Respondents are State employees who supply information on employment and financial interests. The information is used to determine if respondents are in compliance with Section 517(g) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 which places an absolute prohibition on having a direct or indirect financial interest in underground or surface coal mining operations.
This information collection request reduces the estimated burden currently approved by OMB by 790 hours. Although there has been an increase in the number of respondents, familiarity with the form to be prepared, and computerized searches and saving financial documents reduces the burden to respondents.
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.