This information collection request (ICR) concerns EPA's voluntary Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP). The program uses the information collected under this ICR approval to establish partner membership, develop stewardship strategies, measure progress towards stewardship goals, and award incentives. The PESP is an EPA partnership program implemented by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) established in 1994. Its goal is to promote environmental stewardship to protect human health and the environment. PESP encourages the use of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce pests and pesticide risks through partnerships with entities among the pesticide user community. IPM is an approach that involves making the best choices from among a series of pest management practices. It allows for economical pest management, and does so with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
There is an increase of 4,642 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with that identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. This increase reflects EPA's updating of burden estimates for this collection based upon historical information on the number of PESP members. Members are classified as IMP Promoters, IPM Users, and National IMP Users. Based on revised estimates, the number of IPM Promoters has decreased, while the number of IMP users has increased, and the number of National IPM users has not changed since the last ICR renewal. Although the estimated burden per response has not changed for any category, the shift in membership types has resulted in a net increase in the overall burden. This change is an adjustment
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.