Supporting Statement for
EPA Information Collection Request Number 2265.03
“Information Collection Activities Associated with the SmartWay Transport Partnership”
1 Identification of the Information Collection 4
1(a) Title of the Information Collection 4
1(b) Short Characterization/Abstract 4
2 Need for and Use of the Collection 8
2(a) Need/Authority for the Collection 8
2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data 8
3 Non-duplications, Consultations, and Other Collection Criteria 10
3(b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB 10
3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection 11
4 The Respondents and the Information Requested 12
4(a) Respondents and NAICS Codes 12
Table 4.1 List of NAICS codes for SmartWay Partners 12
4(b)(ii)Respondent Activities 17
5 Information Collection: Agency Activities, Collection Methodology, and 19
Information Management……………………............................19
5(b) Collection Methodology and Management 20
5(c) Small Entity Flexibility 20
6 Estimating the Burden and Cost of the Collection 21
6(a) Estimating Respondent Burden 21
6(b) Estimating Respondent Costs 21
6(b)(i) Estimating Labor Costs 21
6(b)(ii)Estimating Capital and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Costs 21
6(c) Estimating Agency Burden and Costs. 22
6(d) Estimating the Respondent Universe and Total Burden and Costs 22
Table 6.1 – Average Annual Respondent SmartWay Partners 24
6(e) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost Tables 26
Table 6.2 – Total Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost Summary………………..27
Table 6.3 – Total Estimated Annual Agency Burden and Cost 28
6(f) Reasons for Change in Burden 28
Exhibit 1 – Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost………………………………....31
Exhibit 2 – Annual Agency Burden and Cost………………………………………………... 32
Exhibit 3 --SmartWay Excellence Award Semi-Finalist Application………...……………....33
Exhibit 4 – SmartWay Affiliate Agreement…………………………………………………..43
Exhibit 5 -- SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Application…………….…………….………….45
Exhibit 6 – US EPA Designated SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Equipment Checklists…......52
Exhibit 7 – US EPA Designated SmartWay Mark Signature Page Tractor and Trailer...........55
Exhibit 8 – US EPA Designated SmartWay Mark License Agreement………………......56-62
This Information Collection Request (ICR) is entitled “Information Collection Activities Associated with SmartWay Transport Partnership,” EPA ICR number 2265.03, OMB Control Number 2060-0663.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) created the SmartWay Transport Partnership (“SmartWay”) to help businesses and individuals protect the environment, improve air quality, and maximize the energy efficiency of their transportation and logistics management choices. SmartWay is a voluntary program that focuses on increasing efficiency and lowering greenhouse gases and air pollution generated by goods movement. EPA encourages businesses that transport and move goods to adopt energy-efficient strategies and technologies that reduce fuel use, air pollution, and energy costs.
EPA administers a streamlined reporting process for organizations that join SmartWay and has created incentives for improvement (e.g., SmartWay Excellence Awards Program and SmartWay Affiliate Challenge). EPA also makes reporting tools and other resources available on the Internet to help SmartWay partners evaluate and track their environmental performance and the value of investing in transportation management year-over-year improvements.
This ICR examines the information collected under SmartWay from organizations active in the transportation sector. Sections 1 through 5 of this supporting statement describe the collections (in terms of the need and utility of the data collected). These sections also outline respondent and Agency activities. In Section 6, EPA estimates the annual hour and cost burden to respondents and the Agency as a result of the data collections.
SMARTWAY TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIP AND THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
SmartWay consists of the following participant groups:
• Carrier partners are businesses that provide freight transport services, and that own and/or operate vehicles used in goods movement and related transportation-based assets. These businesses include freight carriers (large trucking, small business truck owners, railroad, inland marine and air carriers), commercial manufacturing and retail companies, logistics service providers and similar organizations. SmartWay may in the future expand to another type of freight mode, such as ocean-going vessels (OGV).
SmartWay partners commit to improve their fuel efficiency and environmental performance when they join the partnership. Carriers that join SmartWay agree to annually measure their performance using a Microsoft Excel-based reporting tool (“reporting tool”) provided by EPA. This reporting tool may be downloaded from the EPA’s SmartWay website.
