Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved with change
11/08/2018
03/23/2018
In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
11/30/2021
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2018
160
0
160
282,995
0
707,430
36,870,000
0
7,187,265
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, developed the Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (Guidelines). These voluntary Guidelines provide a structured, scientific process for addressing wildlife conservation concerns at all stages of land-based wind energy development. They describe a process for wind project developers to use to gather information to identify sites with low risk to wildlife, and to assess, mitigate, and monitor the potential adverse effects of wind energy projects on wildlife and their habitats. They also promote effective communication among wind energy developers and Federal, State, and local conservation agencies and tribes. These Guidelines are intended to:
* Promote compliance with relevant wildlife laws and regulations;
* Encourage scientifically rigorous survey, monitoring, assessment, and research designs proportionate to the risk to species of concern;
* Produce potentially comparable data across the Nation;
* Mitigate, including avoid, minimize, and compensate for potential adverse effects on species of concern and their habitats; and,
* Improve the ability to predict and resolve effects locally, regionally, and nationally.
Although the Guidelines are voluntary, they are designed to minimize impacts to wildlife, including species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C 703-712), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668d), and Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544), as well as species not afforded protection under these Acts, but which are potentially significantly impacted by wind energy development (e.g., sage grouse). The Guidelines are also consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667e) and Executive Order 13186, "Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds" (January 10, 2001). When used in concert with appropriate regulatory tools, the Guidelines form the best practical approach for conserving species of concern.
US Code:
16 USC 668-668d
Name of Law: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
US Code:
16 USC 1531-1544
Name of Law: Endangered Species Act
US Code:
16 USC 661-667e
Name of Law: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
US Code:
16 USC 703-712
Name of Law: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
EO: EO 13186 Name/Subject of EO: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds
Based on feedback during the outreach process, the Service updated the hour burden estimates (question 12), resulting in a decrease of (424,435) annual burden hours.
We also updated the non-hour burden estimates based on the outreach process. The result was an increase of $29,682,735 in non-hour cost burden. We itemized the changes to the non-hour burden estimates as shown in tables 15.1 (total increases) and 15.2 (increased cost per IC) of the supporting statement.
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.
Tier 5 (Other Post-construction Studies