In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
11/30/2018
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2015
25,500
0
25,500
2,123,405
0
2,056,946
152,015,161
0
150,608,009
The Acid Rain Program was established under Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The program calls for major reductions of the pollutants that cause acid rain while establishing a new approach to environmental management. This information collection is necessary to implement the Acid Rain Program. It includes burden hours associated with developing and modifying permits, transferring allowances, obtaining allowances from the conservation and renewable energy reserve, monitoring emissions, participating in the annual auctions, completing annual compliance certifications, participating in the Opt-in program, and complying with NOX permitting requirements.
Most of the change in burden for this collection is due to adjustments. Adjustments stem from actions outside the Agency's control. Adjustments include changes to the number of responses and the time it takes to respond to a particular activity. Some new estimates for the number of responses are based on queries of EPA databases for activities reported in recent years. At this time, EPA does not believe any changes in burden are warranted as a result of the change to ECMPS. Although the process may impact average burden, the basic information being requested remain basically the same, and it is too early at this juncture to determine if the new process will significantly impact a source's reporting burden. The adjustments and corresponding change in burden are as follows:
● Increased numbers of units and different mix reporting and monitoring methodology. Overall the number of ARP affected respondents increased from 2009 to 2012. Additionally the number of CEMs, COMs, etc. has changed since the previous iteration of this ICR.
● Incorporation of the Protocol Gas Verification Program and Air Emissions Protocol Testing Body ICR requirements from the EPA ICR Number 2203.04, OMB Control Number 2060-0626.
● Conclusion of the Conservation and Renewable Energy Allowances program.
● Reduction is the number of expected Opt-in Units
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.