• Shipper and Logistics partners consist of manufacturers, retailers, logistics companies, and freight forwarders that hire or contract with transportation providers (e.g., carriers) to move goods. SmartWay shipper and logistics companies agree to annually assess the proportion of goods dispatched with SmartWay carriers. They report their freight transportation activity using a reporting tool similar to that used by carriers and EPA calculates their composite carbon footprint. Shippers and logistics companies agree to ship an increasing percentage of their goods with SmartWay carriers, and to lower carbon emissions from their facility transportation operations when they join SmartWay.
• Affiliates are both private and non-profit organizations and companies, including trade associations, state and local governments, leasing companies, retail truck equipment dealers, and other groups that encourage the transportation sector to integrate pollution controls and energy-saving strategies into their business operations.
This ICR covers the following reporting activities associated with partner participation in the SmartWay program:
• An organization joins SmartWay when its submitted reporting tool is reviewed and approved. This reporting tool has an embedded SmartWay Partnership Annual Agreement (“Annual Agreement”) that states the general terms under which the partner agrees to participate. It also includes what EPA commits to do in return for the organization’s participation.
For example, partners commit to measure and report to EPA on an annual basis the environmental performance of their fleet(s) or business units using the EPA’s reporting tool; have their performance results posted on the EPA SmartWay website and in the database and submit supporting documentation for any data used to complete their tools upon request by EPA.
In return, EPA agrees to do the following:
Promote company participation in the partnership by posting partner names on the EPA SmartWay Website and in related educational, promotional, and media materials. EPA will obtain express written consent from the partner before using the partner’s name other than in the context of increasing public awareness of its participation as described here.
Provide companies with industry-wide performance benchmark data as this data becomes available to EPA.
Assist partners in achieving emission and fuel usage reduction goals (subject to Federal Government Appropriations).
Treat individual corporate data as sensitive business information.
Partners must check a box at the bottom of the Annual Agreement indicating that they understand and agree to program participation terms before they can move into the reporting tool to enter their data.
SmartWay Annual Reporting Tool
• Upon joining SmartWay, carriers, shippers, and logistics management companies agree to annually measure emissions generated by their freight transportation-related activities. To do so, partners collect data on their freight management business, such as transportation mode, fleet size, equipment type, fuel use, number of miles traveled, payload and related factors. They then input this information into the reporting tool and submit it electronically to the EPA. EPA reviews, approves, and uploads the completed reporting tool into its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) partner account database (“Partner database”).
EPA’s partner reporting tools use the keyed-in freight data to
calculate emission outputs--carbon dioxide (CO2),
oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The
outputs in the reporting tool enable partners to conduct
analyses that help them optimize the efficiencies of their
transportation management activities. These outputs are in reports,
embedded in the tool and can be used to benchmark and continuously
improve partner sustainability performance year-over-year.
After initially submitting data in the reporting tool when they first join, partners are asked to annually update their transportation management activities using the reporting tool. These annual updates help partners to track fuel economy improvements and monitor the effectiveness of their actions to improve their freight efficiency and reduce emissions year after year. EPA uses these annual updates to monitor the progress of the SmartWay program.
SmartWay Affiliate Agreement
SmartWay affiliates are organizations that encourage their members or customers to participate in SmartWay. Affiliates also commit to highlight SmartWay within the freight transportation industry. To become an affiliate, the organization must complete and submit an affiliate agreement to the EPA.
In return, EPA agrees to do the following:
Educate SmartWay partners about the affiliates’ involvement;
Publicize affiliates’ participation through SmartWay events, the website, and listing in educational and promotional materials. EPA will obtain written consent from an Affiliate before publishing its name in a context beyond increasing public awareness of its participation as described above.
Provide marketing materials to affiliates to assist them in promoting SmartWay;
Allow affiliates to use the SmartWay Transport name in their activities related to promoting the SmartWay Transport Program provided the name is never used to imply EPA endorsement of affiliates, their products or services.
Provide EPA representatives as requested and as available to speak about SmartWay at affiliate meetings, workshops and conferences;
Provide technical assistance as needed to help affiliates achieve program goals.
