83_FR_23556 83 FR 23458 - Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Focus Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)

83 FR 23458 - Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Focus Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 98 (May 21, 2018)

Page Range23458-23459
FR Document2018-10793

The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Focus Groups as used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2205.17, OMB Control No. 2090-0028) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed renewal of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2018. 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.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 98 (Monday, May 21, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 98 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23458-23459]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10793]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA HQ-OA-2008-0701; FRL-9977-91-OA]


Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Focus 
Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an 
information collection request (ICR), ``Focus Groups as used by EPA for 
Economics Projects (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 2205.17, OMB Control No. 
2090-0028) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and 
approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing 
so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the 
proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed 
renewal of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 
2018. 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 July 20, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OA-
2008-0701, 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: Nathalie Simon, Office of Policy, (MC 
1809T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-566-2347; fax number: 202-
566-2338 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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking 
renewal of a generic information collection request (ICR) for the 
conduct of focus groups and protocol interviews (hereafter jointly 
referred to as focus groups) related to economics projects. Over the 
next three years, the Agency anticipates working on a number of survey 
development efforts associated with a variety of economics projects 
including those related to valuation of ecosystems, health risk 
reductions, and improvements to coastal waters, to name a few. Focus 
groups are an important part of any survey development process, 
allowing

[[Page 23459]]

researchers to directly gauge what specific issues are important to the 
public and providing a means for explicitly testing draft survey 
materials. Through these focus groups, the Agency will be able to gain 
a more in-depth understanding of the public's attitudes, beliefs, 
motivations and feelings regarding specific issues and will provide 
valuable information regarding the quality of draft survey instruments.
    The information collected in the focus groups will be used to 
develop and improve economics-related surveys. To the extent that these 
surveys are ultimately successfully administered, they will serve to 
expand the Agencies understanding of benefits and costs of a variety of 
actions and could provide the means to quantitatively assess the 
effects of others. Participation in the focus groups will be voluntary 
and the identity of the participants will be kept confidential.
    Form Numbers: None.
    Respondents/affected entities: Individuals.
    Respondent's obligation to respond: Voluntary.
    Estimated number of respondents: 1,584 (total).
    Frequency of response: Once.
    Total estimated burden: 2,745 hours (total). Burden is defined at 5 
CFR 1320.03(b).
    Total estimated cost: $0, includes $0 annualized capital or 
operation & maintenance costs.
    Changes in estimates: There is no change in the total estimated 
respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB.

    Dated: May 1, 2018.
Al McGartland,
Director, National Center for Environmental Economics, Office of 
Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-10793 Filed 5-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

