SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before an agency submits a proposed collection of information to OMB for approval, it must first publish a document in the Federal Register providing a 60-day comment period and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information. The OMB has promulgated regulations describing what must be included in such a document. Under OMB's regulation (at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)), an agency must ask for public comment on the following:

(i) 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) 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) How to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(iv) How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, ( printed page 54219) mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

In compliance with these requirements, NHTSA asks for public comments on the following proposed collection of information for which the agency is seeking approval from OMB:

Title:49 CFR 575—Consumer Information Regulations (sections 103 and 105) Qualitative Research.

OMB Control Number: Not Assigned.

Form Number: None.

Affected Public: Passenger vehicle consumers.

Requested Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from approval date.

Abstract: The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), enacted in December 2007, included a requirement that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) develop a consumer information and education campaign to improve consumer understanding of automobile performance with regard to fuel economy, Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions and other pollutant emissions; of automobile use of alternative fuels; and of thermal management technologies used on automobiles to save fuel. A critical step in developing the consumer information program is to conduct proper market research to understand consumers' knowledge surrounding these issues, evaluate potential consumer-facing messages in terms of clarity and understand the communications channels in which these messages should be present. The research will allow NHTSA to refine messaging to enhance comprehension and usefulness and will guide the development of an effective communications plan. NHTSA proposes a multi-phased research project to gather the data and apply analyses and results from the project to develop the consumer information program and education campaign.

Estimated Annual Burden: 128.

Number of Respondents: 64.

NHTSA will conduct two research phases. For the first phase, which this notice addresses, NHTSA will conduct one type of qualitative research. This research project will consist of two (2) focus groups in four (4) cities. Each group will have eight (8) participants and will last two (2) hours for a total of 128 participant hours. The results of this research phase, as well as comments received to a separate notice published today, will be used to finalize the content of an online survey NHTSA will conduct in a second research phase.

The estimated annual burden hour for the first phase of research is 128 hours. Based on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics' median hourly wage (all occupations) in the May 2009 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, NHTSA estimates that it will take an average of $15.95 per hour for professional and clerical staff to gather data, distribute and print material. Therefore, the agency estimates that the cost associated with the burden hours is $2,041.60 ($15.95 per hour × 128 burden hours).

Comments are invited on: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

75 FR 54218