Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
1018-0148 30-day published.pdf Supplementary Document	2012-08-29
1018-0148 60-day published.pdf Supplementary Document	2012-08-06
1018-0148 - SSA.docx Supporting Statement A	2012-08-06

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
200845	Tier 5 (Other Post-construction Studies Other-Land Based Wind Energy Guidelines	Modified
200844	Tier 4 (Post-construction Fatality Monitoring and Habitat Studies) Other-Land Based Wind Energy Guidelines	Modified
200843	Tier 3 (Pre-construction studies) Other-Land Based Wind Energy Guidelines	Modified
200842	Tier 2 (Site Characterization) Other-Land Based Wind Energy Guidelines	Modified
200841	Tier 1 (Desktop Analysis) Other-Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines	Modified

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 1018-0148	ICR Reference No: 201208-1018-001
Status: Historical Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 201201-1018-004
Agency/Subagency: DOI/FWS	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines
Type of Information Collection: Extension without change of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved without change	Conclusion Date: 12/17/2012
	Date Received in OIRA: 08/29/2012
Terms of Clearance: This ICR has been approved for two years in order to confirm the burden estimates and better understand its practical utility. Prior to renewal of this ICR, OMB must be provided with a detailed report containing the following information: (1) A rigorous estimate of the number of respondents from the prior year and characterization of current industry participation in this collection, (2) Updated burden hour estimates through consultation with respondents, (3) A description of the extent to which the collection has led to technical advice and modifications to specific projects, and (4) A description of lessons learned from the first three years of implementation regarding ways to minimize burden on small entities. We expect the FWS will share the Federal Register notice announcing the 60-day comment period for the renewal of this ICR with affected stakeholders to ensure that interested parties provide input.

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	12/31/2014	36 Months From Approved	12/31/2012
Responses	400	0	400
Time Burden (Hours)	435,600	0	435,600
Cost Burden (Dollars)	9,240,000	0	9,240,000

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Abstract: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we, Service), working with the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, developed the Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (Guidelines). These voluntary Guidelines provide a structured, scientific process for addressing wildlife conservation concerns at all stages of land-based wind energy development. They describe a process for wind project developers to use to gather information to identify sites with low risk to wildlife, and to assess, mitigate, and monitor the potential adverse effects of wind energy projects on wildlife and their habitats. They also promote effective communication among wind energy developers and Federal, State, and local conservation agencies and tribes. These Guidelines are intended to: • Promote compliance with relevant wildlife laws and regulations; • Encourage scientifically rigorous survey, monitoring, assessment, and research designs proportionate to the risk to species of concern; • Produce potentially comparable data across the Nation; • Mitigate, including avoid, minimize, and compensate for potential adverse effects on species of concern and their habitats; and, • Improve the ability to predict and resolve effects locally, regionally, and nationally. Although the Guidelines are voluntary, they are designed to minimize impacts to wildlife, including species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C 703-712), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668–668d), and Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531–1544), as well as species not afforded protection under these Acts, but which are potentially significantly impacted by wind energy development (e.g., sage grouse). The Guidelines are also consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667e) and Executive Order 13186 – Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds (January 10, 2001). When used in concert with appropriate regulatory tools, the Guidelines form the best practical approach for conserving species of concern.

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 16 USC 668-668d Name of Law: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
   US Code: 16 USC 1531-1544 Name of Law: Endangered Species Act
   US Code: 16 USC 661-667e Name of Law: Fish and Wildlife CoordinationAct
   US Code: 16 USC 703-712 Name of Law: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	77 FR 19683	04/02/2012
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	77 FR 52344	08/29/2012
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? Yes

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 5

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Tier 4 (Post-construction Fatality Monitoring and Habitat Studies)
Tier 5 (Other Post-construction Studies
Tier 1 (Desktop Analysis)
Tier 2 (Site Characterization)
Tier 3 (Pre-construction studies)

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	400	400	0	0	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	435,600	435,600	0	0	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	9,240,000	9,240,000	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Increase Due to:

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement:

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $572,365

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Is the Supporting Statement intended to be a Privacy Impact Assessment required by the E-Government Act of 2002? No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? Uncollected

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(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;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

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.

Certification Date: 08/29/2012

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