FR 2025-00368

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments from the public on the renewal of an information collection. This initiative aligns with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the public's burden when providing data to government agencies. The focus of this information collection is on the environmental resources impacted by surface and underground coal mining operations.

General Overview

The document outlines the need for renewing the process of collecting information from applicants seeking permits for mining operations. Specifically, it requires applicants to submit comprehensive descriptions of the environmental resources that could be affected by their proposed mining activities. This data is crucial for regulatory authorities to decide if the applicant can adhere to the required environmental protection performance standards.

Issues and Concerns

A significant point of interest regarding this notice is the lack of feedback received during the initial 60-day comment period. This absence of commentary from stakeholders might suggest either a lack of awareness or a possible consensus on the current requirements. The agency is now actively requesting further input in an attempt to ensure the collection process serves its intended purpose effectively without causing unnecessary burden.

Another area of concern is the balance between collecting the necessary information and not overburdening the applicants. The extensive range of estimated completion times—anywhere from 1 hour to 415 hours per response—indicates a potentially significant obligation for respondents, which could deter participation or compliance.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document primarily affects those who live in or near areas where coal mining operations are proposed. The collected information aims to ensure that mining activities adhere to environmental standards that protect public health and local ecosystems. By voicing their opinions during the comment period, the public can influence how these standards are developed and enforced.

Impact on Stakeholders

Businesses and State Governments: These stakeholders, as the primary respondents, face a direct obligation as part of the information collection process. For businesses, particularly those involved in mining, the information mandate might represent a significant administrative task. However, it also ensures that they demonstrate compliance with environmental standards, potentially mitigating legal risks and promoting sustainable practices.

On the other hand, state governments play a dual role as both respondents and overseers in ensuring compliance among local industries. The clarity and utility of the data collected can assist these governments in their regulatory and monitoring functions, ultimately fostering better environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

In summary, the OSMRE's notice underscores the ongoing effort to collect critical environmental data while balancing the associated burdens on respondents. Both the general public and specific stakeholders like businesses and governments have an opportunity to influence this process through their comments. Engaging in this dialogue is crucial for refining the balance between necessary regulatory oversight and the operational realities faced by mining permit applicants.

In reviewing the financial references within the Federal Register document titled "Agency Information Collection Activities; Surface and Underground Mining Permit Applications-Minimum Requirements for Information on Environmental Resources," the primary focus is on the cost implications associated with the information collection activities conducted by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).

Financial Summary and Analysis

The document mentions a specific financial figure under the section that discusses the burden costs on respondents involved in the information collection process. It states that there is a "Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $0." This denotes that the agency has determined that there are no additional financial costs to the respondents, outside of the time they invest in responding to the information requests.

Context of Financial References

The fact that the "Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost" is listed as $0 is noteworthy for a couple of reasons:

1. Cost-neutral Impact on Respondents: This indicates that those who respond to the information collection are not expected to incur any direct nonhourly financial expenses. This might imply that the processes or technologies required to produce the requested information do not require additional infrastructure or monetary investment from the respondents, which includes businesses and state governments.

2. Regulatory Compliance: The absence of a nonhourly cost burden suggests that the regulatory compliance required from permit applicants for surface and underground mining activities is designed to be primarily a procedural and administrative task. Hence, it is time-intensive but monetarily neutral regarding out-of-pocket expenses.

Implications

Given that the document primarily addresses the extension of an information collection requirement, the focus on the absence of additional costs is an important aspect. It reassures respondents that any operational changes or updates pertaining to compliance with the OSMRE's requirements do not entail extra financial outlay. Stakeholders might appreciate this, as it reduces the potential for financial strain on resources while enabling adherence to environmental requirements and standards.

Overall, this financial reference reflects a deliberate consideration by the agency to minimize economic impact on regulated entities while ensuring they fulfill necessary environmental resources information requirements. This approach aligns with government efforts to streamline processes under mandates such as the Paperwork Reduction Act, thereby encouraging cooperation and maintaining accountability without imposing additional financial burdens.