Sections 507 and 510 of SMCRA set forth requirements pertaining to, among other things, information required from permit applicants, permit eligibility, and permit denial. Among other things, regulatory authorities use the information obtained from applicants in making permitting decisions. Our regulations at 30 CFR Part 773 implement, in part, these statutory provisions.
OSM is conducting rulemaking as a result of a settlement agreement. We view this rulemaking initiative as an opportunity to ensure we and our State counterparts have the tools we need to enforce SMCRA, clarify ambiguous provisions in our regulations, and reduce reporting burdens on the coal mining industry and regulatory authorities. We are hopeful that any final rule resulting from this proposal will introduce a measure of regulatory stability to areas that have been in flux since at least 1988.
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.
773.19(e) - Permit issuance and right of entry - Industry