In accordance
with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for 3
years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2013
36 Months From Approved
03/31/2010
10
0
10
96,000
0
96,000
7,680,000
0
0
On 8/8/05, Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPAct 2005) became law. Section 1221 of EPAct 2005 adds a new
section 216 to the Federal Power Act (FPA), providing for federal
siting of electric transmission facilities under certain
circumstances. New section 216 of FPA requires the Secretary of
Energy (Secretary) identify transmission constraints. It mandates
the Secretary conduct a study of electric transmission congestion
within 1 yr. of enactment & every 3 yrs. thereafter, & the
Secretary then issue a report,based on the study,which may
designate any geographic area experiencing electric energy
transmission capacity constraints or congestion that adversely
affects consumers as a national interest electric transmission
corridor. Once a national interest transmission corridor is
designated, FERC has the authority under FPA section 216(b) to
issue permits to construct or modify electric transmission
facilities in such a corridor under certain circumstances.FERC has
the authority to issue permits to construct or modify electric
transmission facilities if it finds that:(1)a State in which such
facilities are located does not have the authority to approve the
siting of the facilities or to consider the interstate benefits
expected to be achieved by the construction or modification of the
facilities;(2)the applicant is a transmitting utility but does not
qualify to apply for siting approval in the State because the
applicant does not serve end-use customers in the State;(3)the
State commission or entity with siting authority withholds approval
of the facilities for more than one year after an application is
filed or 1 yr. after the designation of the relevant national
interest electric transmission corridor, whichever is later, or the
State conditions the construction or modification of the facilities
in such a manner that the proposal will not significantly reduce
transmission congestion in interstate commerce or is not
economically feasible. FERC-729 information helps FERC implement
the mandates under EPAct 2005 section 1221 which authorizes FERC to
issue permits under FPA section 216(b) for electric transmission
facilities and FERC's delegated responsibility to coordinate all
other federal authorizations under FPA section 216(h). The burden
estimate is not being changed, however the industry cost is
included in ROCIS, so there appears to be a change. It should be
noted that the estimates for industry burden (10 respondents
annually) and cost, as well as federal cost are just
placeholders. FERC does not currently have any applications
pending or any proposed projects in the pre-filing
process.
PL:
Pub.L. 109 - 58 1221 Name of Law: Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPAct of 2005)
US Code: 16
USC 216 Name of Law: Federal Power Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.