The collection activities for this Part ensure that the public has the opportunity to review permit applications prior to their approval, and that applicants for permanent program permits or their associates who are in violation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act do not receive surface coal mining permits pending resolution of their violations. This collection request includes permit applicant processing fees in Federal Program States and on Indian lands.
This information collection clearance package submission is estimated to result in an increase of 782 hours to the information collection burden for 30 CFR Part 773 due to a reestimate in respondent burden as adjustments and the inclusion of the informal conferences provisions inadvertently omitted in prior collection in section 773.6. This request will also result in a decrease of $8,020 in non-wage burden costs. The reestimate in non-wage costs is a result of a reduction in the number of permit applications processed in Federal Program States and on Indian lands where fees are assessed in sections 736.25 and 750.25.
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.