The Department of Energy issued
interim final regulations on its Standby Support Program in the
Federal Register on May 15, 2006 as an initial step to implement
section 638 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which authorizes the
Secretary of Energy to enter into up to six Standby Support
Contracts with sponsors of advanced nuclear power facilities to
provide risk insurance for certain delays attributed to the
regulatory process or litigation. Such insurance is intended to
reduce financial disincentives and uncertainties for sponsors that
are beyond their control in order to encourage investment in the
construction of new advanced nuclear facilities. By providing
insurance to cover certain of these risks, the Federal government
can reduce the financial risk to project sponsors that invest in
advanced nuclear facilities that the Administration and Congress
believe are necessary to promote a more diverse and secure supply
of energy for the Nation.
The Department of Energy issued
interim final regulations on its Standby Support Program in the
Federal Register on May 15, 2006 as an initial step to implement
section 638 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which authorizes the
Secretary of Energy to enter into up to six Standby Support
Contracts with sponsors of advanced nuclear power facilities to
provide risk insurance for certain delays attributed to the
regulatory process or litigation. Such insurance is intended to
reduce financial disincentives and uncertainties for sponsors that
are beyond their control in order to encourage investment in the
construction of new advanced nuclear facilities. By providing
insurance to cover certain of these risks, the Federal government
can reduce the financial risk to project sponsors that invest in
advanced nuclear facilities that the Administration and Congress
believe are necessary to promote a more diverse and secure supply
of energy for the Nation.
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.