Change Requests

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect)

Key Information

Abstract

On March 23, 2018, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018 (the FY 2018 Appropriations) (Pub.L. 115–141) which established a broadband loan and grant pilot program, the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (hereinafter the ReConnect Program). One of the essential goals of the ReConnect Program is to expand broadband service to rural areas without sufficient access to broadband, defined as 10 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. For this purpose, Congress expanded RUS's existing authority to make loans and grants. Loans and grants are limited to the costs of the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible communities. The FY 2018 Appropriations also authorized technical assistance to assist the agency in expanding needed service to the most rural communities. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the pilot will fuel long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural America. One of those opportunities is precision agriculture. The use of this technology requires a robust broadband connection. The awards made under this program will bring high speed broadband to the farms which will allow them to increase productivity.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

Pub.L. 115 - 141 779	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

TSCA Existing Chemical Risk Evaluation and Management; Generic ICR for Interviews and Focus Groups (Renewal)

Key Information

Abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) intends to initiate a new voluntary information collection for chemical industry research involving focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and other structured discussions to provide more comprehensive and accurate information to inform the risk evaluation and risk management of existing chemicals as required under section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In 2016, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (LCSA), which updated TSCA, was signed into law. Under TSCA, EPA must prioritize chemical substances for risk evaluation; conduct risk evaluations to determine whether chemical substances present unreasonable risk; and manage any unreasonable risks found to be presented, all under strict statutory deadlines. Many of these chemicals may have multiple conditions of use that fall under EPAs authority under TSCA. Under TSCA, for each chemical substance evaluated, EPA must evaluate hazards and exposures. The purpose of this ICR is to help fill data gaps for EPAs risk evaluations and risk management of existing chemicals under section 6 of TSCA. In accordance with TSCA section 26, EPA must make TSCA section 6 risk evaluation and risk management decisions consistent with the best available science and based on the weight of the scientific evidence. To carry out its statutory obligations, EPA needs sufficient information about chemicals undergoing risk evaluation and risk management, including information related to the chemicals conditions of use, hazards, exposures, potentially exposed or susceptible sub-populations, health and environmental effects, benefits, reasonably ascertainable economic consequences, alternatives, and other information. The collection of such information is subject to TSCAs strict statutory time frames (set forth in section 6). Therefore, EPA is seeking approval for a generic information collection request (ICR) to conduct interviews and focus groups of chemical users, processors, distributors, manufacturers (including importers), and recyclers, chemical waste handlers, consumers of chemical-containing products, employees who may be exposed to the chemical evaluated, state and local regulators, non-governmental organizations, industry experts, and knowledgeable members of the public (including potentially exposed or susceptible sub-populations) related to information collection for TSCA chemical risk evaluation and risk management. As appropriate, under this ICR EPA would collect data in several ways, such as interviews and focus groups. This research would consist of open-ended structured discussions or interviews with individuals or small groups of individuals, and therefore can provide in-depth information. These information collection efforts are intended to supplement other reasonably available information on chemicals in commerce and will provide support for the Agencys policy and regulatory activities regarding existing chemicals under TSCA section 6. Data collected under this generic clearance may be used in several ways during the risk evaluation and risk management processes, including establishing generic scenarios, developing models of various conditions of use of chemicals evaluated under TSCA or their alternatives, pretesting survey questions, and providing important context for publicly available information already available to EPA. By learning more about the conditions of use, hazards, exposures, potentially exposed or susceptible sub-populations, health and environmental effects, benefits, reasonably ascertainable economic consequences, alternatives, and other information for chemicals being evaluated or regulated, EPA would be able to more precisely and effectively carry out its risk evaluation and risk management obligations under TSCA.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

15 USC 2601 et seq.	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

U.S. Caribbean Commercial Fishermen Census

Key Information

Abstract

This is a request for an extension to a standard information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS or NOAA Fisheries) is seeking to extend its data collection on small-scale fishers in the United States (U.S.) Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The data collection aims to gather cultural, economic, and social information from 1,500 fishers across these regions. This up-to-date socio-economic data will support current management actions by informing fishery management plans and amendments, constructing social indicators, and aids developing and assessing regulatory proposals. The information will strengthen fishery management decision-making and help satisfy legal mandates under various statutes, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. This extension request ensures continued access to crucial data for effective fisheries management in the U.S. Caribbean.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

