Change Requests

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This is a new collection. USGS proposes to conduct a number of data collection efforts within the topic areas of natural disaster and community resilience and preparedness, including studies of specific natural disaster events (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, geomagnetic (solar) storms, floods, drought, coastal erosion, tsunamis, wildland fire, wildlife disease, and other biological and chemical threats), assessments of community resilience and sustainability, and evaluations of the usability and utility of USGS guidance or other products.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202304-0990-009

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) is requesting a revision of the currently approved collection for the OMB No. 0990-0278, Federalwide Assurance (FWA) Form. The form is currently approved through October 31, 2026. The purpose of the FWA form is to provide a simplified procedure for institutions engaged in research conducted or supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to satisfy the assurance requirements of (1) Section 491(a) of the Public Health Service Act (the PHS Act) (42 U.S.C. 289); and (2) HHS regulations for the protection of human subjects at 45 CFR 46.103. The respondents for this information collection are institutions engaged in HHS-conducted or –supported research involving human subjects. With this revision, OHRP is seeking to remove information from the FWA form to adopt the changes at 45 CFR 46.103 of the 2018 Requirements and reduce burden on respondents. The proposed changes to the FWA form include: 1) removing the Pre-2018 Common Rule requirement that institutions provide a statement of ethical principles; 2) removing the Pre-2018 Common Rule requirement that an institution designate one or more IRBs to review the research to which the FWA applies; 3) removing “check the box”, or the option for U.S. institutions to voluntarily apply the Common Rule, or the Common Rule and subparts B, C, and D of the HHS regulations at 45 CFR part 46, to all of an institution’s nonexempt human subjects research regardless of the source of support; and 4) eliminating the requirement for institutions outside the U.S. to provide procedural standards they apply for human subjects research when assuring compliance with the Terms of the Federalwide Assurance. Updates to the software applications OHRP uses to manage the FWA application process will be deployed to enable such changes.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202108-3145-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This manual provides guidance, policies, requirements, and recommended procedures and best practices to NSF staff and award recipients on effective project planning, management, and oversight of large facilities.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202205-3145-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program provides significant support ($0.5-0.6 million / year) for research, education, and infrastructure with a renewable term of 5 years, for a total investment of $2.5-3.0M. Because of the duration and size of these awards, it is necessary for the NSF to ensure that its substantial investment is spent appropriately, that each of the PREMs meets the goals stated in its strategic plan, and that each PREM's activities satisfy the goals and objectives of the PREM program. The PREM program currently funds a total of 32 active awards, For effective oversight of these substantial investments, the NSF requires that each currently funded PREM submit an annual progress report that describes all its activities. Each PREM is expected to submit a final report at the end of the award. Data contained in these reports are also submitted to a website managed by a contractor for NSF. Electronic submission will facilitate program-wide data analysis.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202111-0648-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection. Under section 318 (d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery and Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) [16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.], as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act [Pub. L. 104–297], the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) is required to promulgate regulations that create an expedited, uniform, and regionally-based process to promote issuance, where practicable, of experimental fishing permits. Regulations under 50 CFR 648.12 and 50 CFR 600.745 establish processes for scientific research plans as well as exempted fishing and exempted educational activities that are exempted from applicable fishing regulations. Fishing regulations do not generally affect scientific research activities conducted by a scientific research vessel. Persons planning to conduct such research are encouraged to submit a scientific research plan to ensure that the activities are considered research and not fishing. The researchers are requested to submit reports of their scientific research activity after its completion. Eligible researchers on board federally permitted fishing vessels that plan to temporarily possess fish in a manner not compliant with applicable fishing regulations for the purpose of collecting scientific data on catch may submit a request for a temporary possession letter of authorization. The researchers are requested to submit reports of their scientific research activity after its completion. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may also grant exemptions from fishery regulations for educational or other activities (e.g., using non-regulation gear). The applications for these exemptions must be submitted, as well as reports on activities.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202205-1625-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Any discharge of oil or a hazardous substance must be reported to the National Response Center (NRC) so that the pre-designated on-scene coordinator can be informed and appropriate spill mitigation action carried out. The NRC also receives suspicious activity reports from the public and disseminates the info to appropriate entities. The statutory authority is 33 U.S.C. 1321 and 1504, 42 U.S.C. 9601, 43 U.S.C. 1801, and 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701 (§§70101 - 70132). The authority of 33 U.S.C. 1321 is delegated by the Secretary to the Coast Guard via the Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, Revision No. 01.2. (II)(79). The authority of 33 U.S.C. 1504 is delegated by the Secretary to the Coast Guard via the Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, Revision No. 01.2. (II)(75). The authority of 42 U.S.C. 9601 is delegated by the Secretary to the Coast Guard via the Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, Revision No. 01.2. (II)(87). The authority of 43 U.S.C. 1801 is delegated by the Secretary to the Coast Guard via the Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, Revision No. 01.2. (II)(90). The authority of 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701 is delegated by the Secretary to the Coast Guard via the Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, Revision No. 01.2. (II)(70).

Key Information

SPD-15 Implementation	Yes
Previous ICR	202401-0648-011

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Ocean Service (NOS) proposes a revision to an approved information collection to collect data on the opinions, values, attitudes, and behaviors of visitors and residents local to National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs). The revisions to the collection were informed by the pre-tests and also include updates to ensure compliance with current Administration directives. No substantive changes have been made. Up-to-date socio-economic data is needed to support the individual NERR sites’ conservation and management goals. The initial surveys will be conducted for the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERR-VA), Weeks Bay NERR (WBNERR), and Grand Bay NERR (GNDNERR), and the survey will be repeated regularly in other NERRs based on information needs and budget. This information will be used by NOAA and others to: ● understand who visits the NERRs, ● identify impacts of management decisions, ● inform management decisions, and ● extend education and outreach efforts. NOAA has a vested interest in this research as it supports comprehensive ocean and coastal planning and management. The data collected and resulting products are beneficial for NOAA, resource managers, and policy-makers.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202204-0648-002

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

We are requesting an extension of a currently approved data collection with no changes. Economic data is collected from vessel owners who operate in the Gulf and South Atlantic federal waters of US Southeast Region, and who have one or more federal permits for the commercial catch of shrimp. The Annual Economic Survey of Federal Gulf and South Atlantic Shrimp Permit Holders is conducted by the Social Science Research Group of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Now in its 20th year, the survey collects data about operating expenses and the costs of owning and maintaining shrimp vessels. Each spring, surveys are sent by mail to a random sample of about a third of all vessels with federal permits for the harvest of Gulf penaeid shrimp or South Atlantic penaeid or rock shrimp. The survey has been very successful, with high response rates. For the 2021-2023 data years, response rates by permit type and year have ranged from 61% to 87%; with open access permits at the lower end as would be expected (permit non-renewal is less of a motivation to complete the survey if you can always get a new one). A collection of economic information from fishermen affected by the management of federal commercial fisheries is needed to ensure that national goals, objectives, and requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MFCMA) and other laws are met. This information is vital in assessing the economic and social effects of management decisions and regulations on individual fishing enterprises, fishing communities, and the nation as a whole.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202202-1840-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This information collection provides the U.S. Department of Education with information needed to evaluate, score and rank the quality of the projects proposed by institutions of higher education and public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations applying for a TRIO Training grant, in accordance with Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Section 402G of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). which requires the collection of specific information and data necessary for applicants to receive an initial competitive grant and a non-competing grant for the second year.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202203-3060-011