SmartWay Excellence Awards
• Partners may be considered for a SmartWay Excellence Award and gain public recognition for their environmental performance. Emissions data may be used by partners to demonstrate their progress in reducing fuel use and air emissions. As part of the award process, a subset of partners (shippers, logistics providers and multimodal carriers) may also provide greater detail on specific actions/strategies they have taken to lessen the environmental impacts of their transportation-related business activities.
SmartWay Affiliate Challenge
Affiliates may be considered for public recognition for conducting exceptional outreach, educational, and policy activities to reduce air pollution and improve efficiency in the freight sector.
SmartWay Affiliate Challenge honorees have done outstanding work reaching out to inform and educate their members, communities, local businesses, truck drivers and other stakeholders about the benefits of being engaged in the SmartWay program. They also inform them about the steps they can take to reduce freight emissions and other environmental impacts of their freight transportation-related activities.
Program Evaluation
• Through workshops, webinars, conferences, and other interactive venues, SmartWay provides opportunities for partners, other industry representatives, and consumers to provide input on their experience with SmartWay.
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program
• EPA-designated SmartWay tractors and trailers are a newer generation of long-haul rigs equipped with clean, fuel-saving features that meet voluntary equipment specifications. EPA-designated SmartWay tractors and new and retrofitted trailers can achieve fuel savings of 10 to 20 percent and lower greenhouse gas emissions, as compared to non-SmartWay-designated trucks. These SmartWay-designated vehicles also can reduce oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, and other air pollutants. SmartWay-designated tractor and trailer owners need not be registered SmartWay partners.
For-hire carriers, owner-operators, manufacturers and retailers with private fleets that own, lease and/or operate EPA-designated SmartWay tractors or trailers are eligible to label the exterior of their EPA-designated SmartWay tractors or trailers with the SmartWay logo. Both SmartWay partners and other private or for-hire fleets may submit an application to EPA to obtain the digital files of the EPA-designated SmartWay logo for eligible tractors and trailers.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that produce tractors and trailers that meet the EPA-designated SmartWay specifications may complete and submit a SmartWay license agreement in order to access and use the SmartWay designated logo for promotional purposes.
EPA may re-evaluate designation requirements over time to reflect changes in the fleet mix.
The EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) established SmartWay under directives outlined in Subtitle D of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which calls on EPA to assess the energy and air quality impacts of activities within the freight industry. These activities include long-duration truck idling, the development and promotion of strategies to reduce idling, fuel consumption, and associated negative air quality effects. SmartWay’s objectives also are consistent with the Clean Air Act, the Federal Technology Transfer Act, and other laws that authorize and support research, training, and air pollutant control activities.
SmartWay is a key program in the Agency’s strategic approach to reducing climate emissions. SmartWay supports and complements the Agency’s climate policy goals. SmartWay also supports OTAQ’s mission to protect the environment from freight transportation-based activities through the advancement of air pollution control equipment and technologies, clean fuels, and innovative mobility and logistics management strategies.
Information collected through SmartWay assists OTAQ in evaluating the challenges the freight industry is managing as the industry seeks to conserve fuel, reduce idling activity, lower CO2 outputs, and improve its overall economic and environmental performance (through the application of technology-based controls, efficient logistics management strategies and related approaches). SmartWay also provides opportunities for EPA and industry to cooperate and collectively execute strategies that can help improve the transportation industry’s financial and environmental performance, both in the short term and the long term.
Data gathered through SmartWay contribute to OTAQ’s goals to reduce transportation-based emissions, improve transportation efficiencies, and protect human health and the environment. SmartWay program data also is critical to monitoring and measuring the success of SmartWay as a public/private partnership, both in terms of collaboration and as a tool for reducing fuel consumption and air pollutants, including CO2, NOx, and PM.
SmartWay Partnership Reporting Tools
Information collected through the SmartWay program has a broad range of practical and useful applications. The annual reporting tool is needed to secure basic contact information and to ensure an organization’s commitment to SmartWay’s energy and environmental goals. Data submitted through the reporting tool assist partners in quantitatively assessing the fuel consumed and air pollutant emissions generated by their transportation and freight activities. Outputs from the reporting tools’ data reports help organizations establish benchmarks, identify strategies, and set future goals for conserving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter emissions.
