81 FR 90355 - Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under EPA's Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 240 (December 14, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 240 (December 14, 2016)
| Page Range | 90355-90356 | |
| FR Document | 2016-30062 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 14, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 90355-90356] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-30062] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OAR-2016-0731; FRL-9956-64-OAR] Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under EPA's Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under EPA's Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program'' (EPA ICR No. 2547.01, OMB Control No. 2060-NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a request for approval of a new collection. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before February 13, 2017. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR- 2016-0731, online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by email to [email protected], or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Justin Pryor, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Climate Change Division, (6207A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-343-9258; fax number: 202-343-2342; email address: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets. Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. Abstract: The Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program is a voluntary program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that provides an innovative voluntary mechanism through which oil and natural gas companies can make specific, ambitious commitments to reduce methane emissions. This Program is an integral part of the EPA's--and the Administration's--ongoing commitment to address methane emissions and global climate change. Methane is the primary component of natural gas and a potent [[Page 90356]] greenhouse gas. The Program works to encourage oil and natural gas companies to go above and beyond existing regulatory action and make meaningful and transparent commitments to yield significant methane emissions reductions in a quick, flexible, cost-effective way. Transparency in comprehensively tracking company commitments through the non-confidential data reported by Methane Challenge partners is a key feature of the Program, and enables partners to highlight emissions reductions achieved through voluntary action taken. Implementation of the Methane Challenge Program's two commitment options, the Best Management Practice Commitment Option and the ONE Future Emissions Intensity Commitment Option, improves operational efficiency, saves partner companies money, and enhances the protection of the environment. Form Numbers: Methane Challenge Program partners are required to sign and submit to EPA a Partnership Agreement (PA) that describes the terms of participation in the Program. The PA forms covered under this ICR include:Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program--Partnership Agreement for Best Management Practice Commitment: EPA Form No. XXXX- XXX; and, Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program--Partnership Agreement for ONE Future Commitment: EPA Form No. XXXX-XXX. Partners must complete and submit a Methane Challenge Implementation Plan within six months of signing the MOU. The Implementation Plan forms covered under this ICR include: Methane Challenge Program Implementation Plan Guidelines: EPA Form No. XXXX-XXX; and Methane Challenge Program Implementation Plan Template-- BMP Commitment: EPA Form No. XXXX-XXX. After one full calendar year of participation in the Program, EPA requires partners to submit a specific set of data documenting the previous year's methane emissions, activity data, and reduction activities. The annual reporting forms covered under this ICR include: BMP Commitment Distribution Reporting Forms: EPA Form No. XXXX-XXX; Transmission and Storage Reporting Forms: EPA Form No. XXXX-XXX; and Gathering and Boosting Reporting Forms: EPA Form No. XXXX- XXX. ONE Future Commitment The annual reporting forms for the ONE Future Commitment Option are to be developed but will follow the requirements set forth in the following document: Supplemental Technical Information for ONE Future Commitment Option: EPA Form No. XXXX-XXX. Upon becoming a partner in the Methane Challenge Program, companies are given an opportunity to draft and submit a Historical Actions Fact Sheet, which provides information on historical methane reduction actions taken prior to joining Methane Challenge. A two-page fact sheet template is made available to partner companies and allows entry of up to five key methane mitigation activities, including text, photos, and graphics. Submitting this document is not a requirement of the Methane Challenge Program partnership. The fact sheet covered under this ICR is: Historical Actions Fact Sheet Template--EPA Form No.: XXXX-XXX Respondents/affected entities: The Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program is open to companies in the oil production, and production, gathering and boosting, processing, transmission and storage, and distribution segments of the natural gas industry. Respondent's obligation to respond: Voluntary. Estimated number of respondents: 58 (total projected partners over the three-year ICR period). Frequency of response: Annual. Total estimated burden: 2,978 hours (per year, averaged over the three-year ICR period). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(b). Total estimated cost: $268,952 (per year, averaged over the three- year ICR period), includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs. Changes in Estimates: This is a new program. Therefore, this is an initial burden estimate. Dated: November 14, 2016. Paul Gunning, Director, Climate Change Division. [FR Doc. 2016-30062 Filed 12-13-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 240 / Wednesday, December 14, 2016 / Notices 90355
computer and information literacy (CIL) Dated: December 8, 2016. Programs, Climate Change Division,
skills that will provide a comparison of Kate Mullan, (6207A), Environmental Protection
U.S. student performance and Acting Director, Information Collection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
technology access and use with those of Clearance Division, Office of the Chief Privacy Washington, DC 20460; telephone
the international peers. ICILS collects Officer, Office of Management. number: 202–343–9258; fax number:
data on eighth-grade students’ abilities [FR Doc. 2016–29925 Filed 12–13–16; 8:45 am] 202–343–2342; email address:
to collect, manage, evaluate, and share BILLING CODE 4000–01–P Pryor.Justin@epa.gov.
