In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for 3 years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2013
36 Months From Approved
03/31/2010
10
0
10
96,000
0
96,000
7,680,000
0
0
On 8/8/05, Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) became law. Section 1221 of EPAct 2005 adds a new section 216 to the Federal Power Act (FPA), providing for federal siting of electric transmission facilities under certain circumstances. New section 216 of FPA requires the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) identify transmission constraints. It mandates the Secretary conduct a study of electric transmission congestion within 1 yr. of enactment & every 3 yrs. thereafter, & the Secretary then issue a report,based on the study,which may designate any geographic area experiencing electric energy transmission capacity constraints or congestion that adversely affects consumers as a national interest electric transmission corridor.
Once a national interest transmission corridor is designated, FERC has the authority under FPA section 216(b) to issue permits to construct or modify electric transmission facilities in such a corridor under certain circumstances.FERC has the authority to issue permits to construct or modify electric transmission facilities if it finds that:(1)a State in which such facilities are located does not have the authority to approve the siting of the facilities or to consider the interstate benefits expected to be achieved by the construction or modification of the facilities;(2)the applicant is a transmitting utility but does not qualify to apply for siting approval in the State because the applicant does not serve end-use customers in the State;(3)the State commission or entity with siting authority withholds approval of the facilities for more than one year after an application is filed or 1 yr. after the designation of the relevant national interest electric transmission corridor, whichever is later, or the State conditions the construction or modification of the facilities in such a manner that the proposal will not significantly reduce transmission congestion in interstate commerce or is not economically feasible.
FERC-729 information helps FERC implement the mandates under EPAct 2005 section 1221 which authorizes FERC to issue permits under FPA section 216(b) for electric transmission facilities and FERC's delegated responsibility to coordinate all other federal authorizations under FPA section 216(h).
The burden estimate is not being changed, however the industry cost is included in ROCIS, so there appears to be a change. It should be noted that the estimates for industry burden (10 respondents annually) and cost, as well as federal cost are just ÂplaceholdersÂ. FERC does not currently have any applications pending or any proposed projects in the pre-filing process.
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.