23458 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 98 / Monday, May 21, 2018 / Notices title-v-operating-permits/title-v-petition- be filed in the United States Court of 1809T), Environmental Protection database. Appeals for the appropriate circuit no Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad later than June 11, 2018. Washington, DC 20460; telephone Toups, EPA Region 6, by phone (214) Dated: May 14, 2018. number: 202–566–2347; fax number: 665–7258, or email at toups.brad@ Anne Idsal, 202–566–2338 email address: epa.gov. simon.nathalie@epa.gov. Regional Administrator, Region 6. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CAA [FR Doc. 2018–10774 Filed 5–18–18; 8:45 am] affords the EPA a 45-day period to Supporting documents which explain in BILLING CODE 6560–50–P review and object to, as appropriate, detail the information that the EPA will operating permits proposed by state be collecting are available in the public permitting authorities under title V of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION docket for this ICR. The docket can be the CAA. Section 505(b)(2) of the CAA AGENCY viewed online at www.regulations.gov authorizes any person to petition the or in person at the EPA Docket Center, [EPA HQ–OA–2008–0701; FRL–9977–91– WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 EPA Administrator to object to a title V OA] operating permit within 60 days after Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. the expiration of the EPA’s 45-day Proposed Information Collection The telephone number for the Docket review period if the EPA has not Request; Comment Request; Focus Center is 202–566–1744. For additional objected on its own initiative. Petitions Groups as Used by EPA for Economics information about EPA’s public docket, must be based only on objections to the Projects (Renewal) visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets. permit that were raised with reasonable Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of specificity during the public comment AGENCY: Environmental Protection the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments period provided by the state, unless the Agency (EPA). and information to enable it to: (i) petitioner demonstrates that it was ACTION: Notice. Evaluate whether the proposed impracticable to raise these issues collection of information is necessary SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection for the proper performance of the during the comment period or unless Agency is planning to submit an functions of the Agency, including the grounds for the issues arose after information collection request (ICR), whether the information will have this period. The EPA received the Petitions from ‘‘Focus Groups as used by EPA for practical utility; (ii) evaluate the the Petitioners dated March 30, 2017 Economics Projects (Renewal)’’ (EPA accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the and August 3, 2017, requesting that the ICR No. 2205.17, OMB Control No. burden of the proposed collection of EPA object to the issuance of operating 2090–0028) to the Office of Management information, including the validity of permit no. 1560–00295–V1, issued by and Budget (OMB) for review and the methodology and assumptions used; the LDEQ to YCI in St. James Parish, approval in accordance with the (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and Louisiana. The Petitioners requested Paperwork Reduction Act. Before doing clarity of the information to be that the Administrator object to the so, EPA is soliciting public comments collected; and (iv) minimize the burden proposed operating permit on several on specific aspects of the proposed of the collection of information on those bases which are described in detail in information collection as described who are to respond, including through Section IV of the Order. In summary, the below. This is a proposed renewal of the the use of appropriate automated issues raised include: Emissions limits ICR, which is currently approved electronic, mechanical, or other for preconstruction purposes were not through September 30, 2018. An Agency technological collection techniques or properly made (various claims, may not conduct or sponsor and a other forms of information technology, introduction to Order Section IV); and person is not required to respond to a e.g., permitting electronic submission of numerous claims concerning monitoring collection of information unless it responses. EPA will consider the of emissions, such as the Steam displays a currently valid OMB control comments received and amend the ICR Methane Reformer (SMR) carbon number. as appropriate. The final ICR package monoxide (CO) and Auxiliary Boiler CO DATES: Comments must be submitted on will then be submitted to OMB for emissions (Section IV.A.); claims or before July 20, 2018. review and approval. At that time, EPA concerning SMR volatile organic ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, will issue another Federal Register compound (VOC) emissions (Section referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– notice to announce the submission of IV.B.); claims concerning Auxiliary OA–2008–0701, online using the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to Boiler VOC emissions (Section IV.C.); www.regulations.gov (our preferred submit additional comments to OMB. claims concerning fugitive CO method), by email to oei.docket@ Abstract: The Environmental emissions (Section IV.D.), claims epa.gov, or by mail to: EPA Docket Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking concerning truck, railcar, and marine Center, Environmental Protection renewal of a generic information loading VOC emissions (Section IV.E.); Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 collection request (ICR) for the conduct claims concerning storage tank VOC and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC of focus groups and protocol interviews hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions 20460. (hereafter jointly referred to as focus (Section IV.F.); and claims concerning EPA’s policy is that all comments groups) related to economics projects. flare VOC, particulate matter (PM), and received will be included in the public Over the next three years, the Agency CO emissions (Section IV.G.). The Order docket without change including any anticipates working on a number of personal information provided, unless survey development efforts associated sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES issued on April 2, 2018 responds to all claims in both petitions and explains the comment includes profanity, threats, with a variety of economics projects the basis for the EPA’s decision. information claimed to be Confidential including those related to valuation of Sections 307(b) and 505(b)(2) of the Business Information (CBI) or other ecosystems, health risk reductions, and CAA provide that a petitioner may information whose disclosure is improvements to coastal waters, to request judicial review of those portions restricted by statute. name a few. Focus groups are an of an order that deny issues in a FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: important part of any survey petition. Any petition for review shall Nathalie