Overview
Title
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number 1625-0092
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to know what people think about a plan to gather information from big cruise ships about how they get rid of dirty water while sailing in Alaska. They want to make sure they're asking for only the details they need, and people can share their thoughts online until March 29, 2021.
Summary AI
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to sewage and graywater discharge records for certain cruise vessels operating in Alaskan waters. This request, under the Paperwork Reduction Act, aims to extend approval for the collection of this information, which is critical for enforcing discharge regulations. The Coast Guard is particularly interested in feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and methods to enhance or reduce the burden of collecting this data. Comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal until March 29, 2021.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0092, Sewage and Graywater Discharge Records for Certain Cruise Vessels Operating on Alaskan Waters; without change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.
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AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the U.S. Coast Guard that seeks public comments on a proposal to continue collecting information about sewage and graywater discharge records from cruise ships operating in Alaskan waters. This initiative is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the paperwork burden imposed on the public. The Coast Guard is requesting an extension of the approval to collect this data, which is essential for enforcing environmental regulations specific to cruise vessels in this region. Public feedback is encouraged to ensure the process only creates necessary burdens.
General Summary
The notice announces a 30-day period during which the public can comment on an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to the management of sewage and graywater discharge from cruise vessels on Alaskan waters. This collection is mandated by federal regulations to ensure compliance with environmental standards. The Coast Guard invites comments on several specific aspects of the information collection process, including its utility, accuracy, and potential areas for improvement.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Paperwork Burden: One of the primary concerns with the ICR is the inherent paperwork burden it imposes. While this burden is a consideration under the Paperwork Reduction Act, further evaluation of the necessity and frequency of data collection could help reduce the paperwork required from the public, especially industry stakeholders like vessel operators and owners.
Transparency in Burden Calculation: The estimated burden for this information collection has decreased from 404 hours to 358 hours annually. However, the document does not explain how this calculation was made, creating a lack of transparency that could concern stakeholders relying on this information.
Clarity and Accessibility: The technical language of the document assumes familiarity with federal regulations, potentially limiting comprehension for the general public. Simplifying explanations would enhance understanding and increase public participation.
Submission Instructions: While the document provides instructions for submitting comments, it does not clarify which materials should not be submitted online nor does it outline the alternative methods of submission with enough detail. Further elaboration on this point could improve accessibility and clarity.
Scope of the Comment Period: The 30-day comment period raises questions about the inclusion of weekends and holidays, which could lead to confusion among potential respondents.
Impact on the Public
The document primarily impacts those involved in the operation and management of cruise vessels in Alaskan waters. By potentially imposing a paperwork burden, it affects their administrative workload. However, its relevance extends to environmental advocates and residents of regions affected by maritime operations, who may be concerned with the environmental protections that this data collection supports.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Cruise Vessel Operators and Owners: These stakeholders face an administrative impact in terms of compliance requirements. The burden reduction from 404 to 358 hours yearly is a positive change, though the unexplained calculation might raise questions and demand clarity.
Environmental Advocates: The collection of discharge data is crucial for environmental oversight and protection of Alaskan waters. These stakeholders are likely to view the ICR favorably as it supports important regulatory enforcement.
General Public: For members of the public concerned with transparency and federal oversight, the lack of clarity in burden calculation and submission instructions could be problematic. Simplifying language and providing more detail could foster greater public engagement and confidence in the process.
In conclusion, while the Coast Guard's effort to gather public input is commendable, addressing the highlighted issues could improve the effectiveness and accessibility of this regulatory process for all involved.
Issues
• The document involves an Information Collection Request (ICR) which inherently creates a paperwork burden. Although it complies with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the necessity and frequency of data collection could be evaluated for further reduction in burden.
• The document does not provide detailed information on how the burden estimate was calculated or why it has decreased from 404 hours to 358 hours a year. More transparency on this calculation may be useful.
• The language of the document is technical and assumes familiarity with federal regulations, which may not be easily understood by the general public. Simplifying explanations could enhance public understanding and participation.
• Instructions for submitting comments mention using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, but there could be more clarity on what types of materials cannot be submitted online and what alternative methods exist.
• The document states a 30-day comment period but does not clarify whether this includes weekends and holidays, which could cause confusion.
• Some sections, such as the instruction to contact a specific person if digital submission is not possible, could elaborate on alternative submission methods to improve accessibility.