By allowing carriers to compare their efficiency and environmental performance in the online Carrier Performance Ranking spreadsheet with competing carriers, SmartWay drives continued improvements across industry. Superior performance in various partner categories is also recognized through the SmartWay Excellence Awards.
Completing and submitting an updated annual reporting tool helps partners monitor their progress, determine if their goals are being met, and adjust their goals if necessary. These updates also can provide partners with valuable information on the environmental and economic benefits of applying the options available for modifying their freight transport methods (e.g. purchase idle reduction equipment, modify pickup and delivery schedules, adopt intermodal options, etc.).
OTAQ uses outputs from the SmartWay reporting tools and its partner database to evaluate progress toward its goals for reducing transportation-based emissions. Information uploaded from the SmartWay reporting tools into the partner database also is used to select potential candidates for a SmartWay Excellence Award. The data are considered by EPA as part of its Excellence Awards program in conjunction with other information that a subset of partners (shippers, logistics providers and multimodal carriers) may also provide additional qualitative information to demonstrate the freight industry leadership progress they are making to meet the environmental commitments they made when joining SmartWay.
The affiliate agreement is used to help EPA encourage those supporters who do not qualify as SmartWay partners (e.g., non-profit organizations, associations, tractor/trailer dealerships) to advocate SmartWay’s goals for better freight transportation with their membership. This affiliate agreement is a one-time submittal. Once the association has submitted the affiliate agreement, and EPA approves them into the program as an affiliate, the affiliate does not need to submit another affiliate agreement.
Annual SmartWay Excellence Awards and Affiliate Challenge
The SmartWay Excellence awards program and the Affiliate Challenge provide EPA important opportunities to publicly recognize the collective efforts of industry and individual organizations to conserve energy, improve air quality and raise awareness about the program. This recognition serves as a meaningful incentive, encouraging continuous improvement among existing partners and affiliates, highlighting their success within industry among peers, raising the bar on sustainability and helping to strengthen and build the partnership.
Program Evaluation
Periodic feedback and evaluation on the effectiveness of the SmartWay program and recognition of SmartWay as a brand from program partners, and other representatives active in the transportation sector will enable EPA to make program changes as may be warranted. This feedback and evaluation also enables EPA to ensure the value, usefulness, and effectiveness of the program.
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program
Companies that own or lease tractors or trailers designated under the SmartWay Verification Program report the number of EPA-designated SmartWay tractors and/or trailers in their fleets to SmartWay as they apply to obtain the SmartWay tractor and/or trailer logos. SmartWay uses this information to evaluate progress toward its air quality goals for reducing transportation-based emissions.
Original Equipment Manufacturers that produce tractors and trailers that meet the EPA SmartWay designated specifications may complete and submit a SmartWay license agreement in order to access and use the SmartWay designated logo for promotional purposes. One way EPA protects the SmartWay brand is via authorization of the license agreements for manufacturers.
The information collected under this ICR is not collected by any other EPA office or any other federal agency. Therefore, no potential for duplication with other federal collections exists.
In compliance with the 1995 Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), any agency developing a non-rule related ICR must solicit public comments for a 60-day period prior to submitting the ICR to OMB. These comments, which are used partly to determine realistic burden estimates for respondents, must be considered when completing the final Supporting Statement that is submitted to OMB.
The announcement of a public comment period for this renewal ICR was made in the Federal Register on _________2017 under Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0482.
Because EPA works closely with its SmartWay partners, the Agency already has a basis for determining the time needed to carry out its information collection. Therefore, EPA relied primarily on the expertise of Agency staff in developing the ICR’s hour and cost assumptions for this renewal.
In addition, the Agency accessed its partner database and associated documentation to estimate the number of respondents and activities. The Agency’s data sources are kept up to date based on partner submittals (e.g., partner annual reporting tool submittals) and equipment logo applications.
SmartWay Partnership Annual Agreement and Reporting Tool
The annual agreement is part of the reporting tool. Less frequent data collection would reduce the value of the data in informing freight transportation industry decisions, decrease program effectiveness and hamper EPA’s ability to track emission benefits.