42 USC 4321 et seq.	View Law

16 USC 1801 et seq.	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Statement Regarding Contributions and Support of Children

Key Information

Abstract

Dependency on the employee for at least one-half support is a condition affecting eligibility for increasing an employee or spouse annuity under the social security overall minimum provisions on the basis of the presence of a dependent child, the employee’s natural child in limited situations, adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren and step-grandchildren. The information collected solicits financial information needed to determine entitlement to a child’s annuity based on actual dependency.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Stormwater Discharges

Key Information

Abstract

This Information Collection Request (ICR) calculates the burden and costs associated with information collection and reporting activities associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. The burden associated with the entire NPDES program, including the administration of the 2021 MSGP, are accounted for in the 2023 NPDES Program ICR (EPA ICR number 0229.25, OMB control no. 2040-0004). Consistent with the past approach of changes to an NPDES program, EPA is reflecting the paperwork burden associated with the difference between the 2021 MSGP and 2026 MSGP in this ICR. All references to assumptions used in the 2021 MSGP ICR in the burden calculations were previously approved and unchanged and have been consolidated into the 2023 NPDES programmatic ICR.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

Pub.L. 92 - 500 301(h)	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)

Key Information

Abstract

The Rural Community Development Initiative's intent is to develop the capacity and ability of rural area recipients through a program of technical assistance provided by qualified intermediary organizations.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

Pub.L. 106 - 78 306	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Telecommunications System Construction Policies and Procedures

Key Information

Abstract

In order to facilitate the programmatic interest of the RE act, and, to assure that loans made or guaranteed by RUS are adequately secured, RUS, as a secured lender, has established certain forms for materials, equipment and construction of telecommunications systems. The use of standard forms, construction contracts, and procurement procedures help assure RUS that appropriate standards and specifications are maintained, RUS' loan security is not adversely affected; and the loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purposes.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

7 USC 901	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

RHS-Finance Office Forms

Key Information

Abstract

Forms will be used by the Agency to obtain bank routing information from the borrower's financial institutions to establish an electronic loan payment plan. The form titles that will be used to obtain this information are: RD 3550-28, "Authorization Agreement for Preauthorization Payments", RD 1951-65, "Customer Initiated Payments (CIP)" and RD 1951-66, "Fedwire Worksheet."

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

15 USC 1601	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative

Key Information

Abstract

The Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative is an assistance program established by Congress in 1995 that is intended to bring about the protection, preservation, and interpretation of significant natural, cultural, and recreational resources with the Lower Mississippi Delta by assisting small, emerging, minority and rural museums with planning grants.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

54 USC 100101	View Law

54 USC 10072	View Law

Pub.L. 103 - 433 1101	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Application for Survivor Insurance Annuities

Key Information

Abstract

Under Section 2(d) of the Railroad Retirement Act, monthly survivor annuities are payable to surviving widow(er)s, parents, unmarried children, and in certain cases, divorced wives (husbands), mothers (fathers), remarried widow(er)s and grandchildren of deceased railroad employees. The collection obtains information needed by the RRB to determine entitlement to and the amount of the annuity applied for.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

45 USC 231f	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants, 7 CFR 1782

Key Information

Abstract

7 CFR 1782 contains regulations outlining the procedures available for borrowers to follow in order for the Agency to determine borrower qualifications for varying service options. This collection of information covers the various material required for servicing actions related to water programs loan servicing.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

7 USC 1981	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

HydroAdd3d

Key Information

Abstract

This is a renewal, with revisions, for the Hydrography Addressing Tool (HydroAdd), a website developed by the USGS National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC).

