In accordance
with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three
years.
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.
1018-0148 SSA OIRA Burden Reduction Final 10272018.docx
1018-0148 30-day FRN Published 05232018 83FR12808 2018-05931.pdf
Tier 5 (Other Post-construction Studies