FR 2021-00874

The Federal Register document outlines a proposal by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) to renew an information collection process related to coal exploration activities. This effort is aligned with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which seeks to assess and reduce unnecessary burdens on those required to submit information.

General Summary

The main purpose of this document is to invite public comments on renewing an existing information collection that tracks coal exploration activities. The information gathered ensures that these activities comply with environmental regulations. The document specifies the deadline for comments as March 16, 2021, and notes that such remarks will be included in the public record. It provides an overview of the necessary compliance requirements for state governments and mine permit holders within the context of environmental protection standards.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues emerge from the document which could pose challenges or lead to misunderstandings:

1. Language Clarity: The text refers to the "proper functions of the OSMRE" when asking for input on the necessity of the information collection. However, it fails to specify what these functions are, potentially causing confusion about the collection's importance.

2. Privacy Concerns: While encouraging public comments, the document indicates that personal information might not be kept private. Although respondents can request their information be withheld, the lack of a guarantee may deter participation.

3. Completion Time Variability: The estimated range for completing responses—30 minutes to 50 hours—is broad. Without specifying the tasks associated with these durations, respondents may find it difficult to gauge the time investment required.

4. Nonhour Costs: The mention of an annual nonhour burden cost of $300 lacks detailed explanation. Respondents may be unclear on what this cost comprises and how it is derived.

5. Informational Technology Improvements: There is a reference to reducing the burden through technology, but it lacks specifics on what technologies will be utilized or how they might benefit respondents.

Potential Impact on the Public

Broadly, the impact on the public hinges on how well the document manages to engage stakeholders in providing feedback. The opportunity to comment allows those affected by these information collection processes to voice their concerns or support, potentially influencing how OSMRE implements its procedures.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• State Governments and Mine Permittees: These groups are directly impacted as they are required to provide information about coal exploration activities. Clarifications on data submission requirements, potential cost implications, and the privacy of submissions are critical areas of concern.

• Environmental Advocates: These stakeholders might view the document as an opportunity to ensure that coal exploration activities comply with necessary environmental protections. They might be particularly interested in advocating for technological improvements to streamline data collection.

While this document primarily serves to facilitate compliance and gather input on the information collection process, addressing the significant issues identified could enhance clarity and participation. Engaging the public and stakeholders effectively ensures better adherence to compliance standards while minimizing the burden on those providing information.

The document issued by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) references financial aspects related to the burden costs of a specific information collection. This commentary examines the financial elements highlighted, particularly how they align with the identified issues in the document.

Financial Summary

The document specifies a "Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost" of $300. This figure, although specified, lacks sufficient context or breakdown that might help stakeholders, particularly state governments and mine permittees, understand what it entails. The cost is described as a nonhour burden, indicating it might encompass expenditures other than time, such as administrative or technical costs.

Relation to Identified Issues

1. Unclear Nonhour Costs: The identified issue of unclear nonhour costs is central to understanding the financial reference. The document mentions this burden cost without elaborating on its components or how the total of $300 was determined. This ambiguity means that respondents are left without a clear understanding of potential financial implications beyond labor time, which could influence their decision-making and resource allocation processes. A more detailed explanation of what constitutes these nonhour costs would aid in enhancing clarity and providing transparency.

2. Language Clarity and Complexity: Concerns around language clarity and the broad range of time estimated for task completion also interact with the financial aspect. While the completion time per response varies greatly—from 30 minutes to 50 hours—this variability suggests potential differences in the associated nonhour costs as well. Without defining tasks that require shorter versus longer time commitments, it remains unclear whether the financial cost is consistent across all types of respondents' activities or if it fluctuates accordingly.

3. Information Technology and Financial Implications: The document briefly mentions reducing the respondent burden through information technology but does not provide specifics on the financial impact of implementing such technologies. Investment in technology could potentially influence both hour and nonhour costs, yet without these details, respondents cannot fully grasp the potential cost-saving measures or financial efficiencies that might be realized.

In summary, while the document sets out an estimated nonhour financial burden of $300, it does so without detailed explanation or breakdown, raising several issues around clarity and understanding. Both the range of completion times and the potential for technological implementation could significantly affect the financial implications for respondents. Providing more detailed financial information could assist stakeholders in better preparing for and managing these costs.