This ICR is
approved for two years. OMB notes that the data generated by this
information collection is not used to estimate national greenhouse
gas emissions or emission reductions. OMB understands that the
following programs use the 1605 data and/or forms and the EIA
annual report to verify independently collected information and/or
progrommatic trends: Climate Wise, Climate Challenge, Landfill
Methane Outreach, Coalbed Methane Outreach, Green Lights. OMB
further notes that EIA publishes the data in an annual report. EIA
should make efforts to ensure that data presentation is not
misleading and that reported information is aggregated only when
appropriate. Until such time that the baseline issue discussed
below is addressed, OMB does not believe it is appropriate to
aggregate the data reported on EIA 1605 or EIA 1605EZ. When EIA
resubmits the ICR for renewal, it should address the following
issues to improve the quality of data collected. Should EIA decide
not to make the recommended changes, the agency should provide a
justification for its decision not to do so. 1. Baseline issue --
EIA should require the use of a historical baseline. A
counterfactual (hypothetical) baseline may be used in addition to
the historical baseline, however, if EIA decides to require a
counterfactual baseline, it must define in detail what constitutes
the counterfactual baseline. 2. Level of reporting -- EIA should
require either project level reporting with entity-level reporting
of energy consumption or entity level reporting. 3. Verification --
EIA should at least include a question asking whether the reporter
used third-party validation. 4. Double counting -- EIA should
collect additional information to identify multiple reporting of
projects and should take additional steps in its reporting to
identify indirect emissions information. In addition, EIA should
consider addressing the following issues to improve the ICR. 1.
Types of eligible activities / how such activities are reported --
Additional fields should be included on forms to identify reasons
for reporting. This will improve reporting and will assist in
determining whether appropriate baselines are used. Specifically,
EIA should separate out voluntary activities from other activities.
2. data quality -- EIA should explore alternative ways to assess
and characterize data accuracy. EIA should be mindful of the
potential uses for the data generated. Potential future uses may
necessitate a higher degree of certainty that data generated is of
a high quality.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2003
10/31/2003
10/31/2001
220
0
210
7,000
0
6,240
0
0
0
EIA-1605 and EIA-1605EZ forms are
designed to collect voluntarily reported data on greenhouse gas
emissions, acheived reductions of these emissions, and carbon
fixation. Data will be used to establish a publicly available
database. Respondents are participants in a domestic or foreign
activity that either reduces greenhouse gas emissions or increases
sequestration.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases