This ICR is for activities related to
the implementation of the EPA’s regional haze rule, for the time
period between March 31, 2016, and March 31, 2019, and renews the
previous ICR. The regional haze rule codified at 40 CFR parts 308
and 309, as authorized by sections 169A and 169B of the Clean Air
Act, requires states to develop implementation plans to protect
visibility in 156 federally-protected Class I areas. Tribes may
choose to develop implementation plans. For this time period,
states will primarily be developing and submitting periodic
comprehensive implementation plan revisions (or initial
implementation plans) and progress reports to comply with the
regulations.
There is an increase of 4,259
hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the
ICR currently approved by OMB. This increase is due to this ICR
renewal period covering different task elements than the previous
renewal (EPA ICR No. 1813.08). These differences reflect the
requirements of the current regional haze rule with respect to the
scheduled events and activities in the implementation process. The
last collection request anticipated the program consisting mainly
of submission of 5-year progress reports. The change in burden
reflects changes in labor rates and changes in the activities
conducted due to the normal progression of the program, especially
the fact that states will be working on and submitting periodic
comprehensive State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions (or initial
SIPs).
$311,367
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Chris Werner 919
541-5133
No
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.