FR 2025-07551

The document from the Federal Register discusses the Department of Justice's (DOJ) intent to submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This request aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The primary focus is the extension of a current information collection process related to Federal Coal Lease Forms. These forms, known as ATR-139 and ATR-140, collect details about coal reserves, which assists the DOJ’s Antitrust Division in evaluating the competitive impact of federal coal leases. The public is invited to comment on this proposal by June 30, 2025.

Summary of the Document

The document is a 60-day notice indicating the DOJ's plan to extend an existing information collection procedure without any changes. Businesses involved in federal coal leases will need to submit information through specific forms, helping the DOJ assess these leases' compliance with antitrust laws. The estimated number of businesses participating is ten, with each business dedicating approximately two hours to complete the required forms. This contributes to an estimated annual public burden of 20 hours.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable issue within the document is the lack of detailed justification for the necessity of continuing this information collection. This absence makes it challenging to determine its importance and efficiency. The document uses technical terms such as 'PRA' (Paperwork Reduction Act) and 'OMB' (Office of Management and Budget) without elaborating on their significance, potentially leaving the general public confused.

Furthermore, the document fails to explain the potential consequences if this information collection is not carried out, which would help underscore its importance. Additionally, while it estimates a total public burden, it lacks transparency in how these numbers, such as two hours per response, were calculated. There is also insufficient explanation about the relevance of the Federal Coal Lease Form in relation to antitrust laws, possibly confusing individuals unfamiliar with the topic.

The forms ATR-139 and ATR-140 are not described in detail, leaving gaps in the understanding of the specific data they collect and its rationale. Given that this is an "Extension Without Change," clarity on whether any updates or improvements have been made to the forms compared to the prior approval is absent.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the continuation of this information collection may maintain a regulatory check on federal coal leases, potentially influencing market competition and resource management. However, the public's understanding of these processes may be hampered by the document's lack of clarity and detail.

Impact on Stakeholders

For businesses involved in federal coal leases, the document signifies an ongoing requirement to comply with DOJ’s information collection, which could either affirm competitive fairness or present additional procedural hurdles. While the estimated burden is minimal, transparency on the process and purpose could ease businesses’ concerns about compliance obligations.

Moreover, stakeholders interested in antitrust implications, such as policymakers and legal analysts, might view the continuation of this information collection positively, as it enables ongoing scrutiny of market conditions regarding federal coal leases. Conversely, without clear justification and explanation, some may question the collection's efficiency and necessity.