digital information; their understanding SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
of issues related to the safe and Supporting documents which explain in
responsible use of electronic ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION detail the information that the EPA will
information; on student access to, use AGENCY be collecting are available in the public
of, and engagement with ICT at school [EPA–HQ–OAR–2016–0731; FRL–9956–64–
docket for this ICR. The docket can be
and at home; school environments for OAR] viewed online at www.regulations.gov
teaching and learning CIL; and teacher or in person at the EPA Docket Center,
practices and experiences with ICT. The Proposed Information Collection WJC West, Room 3334, 1301
data collected through ICILS will also Request; Comment Request; Constitution Ave. NW., Washington,
provide information about the nature Reporting and Recordkeeping DC. The telephone number for the
and extent of the possible ‘‘digital Requirements Under EPA’s Natural Docket Center is 202–566–1744. For
divide’’ and has the potential to inform Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program additional information about EPA’s
understanding of the relationship public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/
AGENCY: Environmental Protection dockets.
between technology skills and
Agency (EPA). Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of
experience and student performance in
ACTION: Notice. the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments
other core subject areas. ICILS is
conducted by the International and information to enable it to: (i)
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
Association for the Evaluation of Evaluate whether the proposed
Agency is planning to submit an
Educational Achievement (IEA), an collection of information is necessary
information collection request (ICR),
international collective of research for the proper performance of the
‘‘Reporting and Recordkeeping
organizations and government agencies functions of the Agency, including
Requirements Under EPA’s Natural Gas
that create the assessment framework, whether the information will have
STAR Methane Challenge Program’’
assessment, and background practical utility; (ii) evaluate the
(EPA ICR No. 2547.01, OMB Control No.
questionnaires. In the U.S., the National accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the
2060–NEW) to the Office of
Center for Education Statistics (NCES) burden of the proposed collection of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
conducts this study. In preparation for information, including the validity of
review and approval in accordance with
the methodology and assumptions used;
the ICILS 2018 main study, NCES will the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
(iii) enhance the quality, utility, and
conduct a field test from March through 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is
clarity of the information to be
May 2017 to evaluate new assessment soliciting public comments on specific
collected; and (iv) minimize the burden
items and background questions, to aspects of the proposed information
of the collection of information on those
ensure practices that promote low collection as described below. This is a
who are to respond, including through
exclusion rates, and to ensure that request for approval of a new collection.
the use of appropriate automated
classroom and student sampling An Agency may not conduct or sponsor
electronic, mechanical, or other
procedures proposed for the main study and a person is not required to respond
technological collection techniques or
are successful. The U.S. ICILS main to a collection of information unless it
other forms of information technology,
study will be conducted in the spring of displays a currently valid OMB control
e.g., permitting electronic submission of
2018. Field recruitment will begin in number.
responses. EPA will consider the
October 2016 and main study DATES: Comments must be submitted on comments received and amend the ICR
recruitment in May of 2017. The request or before February 13, 2017. as appropriate. The final ICR package
for the 2017 field test and the 2018 main ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, will then be submitted to OMB for
study recruitment activities and the referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– review and approval. At that time, EPA
2017 field test data collection was OAR–2016–0731, online using will issue another Federal Register
approved in August 2016 (OMB# 1850– www.regulations.gov (our preferred notice to announce the submission of
0929 v.1). This request (a) amends the method), by email to a-and-r-Docket@ the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to
approved record with the versions of the epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket submit additional comments to OMB.
ICILS 2018 field test questionnaires that Center, Environmental Protection Abstract: The Natural Gas STAR
contain the finalized international Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Methane Challenge Program is a
versions of the questionnaires along Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, voluntary program sponsored by the
with the U.S. adaptations that have been DC 20460. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
submitted for approval to the IEA, (b) EPA’s policy is that all comments (EPA) that provides an innovative
updates respondent burden estimates, received will be included in the public voluntary mechanism through which oil
and (c) updates the international docket without change including any and natural gas companies can make
assessment framework for distribution personal information provided, unless specific, ambitious commitments to
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
and naming of dimensions. Because a the comment includes profanity, threats, reduce methane emissions. This
few new questionnaire items have been information claimed to be Confidential Program is an integral part of the
added and burden time slightly Business Information (CBI) or other EPA’s—and the Administration’s—
increased, NCES is announcing in the information whose disclosure is ongoing commitment to address
Federal Register another 30-day public restricted by statute. methane emissions and global climate
comment period to accompany this FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: change. Methane is the primary
change request. Justin Pryor, Office of Atmospheric component of natural gas and a potent
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![90356 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 240 / Wednesday, December 14, 2016 / Notices
greenhouse gas. The Program works to ONE Future Commitment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
encourage oil and natural gas companies AGENCY
to go above and beyond existing The annual reporting forms for the
ONE Future Commitment Option are to [EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–0558; FRL–9936–80]
regulatory action and make meaningful
and transparent commitments to yield be developed but will follow the
Removal of Certain Inert Ingredients
significant methane emissions requirements set forth in the following
From the Approved Chemical
reductions in a quick, flexible, cost- document:
Substance List for Pesticide Products
effective way. Transparency in • Supplemental Technical
comprehensively tracking company Information for ONE Future AGENCY: Environmental Protection
commitments through the non- Commitment Option: EPA Form No. Agency (EPA).
confidential data reported by Methane XXXX–XXX. ACTION: Notice.
Challenge partners is a key feature of the
Program, and enables partners to Upon becoming a partner in the SUMMARY: EPA is removing certain
highlight emissions reductions achieved Methane Challenge Program, companies chemical substances from the current
through voluntary action taken. are given an opportunity to draft and listing of inert ingredients approved for
Implementation of the Methane submit a Historical Actions Fact Sheet, use in pesticide products because these
Challenge Program’s two commitment which provides information on chemical substances are no longer used
options, the Best Management Practice historical methane reduction actions as an inert ingredient in any registered
Commitment Option and the ONE taken prior to joining Methane pesticide product.
Future Emissions Intensity Commitment Challenge. A two-page fact sheet FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
Option, improves operational efficiency, template is made available to partner general information contact: Cameo G.
saves partner companies money, and companies and allows entry of up to Smoot, Field and External Affairs
enhances the protection of the five key methane mitigation activities, Division, Office of Pesticide Programs,
environment. including text, photos, and graphics. Environmental Protection Agency; 1200
Form Numbers: Methane Challenge Submitting this document is not a Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
Program partners are required to sign requirement of the Methane Challenge DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
and submit to EPA a Partnership Program partnership. The fact sheet (703) 305–5454; email address:
Agreement (PA) that describes the terms covered under this ICR is: smoot.cameo@epa.gov.
of participation in the Program. The PA For listing inquiries contact: Kerry B.
forms covered under this ICR include: • Historical Actions Fact Sheet Leifer, Registration Division, Office of
• Natural Gas STAR Methane Template—EPA Form No.: XXXX–XXX Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Challenge Program—Partnership Respondents/affected entities: The Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Agreement for Best Management Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001;
Practice Commitment: EPA Form No. Program is open to companies in the oil telephone number: (703) 308–8811;
XXXX–XXX; and, production, and production, gathering email address: leifer.kerry@epa.gov.
• Natural Gas STAR Methane and boosting, processing, transmission SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Challenge Program—Partnership and storage, and distribution segments
Agreement for ONE Future I. General Information
of the natural gas industry.
Commitment: EPA Form No. XXXX– A. Does this action apply to me?
XXX. Respondent’s obligation to respond:
Voluntary. You may be potentially affected by
Partners must complete and submit a
this action if you engage in activities
Methane Challenge Implementation Estimated number of respondents: 58 related to the registration of pesticide
Plan within six months of signing the (total projected partners over the three- products, including but not limited to,
MOU. The Implementation Plan forms year ICR period). the use of approved inert ingredients
covered under this ICR include:
• Methane Challenge Program Frequency of response: Annual. used in registered pesticide products.
Implementation Plan Guidelines: EPA Total estimated burden: 2,978 hours Potentially affected entities may
Form No. XXXX–XXX; and (per year, averaged over the three-year include, but are not limited to, engaging
• Methane Challenge Program ICR period). Burden is defined at 5 CFR in the formulation and preparation of
Implementation Plan Template—BMP 1320.3(b). agricultural and household pest control
Commitment: EPA Form No. XXXX– chemical substances or pesticides and
Total estimated cost: $268,952 (per other agricultural and household pest
XXX.
year, averaged over the three-year ICR control chemical substances or inert
After one full calendar year of
participation in the Program, EPA period), includes $0 annualized capital ingredient manufacturers and those who
requires partners to submit a specific set or operation & maintenance costs. make proprietary inert ingredient
of data documenting the previous year’s Changes in Estimates: This is a new formulations or pesticides and other
methane emissions, activity data, and program. Therefore, this is an initial agricultural chemical substance
reduction activities. The annual burden estimate. manufacturing generally identified by
reporting forms covered under this ICR the North American Industrial
Dated: November 14, 2016. Classification System (NAICS) code
include:
Paul Gunning, 325320.
BMP Commitment This listing is not intended to be
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Director, Climate Change Division.
• Distribution Reporting Forms: EPA [FR Doc. 2016–30062 Filed 12–13–16; 8:45 am] exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
Form No. XXXX–XXX; BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
for readers to help determine whether
• Transmission and Storage this document applies to them and
Reporting Forms: EPA Form No. XXXX– which entities are likely to be affected
XXX; and by this action. Other types of entities
• Gathering and Boosting Reporting not listed in this unit could also be
Forms: EPA Form No. XXXX–XXX. affected. The NAICS code has been
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Document Created: 2016-12-14 00:48:44
Document Modified: 2016-12-14 00:48:44
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | Comments must be submitted on or before February 13, 2017. | |
| Contact | Justin Pryor, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Climate Change Division, (6207A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 90355 |
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