Simon, Office of Policy, (MC development process, allowing VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:20 May 18, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21MYN1.SGM 21MYN1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 98 / Monday, May 21, 2018 / Notices 23459 researchers to directly gauge what SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection 2016, requesting that the EPA object to specific issues are important to the Agency (EPA) Administrator signed an the issuance of operating permit no. public and providing a means for Order dated May 1, 2018, granting in O3711, issued by TCEQ to Pasadena explicitly testing draft survey materials. part and denying in part a Petition dated Refinery in Harris County, Texas. The Through these focus groups, the Agency November 8, 2016 from the Petition claims that: (1) The proposed will be able to gain a more in-depth Environmental Integrity Project, Sierra permits’ incorporation by reference of understanding of the public’s attitudes, Club, Texas Environmental Justice minor NSR authorizations fails to assure beliefs, motivations and feelings Advocacy Services, and Air Alliance compliance with applicable regarding specific issues and will Houston. The Petition requested that the requirements, (2) the proposed permits’ provide valuable information regarding EPA object to a Clean Air Act (CAA) incorporation by reference of Permit by the quality of draft survey instruments. title V operating permit issued by the Rule (PBR) and Standard Exemption The information collected in the focus Texas Commission on Environmental authorizations fails to assure groups will be used to develop and Quality (TCEQ) to Pasadena Refining improve economics-related surveys. To System (Pasadena) for its Pasadena compliance with applicable the extent that these surveys are Refinery located in Harris County, requirements, (3) the proposed permits’ ultimately successfully administered, Texas. incorporation by reference of minor they will serve to expand the Agencies NSR permits and PBRs that apply to the ADDRESSES: The EPA requests that you same emission unit makes it impossible understanding of benefits and costs of a contact the individual listed in the FOR variety of actions and could provide the to determine the emission limits that FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to means to quantitatively assess the apply to such units, (4) the proposed view copies of the final Order, the effects of others. Participation in the permit fails to require monitoring, Petition, and other supporting focus groups will be voluntary and the information. You may review copies of recordkeeping, and reporting identity of the participants will be kept the final Order, the Petition, and other requirements that assure compliance confidential. supporting information at the EPA with applicable limits (PBRs and Form Numbers: None. Region 6 Office, 1445 Ross Avenue, Standard Exemptions), (5) the proposed Respondents/affected entities: Dallas, Texas 75202–2733. You may permit fails to establish monitoring, Individuals. view the hard copies Monday through recordkeeping, and reporting Respondent’s obligation to respond: Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding requirements that assure compliance Voluntary. federal holidays. If you wish to examine with emission limits for multiple Estimated number of respondents: these documents, you should make an emission units (Claims C, D, E, F, and 1,584 (total). appointment at least 24 hours before the G), (6) the proposed permit fails to Frequency of response: Once. visiting day. Additionally, the final require monitoring that assures Total estimated burden: 2,745 hours Order and Petition are available compliance with the emission limits for (total). Burden is defined at 5 CFR electronically at: https://www.epa.gov/ Pasadena Refining’s flares, (7) the 1320.03(b). title-v-operating-permits/title-v-petition- proposed permit fails to require Total estimated cost: $0, includes $0 database. monitoring that assures compliance annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: with the 90% removal efficiency Changes in estimates: There is no Aimee Wilson, EPA Region 6, (214) requirement for the acid relief change in the total estimated respondent 665–7596, wilson.aimee@epa.gov. neutralization system, and (8) the burden compared with the ICR currently SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CAA proposed permit fails to specify and approved by OMB. affords EPA a 45-day period to review assure compliance with planned Dated: May 1, 2018. and object to, as appropriate, operating maintenance, startup, and shutdown Al McGartland, permits proposed by state permitting emission limits and operating authorities under title V of the CAA. requirements for boiler #6. Director, National Center for Environmental Economics, Office of Policy. Section 505(b)(2) of the CAA authorizes On May 1, 2018, the EPA any person to petition the EPA [FR Doc. 2018–10793 Filed 5–18–18; 8:45 am] Administrator issued an Order granting Administrator to object to a title V BILLING CODE 6560–50–P operating permit within 60 days after in part and denying in part the Petition. the expiration of the EPA’s 45-day The Order explains the basis for EPA’s review period if the EPA has not decision. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY objected on its own initiative. Petitions Sections 307(b) and 505(b)(2) of the must be based only on objections to the CAA provide that a petitioner may [FRL–9977–98—Region 6] permit that were raised with reasonable request judicial review of those portions specificity during the public comment of an order that deny issues in a Clean Air Act Operating Permit period provided by the state, unless the petition. Any petition for review shall Program; Petitions for Objection to petitioner demonstrates that it was be filed in the United States Court of State Operating Permit for Pasadena impracticable to raise these issues Refining System, Pasadena Refinery, Appeals for the appropriate circuit no during the comment period or unless later than July 20, 2018. Harris County, Texas the grounds for the issue arose after this sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES period. Dated: May 14, 2018. AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA received the Petition from Anne L. Idsal, the Environmental Integrity Project, Regional Administrator, Region 6. ACTION: Notice of final Order on Petition Sierra Club, Texas Environmental [FR Doc. 2018–10761 Filed 5–18–18; 8:45 am] for objection to Clean Air Act title V Justice Advocacy Services, and Air operating permit. BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Alliance Houston dated November 8, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:04 May 18, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21MYN1.SGM 21MYN1


Document Created: 2018-11-02 11:07:19
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 11:07:19
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesComments must be submitted on or before July 20, 2018.
ContactNathalie Simon, Office of Policy, (MC 1809T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-566-2347; fax number: 202-
FR Citation83 FR 23458 
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