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The EEO rules are designed to ensure equal employment opportunity in the broadcast and MVPD industries through outreach to the community in recruitment and prevention of employment discrimination. All broadcast stations and MVPDs must adhere to the EEO rules' anti-discrimination provisions, but only stations with five or more full-time employees and MVPDs with six or more are subject to the EEO program provisions.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This notice identifies an information collection activity that the USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program has submitted to OMB for approval to collect information on the use of water resources in the United States. The information is used by USGS scientists to estimate water use in several categories including (but not limited to) public-supply, domestic, irrigation, thermoelectric-cooling, industrial, mining, aquaculture, and livestock applications. USGS national water-use estimates are disseminated to stakeholders and the general public on an on-going basis and fulfill requirements of the SECURE Water Act. The information also supports regional and national water availability studies in the United States. The USGS has produced estimates of annual water use by category aggregated at the county and state level every five years since 1950. Models will be used to produce estimates beginning in year 2020, made at a higher temporal and spatial resolution than previous estimates. Model estimates are dependent on validation using the data collected nationally for specific water-use facilities. USGS Water-Use Specialists will request reported water-use data annually from non-federal agencies. This collection also aims to request data from facilities on an ad-hoc basis to acquire data for categories of use or locations where state-reported data are not sufficient for estimating water use. Respondents can provide relevant data in a variety of electronic formats, usually via websites, file sharing, or email. Information will also be gathered on the water-use data-delivery needs of USGS water-use stakeholders and other end-users.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202312-0648-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is submitting this non-substantive change request in order to bring the demographic questions in line with the OPM issued memorandum titled, "Initial Guidance Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order Defending Women. The only change was to Question 2 on the 2-Year Evaluation form: changed ‘gender’ to ‘sex’ and removed all options except ‘female’ and ‘male’. These changes do not affect the burden.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202402-1004-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to rescind the current regulations for Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska in 43 CFR Part 2360 and return to the status quo under the rule promulgated in 1977 in 43 CFR Part 2360. The proposed rule would revised information collection requirements pertaining to Special Areas (SAs) in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (Reserve). The proposed rule would involve one (1) information collection at 43 CFR 2361.1(d) regarding recommendations for the designation of land as a SA in the Reserve. This information collection requirement slightly revises the existing requirement for SA recommendations. The RIN for this proposed rule is 1004-AF02.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202301-0648-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is submitting this non-substantive change request in order to bring the demographic questions in line with the OPM issued memorandum titled, "Initial Guidance Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order Defending Women. The only change was to remove the question regarding the applicability of EO 13985. This change is minor and does not affect the public burden.

Key Information

SPD-15 Implementation	Yes
Previous ICR	202207-0648-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is submitting this non-substantive change request in order to bring the demographic questions in line with the OPM issued memorandum titled, "Initial Guidance Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order Defending Women. The only changes were to the questions regarding an individual’s sex and their race/ethnicity. These changes do not affect the burden to the public.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202109-1600-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collects information, when necessary, when inviting firms to submit bids, proposals, and offers for public contracts for supplies and service. Using solicitation methods such as Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Information (RFI), and Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), the Government requests information from prospective offerors such as pricing information, delivery schedule compliance, and evidence that the offeror has the resources (both human and financial) to accomplish requirements. The information collection is necessary for compliance with (1) the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR), 48 CFR Chapter 30; (2) the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, 15 U.S.C 628; and (3) for purposes of entering into other transactions agreements, 6 U.S.C. § 391, 6 U.S.C. § 596(1), and 49 U.S.C. § 106(l)(6).

Key Information

Previous ICR	202103-1653-001

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The information collected on the Form I-983 serves as a planning document for STEM OPT students, the SEVP-certified school, and the employer. SEVP uses the form as an evidentiary document to track the STEM OPT student’s progress, identifying the terms and conditions of the practical training and documenting the obligations of the three parties that are involved—the F-1 student, SEVP-certified school, and employer. The student and the employer must each complete and sign their portion of the Form I-983. The SEVP-certified school adds the executed Form I-983 to the student’s school file and uploads it to SEVIS. The school and student must make the student’s Form I-983 available to ICE and to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon request or when the student seeks certain benefits from USCIS, such as an application for employment authorization.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202202-2050-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires EPA to establish a national regulatory program to ensure that hazardous wastes are managed in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment. Under this program, EPA regulates newly generated hazardous wastes as well as hazardous remediation wastes (i.e., hazardous wastes managed during cleanup). Hazardous remediation waste management sites must comply with all parts of 40 CFR part 264 except subparts B, C, and D. In place of these requirements, they need to comply with performance standards based on the general requirement goals in these sections, which are codified at 40 CFR 264.1(j). Under 264.1(j), owners/operators of remediation waste management sites must develop and maintain procedures to prevent accidents. These procedures must address proper design, construction, maintenance, and operation of hazardous remediation waste management units at the site. In addition, owners/operators must develop and maintain a contingency and emergency plan to control accidents that occur. The plan must explain specifically how to treat, store, and dispose of the hazardous remediation waste in question, and must be implemented immediately whenever fire, explosion, or release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents that could threaten human health or the environment. In addition, the Remedial Action Plan streamlines the permitting process for remediation waste management sites to allow cleanups to take place more quickly.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202201-2060-016

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Pesticide Active Ingredient Production (40 CFR part 63, subpart MMM) apply to existing and new facilities engaged in the production of pesticide active ingredients (PAIs) that emit HAPs. New facilities include those that commenced construction, modification, or reconstruction after the date of proposal. In general, all NESHAP standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance with 40 CFR part 63, subpart MMM.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202205-1910-004

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

DOE requests authorization to collect data on the status of WAP E&I, SERC, and Community Scale Pilot activities: units completed, outlays and related information. DOE has also requested authorization to liaise regularly with states to gather real-time data on implementation issues, challenges, and activities.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202201-2060-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Plating and Polishing Area Sources (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart WWWWWW) were proposed on March 14, 2008; promulgated on July 1, 2008; and most-recently amended on both September 19, 2011 and November 19, 2020.1 These regulations apply to both existing and new plating and polishing facilities that are an area source of hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions and that use one or more of the following metal HAP: cadmium, chromium, lead manganese, or nickel (hereafter referred to as the plating and polishing metal HAP). In general, all NESHAP standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports by the owners/operators of the affected facilities. They are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all affected facilities subject to NESHAP. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart WWWWWW.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202110-2060-008

