FDA is requesting OMB approval for the reporting requirements contained in the FDA collection of information "Environmental Impact Considerations."
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) states national environmental objectives and imposes upon each Federal agency the duty to consider the environmental effects of its actions that will significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The FDA NEPA regulations are contained in 21 CFR part 25. All applications or petitions requesting Agency action require the submission of a claim for a categorical exclusion or an environmental assessment (EA).
This collection of information is used by FDA to assess the environmental impact of Agency actions and to ensure that the public is informed of environmental analyses. Firms wishing to manufacture and market substances regulated under statutes for which FDA is responsible must, in most instances, submit applications requesting approval. Environmental information must be included in such applications for the purpose of determining whether the proposed action may have a significant impact on the environment. Where significant adverse effects cannot be avoided, the Agency uses the submitted information as the basis for preparing and circulating to the public an EIS, made available through a FEDERAL REGISTER notice also filed for comment at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If the Agency finds that no significant environmental effects are expected, the Agency prepares a FONSI.
The respondents to this collection are primarily from the private sector businesses.
US Code:
42 USC 4321-4347
Name of Law: National Environmental Policy Act
The revised projected burden is expected to decrease by 5,387 hours (193,817 currently approved burden hours minus 188,430 projected burden hours.) The revised estimates are the result of updated data from each of FDA's Centers, and are based on the updated Center information summarized below for claims for categorical exclusions and EAs submitted during 2011 and on the addition of burden for environmental assessments for tobacco products added to this collection.
A summary of the changes is discussed in the supporting statement in detail.
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.