzanne McGuire, Office of Ocean and Polar 
Affairs, Room 2665, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental 
and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW, 
Washington DC 20520, who may be reached at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  Title of Information Collection: 
ADVANCE NOTIFICATION FORM: Tourist and Other Non-Governmental 
Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area.
     OMB Control Number: 1405-0181.
     Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved 
Collection.
     Originating Office: Bureau of Oceans and International 
Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES/OPA).
     Form Number: DS-4131.
     Respondents: Operators of Antarctic expeditions organized 
in or proceeding from the United States.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 55.
     Average Time Per Response: 9 hours.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 495 hours.
     Frequency: On occasion.
     Obligation to Respond: Required to comply with Article 
VII(5)(a) of the Antarctic Treaty and associated documents.

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
     Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
     Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost 
burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used.
     Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.
     Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, 
including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.
    Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are 
public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you 
should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your 
personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

    Information solicited on the Advance Notification Form (DS-4131) 
provides the U.S. government with information on tourist and other non-
governmental expeditions to the Antarctic Treaty area. The U.S. 
government needs this information to comply with Article VII(5)(a) of 
the Antarctic Treaty and associated documents.

[[Page 76581]]

Methodology

    The Form DS-4131 is available by download from the Department's 
website. The information will be submitted by U.S. organizers of 
tourist and other non-governmental expeditions to Antarctica by means 
of this form. The form should be submitted via email, although signed 
originals submitted by regular mail are also valid.

Elizabeth Kim,
Director, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, Bureau of Oceans and 
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 2024-21163 Filed 9-17-24; 8:45 am]
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