OMB noted that
EPA should be careful to not characterize data reported by Partner
companies as an aggregate summary of emissions reductions resulting
from the Program. EPA recognizes that some of the activities and
emissions reductions reported by Partners may have been achieved in
the absence of the Program. EPA also recognizes that there are
emissions reductions occurring in the industry that have been a
direct or indirect result of the influence of the Program, but are
not being reported to EPA. As a result, EPA has been and will
continue to be clear in any Program related communication that when
providing a summary or an aggregation of emission reductions it is
appropriately characterized as resulting from Partners’ reported
activities. OMB understands that EPA is committed to improving its
ability to meaningfully evaluate the contributions of voluntary
programs characterized by the absence of readily available, high
quality, or detailed data, particularly on non-participants. After
assessing available methods from the literature that may be useful
in this context, EPA/NCEE will undertake one to three case studies
to examine how much it can say with regard to the potential role
that voluntary programs have played in participant actions. The
extent to which these issues can be feasibly and defensibly
addressed will depend on the voluntary program and the details of
its design and implementation, including its industry context and
the environmental problem it has been created to address. OMB will
expect a progress report on these efforts when the next renewal for
this ICR is submitted.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2019
36 Months From Approved
59
0
0
325
0
0
0
0
0
The Responsible Appliance Disposal
(RAD) Program, developed in 2006, is a voluntary, non-regulatory
program that promotes the proper handling of refrigerated household
appliances at the time of their disposal. EPA is partnering with
utilities, municipalities, retailers, manufacturers, and
universities to promote the proper disposal of older household
appliances, namely refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioning
units, and dehumidifiers, in order to prevent emissions of
refrigerants and foam-blowing agents that are ozone depleting
substances and/or greenhouse gases. The Program is also expected to
save landfill space, save energy used by older appliances, lead to
the recovery of valuable materials for use in making new products
(e.g., metals, plastics, glass), and prevent the release of
hazardous substances--including PCBs, mercury, and used oil.
Utilities, municipalities, retailers, manufacturers, and
universities can participate in the program for guidance on proper
appliance disposal practices and recognition of their efforts.
Participation in the program begins with completion of a
Partnership Agreement that outlines responsibilities of the RAD
Program. This Partnership Agreement reflects a voluntary agreement
between a utility, municipality, retailer, manufacturer, or
university and EPA. By joining the program, a Partner agrees to
complete an annual reporting form identifying the appliances
handled and the fates of their components. If the reporting form is
completed electronically, it provides feedback for the user on the
gross impact of their program on the environment, energy savings,
and consumer savings. This agreement can be terminated by either
Party 20 days after the receipt of written notice by the other
Party with no penalties or continuing obligations.
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.