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This is a renewal of the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPAs) information collection request (ICR) addressing the burden and costs of information collection activities indirectly required under the NOX SIP Call (the Rule). The Rule requires affected states to include certain provisions in their state implementation plans (SIPs) addressing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) that adversely affect air quality in other states. Previously, one of the Rules requirements applicable to all affected states was that the SIPs must include provisions requiring large electricity generating units (EGUs) and large non-EGU boilers and turbines to monitor and report their NOX mass emissions during the May-September ozone season according to the provisions of 40 CFR part 75 (referred to here as Part 75 monitoring requirements). In 2019, EPA amended the NOx SIP Call making the inclusion of Part 75 monitoring requirements in SIPs voluntary instead of mandatory, allowing states to submit SIP revisions to EPA requiring sources to perform other forms of monitoring. Although the Rule does not impose any requirements directly on sources, the Part 75 monitoring requirements were added to SIPs because of the Rule, and EPA has therefore submitted and periodically renewed an ICR to account for the information collection burden and costs of the Part 75 monitoring requirements imposed indirectly on sources. This ICR includes estimates of burden and costs both for sources subject to Part 75 monitoring requirements and sources performing other forms of monitoring for NOX SIP Call purposes under approved SIP revisions. Most large EGUs (and some large non-EGU boilers and turbines) affected under the NOX SIP Call are also subject to comparable Part 75 monitoring requirements under the Acid Rain Program (ARP) and/or the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) trading programs. Both the ARP and CSAPR have approved ICRs (OMB Control Nos. 2060-0258 and 2060-0667), and this ICR accounts for information collection burden and costs only for sources that are not required to perform Part 75 monitoring under the ARP or CSAPR programs and whose information collection burden and costs therefore are not accounted for in the ARP ICR or the CSAPR ICR. This ICR also accounts for information collection burden and costs for additional sources primarily smaller EGUs that states voluntarily have made subject to Part 75 monitoring requirements under the SIPs they adopted for NOX SIP Call compliance, going beyond the Rules existing requirements. Under the NOx SIP Call, states are required to report certain data regarding emissions of sources in the state to EPA on an annual or triennial basis. The Air Emission Reporting Rule (AERR) for the national emission inventory includes very similar reporting requirements, and EPA believes that there is no material incremental information collection burden and cost associated with the required state reporting for NOX SIP Call purposes beyond the burden and cost estimates included in the AERR ICR (OMB Control Number 2060-0580). Thus, the only information collection burden and costs addressed in this ICR relate to the monitoring and reporting requirements imposed on sources through the states SIPs for compliance with the NOX SIP Call.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202201-2060-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and the Texas SO2 trading programs ICR includes information collection requirements for the six CSAPR trading programs addressing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, annual nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions, or seasonal NOX emissions in various sets of states, and the Texas SO2 trading program which is modeled after CSAPR. This information is needed to allow for continued implementation of the programs. The principal information collection requirements under the CSAPR and Texas trading programs relate to the monitoring and reporting of emissions and associated data in accordance with 40 CFR part 75. Other information collection requirements under the programs concern the submittal of information necessary to allocate and transfer emission allowances and the submittal of certificates of representation and other typically one-time registration forms. Affected sources under the CSAPR and Texas trading programs are generally stationary, fossil fuel-fired boilers and combustion turbines serving generators larger than 25 megawatts (MW) producing electricity for sale. Most of these affected sources are also subject to the Acid Rain Program (ARP). The information collection requirements under the CSAPR and Texas trading programs and the ARP substantially overlap and are fully integrated. The burden and costs of overlapping requirements are accounted for in the ARP ICR (OMB Control Number 2060-0258). This ICR accounts for information collection burden and costs under the CSAPR and Texas trading programs that are incremental to the burden and costs already accounted for in the ARP ICR. While most sources participating in the CSAPR and Texas trading programs are directly regulated under federal implementation plans (FIPs), sources in some states participate in the CSAPR trading programs under state implementation plan (SIP) revisions adopted to replace previous FIPs. This ICR accounts for the burden and costs for sources participating under both FIPs and SIPs.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202110-2060-010

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Congress established the program in title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments to address acid deposition by reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX). This renewal generally outlines programmatic aspects as established in the previous ICR with adjustments to reflect current labor costs and estimates of the numbers of respondents and transactions. To reduce SO2 emissions, the Acid Rain Program uses a cap-and-trade system applicable to most large fossil fuel-fired electricity generating units in the contiguous United States. Affected sources are required to hold one tradable allowance for each ton of SO2 emitted, and the total number of allowances issued is capped. In addition to affected sources, any person or entity may establish an account to buy and sell allowances. EPA is required to conduct an allowance auction each year to promote market liquidity and price transparency. To reduce NOX emissions, the Acid Rain Program applies NOX emission rate limits to a subset of affected units. Each such unit may either meet its standard emission rate limit, arrange to comply on a group basis under an averaging plan, or seek approval for an alternative emission limitation (AEL) based on demonstrated inability to meet its otherwise applicable standard limit. Affected units under the Acid Rain Program are required to monitor opacity and SO2, NOX, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions using continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) or alternative monitoring methods approved by the EPA Administrator. All affected units are also required to obtain and periodically renew permits that identify their plans for complying with the programs applicable SO2 and NOX requirements. As in previous Acid Rain Program ICRs, most of the topical discussions in this ICR renewal are organized around the main program elements established under different CAA sections: Allowance transfers (CAA section 403); Permits (CAA section 408); Emissions monitoring (CAA section 412); Auctions (CAA section 416); NOx permitting (CAA section 407).

Key Information

Previous ICR	202103-1625-006

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

To comply with Title XIV of Public Law 106-554, this information collection is needed to enforce sewage and graywater discharges requirements from certain cruise ships operating on Alaskan waters. Respondents are owners and operators of vessels.