This information collection request, which covers only the first phase of focus groups EPA is planning on fuel economy labeling, is approved on an emergency basis for 3 months. It is OMBÂs understanding that these approved focus groups are intended solely to provide EPA a qualitative exploration of issues related to the presentation of fuel economy information to consumers, and that EPA does not intend to use results from these focus groups to base decisions or develop regulatory analysis, reports to Congress, or public statements. For future rounds of focus groups and/or surveys related to fuel economy labeling, OMB anticipates that EPA will seek public comment and consult with and coordinate its research activities with DOT, DOE, and FTC.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2010
6 Months From Approved
96
0
0
456
0
0
0
0
0
This is a request to conduct focus group research for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As required under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), EPA has promulgated regulations which specify the design and content of fuel economy labels that are affixed on the windows of all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S.
EPA is responsible for developing the fuel economy labels that are posted on window stickers of all new light duty cars and trucks sold in the U.S. and, beginning with the 2011 model year, on all new medium-duty passenger vehicles (a category that includes large sport-utility vehicles and passenger vans).
In 2006 EPA updated how the window sticker fuel economy values are calculated to better reflect typical real-world driving patterns and provide more realistic fuel economy estimates. Since then, increasing market penetration of advanced technology vehicles, in particular plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles, will require new label metrics and presentation to effectively convey information to consumers. EPA has initiated a rulemaking action that will amend the way in which fuel economy estimates are calculated and/or displayed, for both conventionally fueled vehicles and advanced technology vehicles.
EPA plans to conduct a limited set of voluntary focus groups over the course of the rulemaking to solicit information from a diverse group of consumers regarding what information displayed on the fuel economy label will best serve the intended purpose of providing consumers with useful and meaningful information about the fuel efficiency of the vehicles they are considering purchasing.
EPA is planning on three "phases" of focus groups. Each phase will have a different focus but together we will be testing consumer comprehension and reaction to different fuel and environmental information and label displays. The result of these combined groups will increase EPA understanding of which potential label metrics, information and overall label displays present information in a more understandable and compelling manner. The first phase will test consumer understanding and use of the current fuel economy label and the importance of various information elements on today's label. This phase will also obtain consumer reaction to including new information on future labels for conventionally fueled vehicles. Specifically, consumers will consider various ways of presenting fuel economy and fuel consumption, fuel cost, environmental performance, and other factors. The second phase will focus on determining the best information and presentation approaches for labels designed for advanced technology vehicles. The third phase will ask consumers to assist in developing the most effective and compelling presentation for the overall label.
Request for Emergency ICR Approval
EPA ICR 2343.01
Focus Group Research for Improving Fuel Economy Label Design and Content
Background
EPA has started a new rulemaking action that will amend the way in which fuel economy estimates are displayed, particularly for advanced technology vehicles. EPA is focusing on additional metrics beyond MPG, including fuel consumption metrics (gallons/100 miles, kW-hr/100 miles), Cost metrics ($/mi, $/100 miles, monthly fuel cost, annual fuel cost, or 5-year fuel cost) and greenhouse gas metrics.
Before defining label options to propose, EPA will conduct three phases of focus groups to gain information regarding what information displayed on the fuel economy label will best serve the purpose of providing consumers with useful, meaningful, and compelling information. The focus groups must be conducted prior to EPA's completion of the proposed rule.
Phase 1 focus groups will test consumer use of the current label information, their understanding of proposed new information, and identify which information best assists consumers in purchasing fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Phase 2 focus groups will cover EV and PHEV label information and metrics and review the gasoline engine label designs. Phase 3 will test both conventional fueled vehicle and PHEV/EV label designs and potential consumer education messages that should accompany the introduction of the new label to consumers.
The scope of these focus groups is limited, involving less than 200 people. Detailed burden estimates are presented in the Supporting Statement.
Need for emergency approval:
During a meeting with OMB in January 5th of this year to discuss the development of EPA's fuel economy label rulemaking, EPA noted the desire to conduct focus groups prior to issuing a proposed rule to ensure that the contents and design are understood and allow consumers to effectively compare the relative energy consumption and environmental benefits of conventional gasoline, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. To do this within the time that EPA has proposed, all three phases of the focus groups will need to be completed by no later than early April, 2010.
EPA's timing is important for two key reasons: First, manufacturers are developing advanced technology vehicles that are expected to be available in limited numbers within the next 6- 12 months. Although EPA can provide these vehicles with fuel economy labels without rulemaking, it is EPA's goal to be as far along as possible in the rulemaking process - if not completed - by the time these vehicles reach the general consumer market. Second, EPA's proposed greenhouse gas regulations for light-duty vehicles will be going into effect starting with the 2012 model year, and EPA would like to have a new label design finalized so that 2012 model year vehicles can be equipped with a new label. This may be especially important given the increased focus on greenhouse gas emissions and the likelihood that the new label will have an indication of each vehicle's greenhouse gas emissions performance.
EPA has already issued a formal notice for this ICR and the comment period closed on February 1, 2010 (no substantive comments were received), but the normal ICR process does not allow enough time for EPA to plan for and conduct these focus groups. The current schedule calls for the first focus groups to be conducted in the last week of February, 2010.
There is no statutory deadline for the fuel economy rule, but EPA believes it is important to consumers and to the Agency to complete a rulemaking in time to cover 2012 model year vehicles. To do this, the final rule must be done by the end of the 2010 calendar year. The normal time needed for ICR approval would not provide enough time for EPA to conduct the focus groups prior to its need to propose the fuel economy rule.
US Code:
49 USC 32908
Name of Law: Fuel economy information
EPA has started a new rulemaking action that will amend the way in which fuel economy estimates are displayed, particularly for advanced technology vehicles. EPA is focusing on additional metrics beyond MPG, including fuel consumption metrics (gallons/100 miles, kW-hr/100 miles), Cost metrics ($/mi, $/100 miles, monthly fuel cost, annual fuel cost, or 5-year fuel cost) and greenhouse gas metrics.
Before defining label options to propose, EPA will conduct three phases of focus groups to gain information regarding what information displayed on the fuel economy label will best serve the purpose of providing consumers with useful, meaningful, and compelling information. The focus groups must be conducted prior to EPA's completion of the proposed rule.
Phase 1 focus groups will test consumer use of the current label information, their understanding of proposed new information, and identify which information best assists consumers in purchasing fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Phase 2 focus groups will cover EV and PHEV label information and metrics and review the gasoline engine label designs. Phase 3 will test both conventional fueled vehicle and PHEV/EV label designs and potential consumer education messages that should accompany the introduction of the new label to consumers.
The scope of these focus groups is limited, involving less than 200 people. Detailed burden estimates are presented in the Supporting Statement.
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.
2343ss01-Part B 2-25-10.doc
Focus Group Research for Improving Fuel Economy Label Design and Content