Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Investigation Into Possible Noncompliance of Motor Vehicles With Federal Emission Standards

Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are private and commercial owners of motor vehicles and engines. Title: Investigation into Possible Noncompliance of Motor Vehicles with Federal Emission Standards. (EPA ICR No. 222.04, OMB Control No. 2060-0086). This is a request for extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: This information collection includes three instruments that are used by the U.S. EPA to identify motor vehicles and engines for possible inclusion in its emissions control testing programs. The self-addressed postcard and owner telephone questionnaire are completed using information given by owners of vehicles or engines from a vehicle class under investigation. The maintenance verification form is administered to representatives of service facilities that performed maintenance on vehicles or engines whose owners have responded to the owner telephone questionnaire. This form is intended to be used to supply missing information when necessary. Responses to this collection are voluntary. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15.

The EPA would like to solicit comments 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. Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response. Burden means the total time, effort, of financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. Estimated Number of Respondents: 985. Frequency of Response: Once. Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 587. Estimated Total Annualized Cost Burden: $28,314. Send comments regarding these matters, or any other aspect of the information collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the address listed above.

Dated: May 10, 1999. Robert D. Brenner, Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. [FR Doc. 99-12487 Filed 5-17-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-M