In accordance
with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three
years. In addition, the Agency is reminded that, when it submits
this collection for renewal, it should include evidence of outside
consultation (including with representatives of those from whom
information is to be obtained) on availability of data, frequency
of collection, clarity of instructions, accuracy of burden
estimate, relevance of data elements, and similar matters.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2019
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2017
790
0
1,051
13,180
0
6,253
0
0
0
The Biorefinery Assistance Program was
authorized under Section 9003 of the 2008 Farm Bill. The program
assists in the development, construction, and retrofitting of new
and emerging technologies for the development of advanced biofuels
by providing loan guarantees of up to $250 million. Section 9003 of
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) modifies various
provisions of the program. In addition to renaming the program to
"Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product
Manufacturing Assistance Program," the 2014 Farm Bill requires
several substantive changes. These changes are: • Expanding the
program to include biorefineries that primarily produce renewable
chemicals and/or biobased products; • Providing loan guarantees to
stand-alone biobased product manufacturing facilities; • Defining
renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing; and •
Ensuring that there is diversity in the types of projects approved.
This collection of information is necessary in order for Rural
Development to identify projects eligible for loan guarantees under
the Program. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(P.L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), Rural Development is
submitting this information collection package to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance.
This interim rule revision
replaces the current approved burden in its entirety. This package
reflects changes in the burden from the previous submittal. The
current approved burden is based on a total of 40 applicants and 10
awardees over four years or equivalently 10 applicants and 2.5
awardees per year. The burden associated with this package is based
on approximately 32 applicants and 6 awardees per year. This
significant increase in hours is attributable to the Agency having
a much better understanding of the efforts required by applicants
to prepare an application for the types of projects for which loan
guarantees are being sought under this program and shifting the
responsibility of preparing the environmental assessment from the
Agency to the applicant.
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.