This information collection request, which covers only the second 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
06/30/2010
6 Months From Approved
05/31/2010
192
0
96
912
0
456
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. Beginning in the fall of 2010, 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. Therefore, 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.
To ensure EPA amends the label in a way that is meaningful and understandable to consumers, EPA has developed a plan to conduct specific market research, the goals of which are to understand consumers' current use of the label and its relevance within the vehicle purchase process; identify barriers and motivators in purchasing fuel efficient vehicles; identify the most compelling ways to visually portray label information likely to influence purchasing decisions; and test label designs and public education messages.
To accomplish these goals 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 will follow-up these focus groups with an on-line internet survey that will provide additional quantitative data regarding information developed in focus groups.
EPA is planning three "phases" of focus groups. The first phase tested consumer understanding and use of the current fuel economy label and the importance of various information elements on today's label. This phase also assessed consumer reactions to the introduction of new information on future labels for conventionally fueled vehicles.
This second phase will focus on determining what information is most important and helpful on labels for advanced technology vehicles and how that information is best presented. Specifically, this phase will test what metrics (fuel economy and fuel consumption, fuel cost, environmental performance, etc.) are most appropriate for electric vehicles, extended range electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and how best to identify that the values of each identified metric may be different depending on the mode in which the vehicle is operating. Additionally, the second phase will evaluate the understandability and worth to the consumer in displaying the metric values for each mode of operation individually and/or as a single value reflecting the operation of the vehicle in a combination of modes (averaging with the use of several assumptions).
The third phase will ask consumers to assist in developing the most effective and compelling presentation for the overall label.
EPA plans to 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.
This second phase will focus on determining what information is most important and helpful on labels for advanced technology vehicles and how that information is best presented. Specifically, this phase will test what metrics (fuel economy and fuel consumption, fuel cost, environmental performance, range, battery charge etc.) are most appropriate for electric vehicles, extended range electric vehicles, and blended mode plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and how best to explain that the values of the metrics may be different depending on the mode in which the vehicle is operating.
The scope of each phase of focus groups is limited and the Phase 2 focus groups will involve less than 100 people. Detailed burden estimates are presented in the Supporting Statement.
During a meeting with OMB on January 5th of this year discussing 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 content and designs 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. OMB at that meeting urged EPA to consider undertaking more quantitative research, in addition to the focus groups, and EPA seeks to be responsive to OMB's request by developing a robust internet survey as a follow-up to the focus groups.
EPA seeks this information on an expedited basis for two key reasons, as previously addressed in EPA ICR 2343.01: First, manufacturers are developing a wide range of advanced technology vehicles, including Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), that will require new labels as early as this fall. Manufacturers are eager to have finalized labels available for these new vehicles and have urged EPA to complete a rulemaking no later than the end of 2010 to insure that labels are available for model year 2012 vehicles (beginning in January 2011). Failure of EPA to complete it's rulemaking in a timely manner will create confusion and delay for manufacturers and will also increase consumer confusion and market delays for consumers.
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 ICR notice concerning all focus groups and survey activities associated with this fuel economy label rulemaking and the comment period closed on February 1, 2010 (no substantive comments were received). 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 second phase of focus groups to be conducted in the first and second weeks of April 2010.
There is no statutory deadline for the fuel economy rule, but as stated above, EPA believes it is important to consumers, auto manufacturers, 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 this summer.
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 100 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.
Moderator Guide Phase 2 Focus Groups 3_30_10.doc
Phase 2- fuel economy label screener 2010 Draft 4.docx
Focus Group Research for Improving Fuel Economy Label Design and Content: Phase 2