Overview
Title
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number 1625-0058
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Coast Guard wants to hear what people think about letting them keep checking if boats can carry trash safely on waterways. They're asking everyone to share their thoughts by April 9 to help them make the rules better and easier to follow.
Summary AI
The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting public comments on extending the approval of an Information Collection Request for the Application for Permit to Transport Municipal and Commercial Waste. This process is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The request, listed under OMB Control Number 1625-0058, aims to ensure that permits are correctly issued for vessels transporting waste in U.S. coastal waters. Comments can be submitted online by April 9, 2025, and will contribute to improving the clarity and efficiency of the regulatory process.
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: 1625-0058, Application for Permit to Transport Municipal and Commercial Waste; 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 under review is a notice from the U.S. Coast Guard, published as part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Coast Guard is soliciting public comments on extending an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to the Application for Permit to Transport Municipal and Commercial Waste in U.S. coastal waters. The request is identified by OMB Control Number 1625-0058. Public comments are invited until April 9, 2025, and can be submitted online.
Overview and Intent
This notice serves a dual purpose: it seeks to comply with federal regulatory mandates by reviewing paperwork burdens on the public, and it aims to ensure the proper regulation of waste transportation in coastal waters. The Coast Guard's request is significant for maintaining environmental and operational standards within marine environments, ensuring that vessels transporting waste operate safely and legally.
Significant Concerns
A primary concern highlighted is the decrease in the estimated burden of compliance—from four hours annually to two hours without a detailed explanation—raising questions about the adequacy and accuracy of this new estimation. This change directly contradicts the abstract’s mention of "without change," which might create confusion among stakeholders about what has been revised.
Additionally, while the document specifies that vessels need to display an identification number, it does not provide clarity on how this requirement fits into the larger scope of enforcement and oversight. This lack of detail might raise concerns about the efficiency and transparency of the monitoring process.
The document lacks a description of the criteria for issuing or denying permits, which could lead to ambiguity for applicants attempting to understand and meet the requirements. Furthermore, there is an absence of details on how public transparency will be secured in this permitting process, which can be critical to maintaining public trust.
Public Impact
The broader public, particularly individuals and groups concerned with environmental protection and maritime operations, might be influenced by the outcomes of this permit process. The ICR's effective implementation ensures that marine waste transportation is monitored, reducing the risk of pollution and other environmental hazards.
Stakeholder Implications
For stakeholders specifically involved, such as vessel owners and operators, the outcomes of this notice could significantly impact operational processes. The requirement to apply for permits and display identifying numbers calls for compliance that may necessitate adjustments in administrative practices. However, the review process could benefit stakeholders if it leads to more streamlined and efficient regulatory practices, especially if automated collection techniques are robustly implemented to alleviate administrative burdens.
In summary, while the Coast Guard's initiative to standardize and control waste transportation in coastal waters is commendable, clarity in proposed changes, criteria, and procedures would aid in delivering transparency and bolstering stakeholder confidence in the permitting process. Public commentary is encouraged and could play a crucial role in refining these regulations and addressing existing concerns.
Issues
• The document does not provide a detailed explanation of why the estimated burden for the information collection has decreased from 4 hours to 2 hours, which may raise questions about the adequacy of the new estimation process.
• The abstract mentions 'without change,' yet there is a change in the hour burden estimate, which could cause confusion.
• The document mentions a necessity to display an identification number or marking on vessels but does not explain how this requirement helps in the permit process or its enforcement.
• There is no information on whether the applications for permits will be made available to the public or how transparency will be maintained in the permitting process.
• The language could be clearer regarding how automated collection techniques could be implemented to minimize burden, which could be helpful for respondents.
• Specific criteria for the issuance or denial of permits are not detailed, which could lead to ambiguity regarding how applications are evaluated.
• The document references a rule but does not provide specifics on how this rule impacts the permit process or the respondents.