FR 2025-07195

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) seeks public input regarding their request to extend the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) clearance for another three years. This extension pertains to information collection requirements under the Alternative Fuels Rule. Initially established through the Energy Policy Act of 1992, this rule provides consumers with necessary details about alternative fuels and vehicles, empowering them to make informed choices. The current PRA clearance is due to expire on April 30, 2025, and the FTC is soliciting comments by May 27, 2025.

General Summary

The document, published by the FTC, aims to maintain its regulatory framework concerning the labeling of alternative fuels and vehicles. By requiring labels, the FTC seeks to offer consumers transparent information on the costs and benefits associated with these products. This notice is part of the process to renew existing clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) without any changes to the current requirements.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several notable issues emerge upon reviewing this document:

1. Lack of Detailed Explanation: The document mentions an update to the estimated annual labor costs pertaining to the PRA requirements. However, the methodology or specific details behind this update are not elaborated beyond a reference to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More transparency in this area would aid stakeholders in comprehending the changes and their potential impact.

2. Insufficient Warning Details: While there is a caution against including sensitive information or trade secrets in public comments, the document does not outline the consequences of failing to adhere to this advice. Clarifying the possible repercussions could prevent mishaps and enhance understanding.

3. Technical Language and Legal References: The usage of specialized legal and regulatory terms, such as references to specific sections of the U.S. Code or CFR, might not be easily understood by all readers. Providing additional context or simplifications could make the information more accessible to a lay audience.

4. Addressing Small Business Concerns: A comment received by the FTC suggested assessing whether the current information collection requirements burden small businesses unnecessarily. Although the document notes that the FTC has considered this input, it does not offer details on the actions taken or results of any analysis conducted.

Broader Public Impact

The document's renewal of PRA clearance could potentially influence the public in various ways:

• Consumer Empowerment: By continuing the labeling requirements, the rule ensures consumers have access to important information, promoting informed purchasing decisions regarding alternative fuel vehicles and products.

• Environmental Impact: Encouraging the use of alternative fuels aligns with broader environmental goals of reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels, potentially benefiting the community at large.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Different groups may experience distinct effects from this regulatory proposal:

• Businesses: For-profit entities, particularly those dealing with alternative fuels, must adhere to these labeling mandates. While the compliance costs might be a concern for small businesses, ensuring clarity and efficiency in these guidelines would be beneficial.

• Regulatory Bodies: Agencies involved in overseeing compliance and enforcement would continue their roles in ensuring accurate information dissemination through labels.

Overall, while the document reflects a routine procedural necessity from the FTC, addressing the highlighted issues could enhance its clarity, efficiency, and overall contribution to both consumer interests and industry practices.

The document discusses financial aspects related to the information collection requirements under the Alternative Fuels Rule, managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The request is for an extension of the current Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) clearance, which implies a continuation of certain financial obligations.

Estimated Annual Costs

The document specifies two primary financial figures: $106,752 is noted as the estimated annual labor cost, and $1,350 is noted as the non-labor cost. These figures form the financial basis for the administration and enforcement of the labeling requirements related to alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles.

Changes in Labor Cost Estimates

An identified issue with the financial references is the change in the labor cost estimate. The updated labor cost is $106,752, which is an increase from a prior estimate of $103,337. This alteration is noted to be based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the document does not offer a detailed explanation of the mechanics behind this adjustment. Providing additional context regarding how figures from the BLS influence these estimates would enhance transparency and clarification for the general public and interested stakeholders. This lack of detailed explanation was indeed one of the issues identified.

Context and Relevance

The financial allocations mentioned are directly related to maintaining compliance with labeling and certification rules aimed at informing consumers about alternative fuels and vehicles. Understanding these costs is critical for businesses, especially smaller businesses that might find these regulatory requirements burdensome, as indicated by the public comment from Imaging Inc., Cardiac. The financial burdens on small enterprises and the effectiveness of such compliance costs in achieving regulatory goals could be topics for further detailed analysis and discussion, addressing the concerns raised about the efficiency and burden of information collection requirements.

In conclusion, while the document provides essential figures regarding the financial aspects of continuing these regulatory requirements, further elucidation on how these costs are precisely determined and the implications for small businesses could contribute to a better understanding of financial commitments and administrative efficiency.