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

RUS Electric Loan Application and Related Reporting Burdens

Key Information

Abstract

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) was established in 1994 by the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-354, 108 Stat. 3178, 7 U.S.C. 6941 et. seq.) as successor to the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) with respect to certain programs, including the electric loan and loan guarantee program authorized under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., as amended) (RE Act). The RE Act authorizes and empowers the Administrator of RUS to make and guarantee loans to furnish and improve electric service in rural areas. These loans are amortized over a period of up to 35 years and secured by the borrower's electric assets and/or revenue. In the interest of protecting loan security, monitoring compliance with debt covenants, and ensuring that RUS loan funds are used for purposes authorized by law, RUS requires that borrowers prepare and submit for RUS evaluation certain studies and reports. Some of these studies and reports are required only once for each loan application; others must be submitted periodically until the loan is completely repaid. The RE Act also authorizes and empowers the Administrator of RUS to make or cause to be made, studies, investigations, and reports concerning the condition and progress of the electrification of several States and Territories; and to publish and disseminate information with respect thereto. Information supplied by borrowers forms the basis of many of these reports.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

7 USC 901	View Law

7 USC 6941	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

7 CFR 1942-C, "Fire and Rescue Loans"

Key Information

Abstract

Regulation promulgates the policies and procedures for processing and servicing community facility loans for fire and rescue facilities.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

7 USC 1926 Section 306	View Law

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program: Post-Award Reporting (New)

Key Information

Abstract

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes competitive financial assistance awards to support projects that tackle environmental, public health, and energy challenges across the country. Historically, these investments have not reached communities and groups who are overburdened by the effects of pollution, environmental hazards, and climate change. To help get resources and funding to underserved and overburdened communities, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program (ECJP)the largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. historywhen it was signed into law by President Biden on August 16, 2022. The Community Change Grants (CCG) are the final and most comprehensive piece of EPAs implementation of ECJP IRA funding. The CCG program will provide funding to communities and their partners to design, develop, and implement multi-faceted, community-driven projects to protect public health and the environment. With this Information Collection Request (ICR), EPA seeks approval to collect performance information from CCG grantees via progress reports and final reports. Collection of this information enables EPA to assess and manage the CCG program, which ensures responsible stewardship of public funds; rigorous evidence-based learning and improvement; and transparent accountability to the American public.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Presidential Action:

Reference Number:

Omb Control Number:

Agency:

Received:

Concluded:

Action:

Request Type:

TSCA Existing Chemical Risk Evaluation and Management - Generic ICR for Surveys (Renewal)

Key Information

Abstract

The purpose of this ICR is to help fill data gaps for EPAs risk evaluations and risk management of existing chemicals under section 6 of TSCA. In accordance with TSCA section 26, EPA must make TSCA section 6 risk evaluation and risk management decisions consistent with the best available science and based on the weight of the scientific evidence. To carry out its statutory obligations, EPA needs sufficient information about chemicals undergoing risk evaluation and risk management, including information related to the chemicals conditions of use, hazards, exposures, potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations, health and environmental effects, benefits, reasonably ascertainable economic consequences, alternatives, and other information. The collection of such information is subject to TSCAs strict statutory timeframes (set forth in section 6). Therefore, EPA is seeking approval for a generic information collection request (ICR) to conduct surveys of chemical users, processors, distributors, manufacturers (including importers), and recyclers, chemical waste handlers, consumers of chemical-containing products, employees who may be exposed to the chemical evaluated, state and local regulators, non-governmental organizations, industry experts, and knowledgeable members of the public (including potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations) related to information collection for TSCA chemical risk evaluation and risk management. Surveys are defined as the collection of information from a common group through interviews or the application of questionnaires to a representative sample of that group. These information collection efforts are intended to supplement other reasonably available information on chemicals in commerce and will provide support for the Agencys policy and regulatory activities regarding existing chemicals under TSCA section 6. By learning more about the conditions of use, hazards, exposures, potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations, health and environmental effects, benefits, reasonably ascertainable economic consequences, alternatives, and other information for chemicals being evaluated or regulated, EPA would be able to more precisely and effectively carry out its risk evaluation and risk management obligations under TSCA.

Federal Register Notices

60-Day FRN	View Notice
30-Day FRN	View Notice

Authorizing Statutes

15 USC 2601 et seq.	View Law

Presidential Action: