Overview
Title
Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Collection: Maritime Administration (MARAD) Jones Act Vessel Availability Determinations
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) wants to check if there are enough special U.S. ships, called Jones Act vessels, when they get requests to let foreign ships carry goods between parts of the U.S. They are asking people to share their thoughts about it, as part of their homework to make sure paperwork doesn't become too much of a headache.
Summary AI
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is inviting public comments on its plan to renew an information collection about the availability of Jones Act vessels. This renewal request is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget and is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act process. The collection helps MARAD determine if there are enough U.S. flag vessels available for coastwise transport when requests for waivers of the Jones Act are made. Public comments can be submitted via a government website, and the process is designed to ensure that businesses or individuals affected by these determinations can voice their opinions.
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 from the Federal Register involves an announcement by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), which is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. MARAD is seeking public feedback regarding the renewal of a previously approved information collection related to the availability of Jones Act vessels. This data collection helps MARAD assess whether there are enough U.S. flag vessels available for coastal shipping when someone requests a waiver from the Jones Act. This step is part of a routine government process that ensures public involvement before making decisions about such renewals, as dictated by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One notable concern with this document is that it does not offer detailed reasons or explanations for the recent reduction in the public burden associated with this information collection. While it mentions a decrease, it lacks specific data or examples demonstrating what specific actions or changes led to this reduction. An understanding of these changes could provide valuable context and reassure the public that resources are being used efficiently.
Additionally, the document does not specify any potential costs that might be linked to this information collection effort, nor who might be responsible for bearing these costs. This omission is significant because some stakeholders could face financial impacts, and understanding the financial implications is essential for assessing if the process manages public resources responsibly.
Moreover, the document includes legal references and jargon that might not be familiar to the general public. References like “46 U.S.C. 55102” and “46 U.S.C. 501(b)” may confuse readers who do not have a legal background. Clarifying these references in plain language would enhance transparency and understanding for a broader audience.
Impact on the Public
The request for public comments has a broad impact, as it encourages civic participation. The process allows individuals and businesses potentially affected by decisions on Jones Act waivers to voice their opinions and possibly influence the outcome. For most of the public, this might simply be an example of government transparency and bureaucracy at work, underscoring the importance of oversight and input.
Impact on Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders like coastwise vessel owners, operators, charterers, and brokers, this document has a more direct impact. Their operations might be influenced by how MARAD evaluates vessel availability. A smooth and efficient determination process could enable more predictable and reliable business planning for these stakeholders. However, if the procedure is burdensome or costly, it could negatively affect them financially and operationally.
In conclusion, while the document follows a necessary and routine governmental procedure, providing clearer explanations and more accessible language could enhance its transparency and effectiveness, ultimately benefiting both the general public and specific industry stakeholders involved in or affected by Jones Act determinations.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed justification or explanation for the reduction in the public burden for the information collection.
• There is no explicit mention of any potential cost associated with this information collection or who would bear it, which could be relevant to assess if the spending might be wasteful.
• The document uses technical and legal references (e.g., 46 U.S.C. 55102, 46 U.S.C. 501(b)), which may not be easily understood by all public members, leading to potential lack of clarity.
• The abstract mentions a reduction in the public burden since the last renewal, but fails to provide clear data or examples illustrating what changes were made to achieve this reduction.