Overview
Title
Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Collection: Maritime Administration Jones Act Vessel Availability Determinations
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is asking people to share their thoughts on a plan to gather information about special ships used for moving cargo along U.S. coasts. They want to know if the plan is helpful and how they can make it less annoying for people who provide the information.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on its plan to renew a collection of information about the availability of Jones Act vessels, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection helps determine the availability of U.S. flag vessels for coastwise cargo transport when considering Jones Act waivers. MARAD invites feedback on the necessity, accuracy, quality, and potential minimization of the collection's burden. Comments are due by March 10, 2025, and can be submitted through various methods, including the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
Abstract
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) invites public comments on our intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew an information collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection OMB 2133-0545 (Maritime Administration (MARAD) Jones Act Vessel Availability Determinations) is used to collect information about the availability of qualified Jones Act vessels. Since the last renewal, there was a reduction in the public burden for this collection. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document outlines a request for public feedback by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) regarding the renewal of a previously approved information collection related to Jones Act vessel availability. This collection is essential for determining the availability of United States flag vessels eligible to carry coastwise cargo. The request is pursuant to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and seeks comments to enhance the collection process. Comments must be submitted by March 10, 2025, and can be submitted through platforms like www.regulations.gov.
General Summary
The document is a notice from the Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation, seeking public comments before renewing an information collection aimed at assessing the availability of Jones Act vessels. The initiative collects data from vessel owners, operators, and other stakeholders to decide if U.S. flag capacity is sufficient for coastwise transportation, a key aspect in the waiver process of the Jones Act. This renewal is part of maintaining compliance with federal paperwork requirements and ensuring efficient maritime operations under the Jones Act.
Significant Issues or Concerns
There are several issues identified in the document that need clarity:
Technical Jargon: The document contains technical terms such as "OMB Control Number: 2133-0545," which are not explained in layman's terms. This could pose a barrier for those unfamiliar with bureaucratic processes.
Reduction in Public Burden: While the document mentions a reduction in the public burden since the last renewal, it lacks explicit details on how this reduction was achieved, leaving stakeholders unclear on what's changed.
Submission Clarity: The document lists a mailing address for submitting comments and references an online portal, neglecting to specify whether email submissions are acceptable or distinct from the current methods.
Calculation of Burden Hours: The estimated burden in hours and the frequency of response are provided without a clear breakdown of how these figures were derived, potentially confusing for respondents.
Evaluation of Public Comments: There is no clear explanation of how public comments will be reviewed or addressed, raising potential concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the feedback process.
Impact on the Public
This notice can have diverse impacts on the general public and specific stakeholders:
Public at Large: For the general public, this initiative underscores ongoing governmental efforts to streamline and ensure the efficiency of maritime operations. However, a lack of clarity might hinder public engagement and participation in the feedback process.
Specific Stakeholders: Business entities such as vessel owners, operators, and brokers directly involved in coastwise trade are most affected. They stand to benefit from a refined collection process that reduces administrative burdens. Clarity regarding the submission process and evaluation of comments is crucial for effective stakeholder involvement.
Policy Transparency and Trust: The manner in which public comments are managed and included in the decision-making can impact trust in governmental processes. A transparent, well-communicated procedure might foster more robust participation and trust among stakeholders.
In summary, while the document highlights an important administrative process crucial for maritime operations, it could be improved by increasing transparency in language, submission procedures, and the evaluation of public feedback. This would better engage the public and achieve a more robust and effective policy implementation.
Issues
• The document uses technical jargon such as 'OMB Control Number: 2133-0545' without explaining what these terms mean for laypersons.
• The document does not provide specific information on how the reduction in public burden was achieved, making it unclear how the improvement was made.
• The contact information for submitting comments includes a mailing address, but does not clarify if email submissions are acceptable or if they are limited to specific methods only.
• The annual estimated total burden hours and the frequency of response are mentioned, but there is no explanation on how these figures were calculated, which could make it unclear for the reader.
• There is no mention of any specific criteria or processes for how public comments will be evaluated or addressed, which might lead to concerns about transparency.