Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Extension Without Change of a Previously Approved Collection; Federal Coal Lease Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is checking how selling coal land might affect competition among companies, and they want people to talk about their ideas to make sure it’s done fairly. It's like making sure all kids get a fair turn on the swing, and they want everyone to say what they think about their plan until the end of March.
Summary AI
The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division plans to extend an existing information collection related to Federal coal leases and is inviting public comments on the proposal. This involves forms ATR-139 and ATR-140, which are used to evaluate the competitive impact of Federal coal lease transactions. About 10 businesses are expected to respond, each taking around two hours, contributing to a total public burden of 20 hours annually. Public feedback is encouraged until March 31, 2025, particularly regarding the necessity, accuracy, utility, and burden of the information collection process.
Abstract
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Antitrust Division (ATR), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document, published by the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Antitrust Division, announces a proposal to extend information collection related to Federal coal leases and welcomes public comments on this plan. This action is subject to a 60-day notice for feedback before proceeding. Commentators are encouraged to focus on various elements including necessity, accuracy, utility, and the potential burden of the process.
General Summary
The focus of this proposal is on forms ATR-139 and ATR-140, which are used by the DOJ to assess the competitive impact of transactions involving Federal coal leases. The information gathered aims to ensure that these transactions align with antitrust laws. For this process, around 10 business entities are expected to participate, with each completing the necessary documentation in approximately two hours. The collective time burden on the public is estimated at 20 hours annually. This initiative is part of the DOJ's efforts to maintain fair competition in the coal industry.
Significant Issues and Concerns
While the document provides a comprehensive overview of the intended information collection, there are areas that could benefit from greater clarity and transparency. One such area is the instructions for public comments, which could be more straightforward and guide potential respondents on how to effectively submit their feedback. The language, although mostly clear, might be simplified to enhance understanding, especially for stakeholders not familiar with regulatory language.
Additionally, the document mentions the use of automated and electronic collection methods but does not specify if these will be the exclusive means for submission. Greater emphasis on digital methods could streamline the process and potentially minimize errors. Moreover, there is a mention of an 'Other: None' category relating to the purpose of the collection, which could be clarified to ensure comprehensive understanding.
Public Impact
For the general public, the document represents an opportunity to engage with and influence how Federal coal leases are assessed in terms of their competitive impact. Public feedback during the comment period can potentially shape the final implementation of the information collection process. By contributing comments, individuals and organizations have the chance to express support, suggest improvements, or highlight concerns regarding the methodology and implications of these assessments.
Impact on Stakeholders
Business entities involved in the coal industry are the primary stakeholders affected by this proposal. The requirement to complete these forms ensures that their transactions are scrutinized to protect competitive market conditions. While this oversight may prevent potential monopolistic practices, the process adds an administrative burden on these companies. However, the estimated impact—20 total annual hours—suggests that the burden is relatively minimal.
In conclusion, while the DOJ's proposal is a continued effort to promote fair competition, it could achieve greater effectiveness with clarified instructions and increased transparency in the information collection process. Addressing these issues would enhance the contribution of public comments and provide clearer guidance for stakeholders affected by the initiative.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details about potential wasteful spending or favoritism towards specific organizations or individuals. However, it is important to monitor how the information collected will be used to ensure it aligns with antitrust laws without unnecessary resource allocation.
• The language used in the document is mostly clear, but the document could benefit from simplification in the section detailing how public comments are encouraged.
• The instructions for providing comments could be more direct to ensure clarity for respondents, such as specifying a clear format or method for submissions.
• The document might consider elaborating on the specific competitive criteria used in assessing the impact of Federal coal lease transfers.
• The document talks about automated and technological collection techniques but does not specify if digital methods will be the exclusive means for submitting information, which could make it more accessible and reduce errors.
• There is a slight ambiguity in the secondary purpose of the collection process under the 'Other: None' category; clarification here could be beneficial.