FR 2025-05341

Overview

The document in question is a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about its intent to renew the information collection request (ICR) for the WaterSense® Program. This program, part of the EPA's initiatives, focuses on encouraging the market for water-efficient products and services by promoting a common label. The EPA aims to gather public comments on this collection process over a period of 60 days. This feedback helps them assess various aspects of the program, such as the efficiency of data collection and the satisfaction levels of consumers with water-saving products.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One issue highlighted in the document is the apparent increase in the estimated burden hours for respondents by 1,949 hours compared to the previous ICR. This increase is noted but not deeply explained, which could lead to confusion or concern about why more time is needed for respondents compared to prior periods.

Moreover, there's a contradiction in the language where the ICR is labeled both a "new collection" and a "renewal," which might be confusing. Stakeholders could be unclear on whether they are dealing with a new initiative or an ongoing process that is being reviewed for improvements.

The document occasionally references forms that are not finalized and uses specific codes like '6100-XX.' This could suggest a lack of preparedness or incomplete planning, potentially affecting stakeholders’ confidence in the program's execution.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Impact:

For the general public, this initiative seeks to promote water conservation through efficient use of resources. By establishing a system for evaluating water-efficient products, the EPA helps guide consumers toward more sustainable choices. This, in turn, can contribute to wider environmental benefits.

However, the technical language and specific terminologies associated with the program may act as barriers to broader public engagement. Simpler language or more accessible explanations might be needed to ensure meaningful participation from individuals less familiar with regulatory or technical details.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders:

For manufacturers and retailers who are respondents in this data collection, the additional burden hours and potentially high costs could be a cause for concern. The reported total cost of $989,335 annually, which includes operation and maintenance costs, is significant, yet it lacks a clear breakdown between respondents and the EPA. This financial implication could strain businesses, especially smaller ones.

The procedures for handling Confidential Business Information (CBI) are detailed yet complicated, which could worry stakeholders about the security and privacy of their sensitive data. If not clarified, these concerns might discourage full cooperation or participation.

Conclusion

In summary, while the WaterSense® Program's effectiveness in promoting water-efficient products holds potential positive outcomes for environmental conservation, there are several areas of concern in the document's presentation. Simplifying language, detailing cost breakdowns, and providing thorough explanations for increased burdens could enhance clarity and encourage more stakeholders to participate. Ensuring privacy through understandable CBI handling processes will further foster trust among participants.

The document discusses the renewal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense® Program and includes information on financial implications associated with this initiative. The primary financial reference in the document is the total estimated cost of $989,335 per year for both respondents and the EPA. This figure includes a smaller component of $2,415 designated for "annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs."

Financial Summary

The document outlines a total cost of $989,335 per year, which encompasses both the expenses borne by the respondents and the administrative costs incurred by the EPA in managing the WaterSense® Program. This financial estimate reflects the combined efforts and resources required to implement the program's goals, including data collection, evaluation of program impact, and communication with stakeholders. The capital or maintenance component of $2,415 is a fraction of the total cost, indicating that most of the expenses are operational rather than capital-intensive.

Financial Relativity to Document Issues

The document notes an increase of 1,949 hours in the estimated respondent burden compared with the previous Information Collection Request (ICR). While the financial summary provides an overarching cost figure, it does not break down the distribution of these estimated costs between respondents and the EPA. This lack of detailed cost distribution might make it difficult for stakeholders to understand the financial impact they might incur with the increased burden hours.

Additionally, the document references forms and procedures that are crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of confidential information. However, the complexity of language surrounding these procedures can obscure understanding, which is not directly linked to cost but indirectly influences the operational expenses required to secure and handle information appropriately.

Lastly, the abstract indicates both a "new collection" and a "renewal," which may confuse whether the financial figures represent an expansion of the program or just the continuation of existing activities. This ambiguity in whether the financial allocation supports new initiatives or ongoing operations can also contribute to misunderstandings about the program's financial scope and needs.

Overall, while the document provides a high-level financial overview, more detailed clarification would assist stakeholders in understanding the specifics behind the allocation and application of funds, particularly in relation to changes in operational activities and administrative requirements.