In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is approving the information collection. This collection will be valid for six months. If DOE decides to continue use of the collection past the approved emergency request clearance time period, it must resubmit to OMB under the normal PRA clearance process for a three-year approval.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2011
6 Months From Approved
50
0
0
750
0
0
0
0
0
Section 211(o)(9)(A)(ii) of the Clean Air Act, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), requires that the Department of Energy (DOE) conduct a study for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessing whether the renewable fuel standard (RFS) would impose a Âdisproportionate economic hardship on small refineries, This optional survey allows respondents to submit data that will provide technical support for a determination of disproportionate economic hardship
Section 211(o)(9)(A)(ii) of the Clean Air Act, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), requires that the Department of Energy (DOE) conduct a study for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessing whether the renewable fuel standard (RFS) would impose a Âdisproportionate economic hardship on small refineries, defined as those facilities with capacities under 75,000 BBLS/ calendar day. Based on the results of the study, EPA may be obligated to extend the RFS exemption to small refineries for at least two additional years beyond its current expiration date of 2010.
On February 24, 2009, the Department transmitted its study with recommendations to EPA. The Senate Report (Senate Report 111- 45) accompanying the FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill included language directing DOE to re-open the study and re-visit the issue in greater detail, completing the revised study by June 30, 2010. The FY2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Conference Report (House Report 111-278) included language supporting the Senate Appropriation report request. Specifically, the Committee requested:
" Â [the] Department is specifically directed to seek and invite comment from small refineries on the RFS exemption hardship question, assess RFS compliance impacts on small refinery utilization rates and profitability, evaluate the financial health and ability of small refineries to meet RFS requirements, study small refinery impacts and regional dynamics by PADD, and reassess the accuracy of small refinery compliance costs through the purchase of renewable fuel credits."
Such a study will require refinery-specific information in order to make a determination of Âdisproportionate economic hardshipÂ. In order to obtain such data and comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, a survey must be conducted. While the June 30 deadline will likely not be met, the Environmental Protection Agency has a statutory deadline to publish in the Federal Register by November 30 the mandated renewable fuel requirements for obligated parties effective in calendar year 2011. Since the data must be collected, analyzed and the study completed before EPA can prepare the rulemaking necessary for setting the 2011 mandates, the requirement of publishing a 60-day and 30-day Federal Register notice will make this schedule unachievable.
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.