A company submits the annual reporting tool upon joining SmartWay and annually thereafter, for as long as an organization remains a SmartWay partner. First-year system outputs are used by partners as a baseline to establish energy and emission reduction goals in the future.
Submitting annual reporting tool updates are necessary for SmartWay partners to determine the effectiveness of their actions to reduce emissions and energy use year-over-year. Likewise, for EPA, collecting and storing the reporting tool data annually ensures that the Agency is able to establish quantitative information on the Program’s progress in reaching SmartWay’s freight transportation emissions and fuel reduction goals.
Submitting a reporting tool to EPA less frequently than annually would prevent EPA and its SmartWay partners from tracking and assessing the progress of partners and the program as a whole. It also would make it difficult for partners to modify their strategies to reduce energy use and emissions, as needed, to meet their goals. Annual reporting tool updates are necessary for EPA and its SmartWay partners to effectively work toward their shared energy and environmental goals. It would also require significant changes to the program’s reporting tools and structure.
The updated data also are important to EPA when assessing partner performance as part of the SmartWay Excellence Awards program. The Excellence Awards are an important improvement incentive and encourages partners to implement effective emission-reduction strategies that help conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. This recognition is given on an annual basis.
SmartWay Affiliate Agreement
The affiliate agreement is used to help EPA allow SmartWay supporters who do not qualify as SmartWay partners (e.g., non-profit organizations, associations and tractor/trailer dealerships) to act as an advocate for SmartWay to their membership. This is a one-time submittal. Once the organization has submitted the affiliate agreement, and EPA approves them into the program as an affiliate, the affiliate will not have to complete another affiliate agreement. Submitting the one-time affiliate agreement is necessary for EPA and its affiliates to effectively work toward their shared energy and environmental goals.
Program Evaluation
Providing sufficient opportunities for SmartWay partners and transportation industry professionals to provide input to EPA on the effectiveness of SmartWay is necessary to monitor and implement program changes, as needed, in a timely manner.
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program
Companies in good standing that purchase or lease EPA-designated SmartWay tractors and/or trailers can submit an application to apply the SmartWay logo to the exterior of their EPA-designated SmartWay equipment. Submitting the application is necessary for EPA to protect the SmartWay brand and respondents to effectively work toward their shared energy and environmental goals.
Information collections performed under this clearance will follow all of OMB’s
General Guidelines regarding federal data collection.
Participation in SmartWay is voluntary and may be terminated by participants or EPA at any time. Partners voluntarily provide company-specific data to EPA. Such data may contain trade-secret, commercial or financial information. Accordingly, EPA manages SmartWay partner company-specific data and information in accordance with EPA’s provisions on confidentiality. 40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B establishes EPA’s general policy on the public disclosure of information and procedures for handling confidential business information (CBI) claims.
No questions of a sensitive nature are asked of SmartWay participants (“respondent(s)”).
Table 4.1 lists selected North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes and the primary industry sectors associated with those codes. These industry sectors may be affected by SmartWay-related information collections covered under this ICR.
NAICS Code Industry
421 Wholesale Trade, Durable Goods
422 Wholesale Trade, Nondurable Goods
4211 Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Part and Supplies
42111 Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Wholesalers
42112 Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Part Wholesalers
423 Wholesale Trade, Nondurable Goods
44-45 Retail Trade
48-49 Transportation and Warehousing
481 Air Transportation
4811 Scheduled Air Transportation
481112 Scheduled Freight Air Transportation
4812 Nonscheduled Air Transportation
48121 Nonscheduled Air Transportation
481212 Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
481219 Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation
482 Rail Transportation
4821 Rail Transportation
48211 Rail Transportation
482111 Line-Haul Railroads
482112 Short-Line Railroads
483 Water Transportation
4831 Deep Sea, Coastal and Great Lakes Water Transportation
48311 Deep Sea, Coastal and Great Lakes Water Transportation
483111 Deep Sea Freight Transportation
483113 Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation
4832 Inland Water Transportation
48321 Inland Water Transportation
483211 Inland Water Freight Transportation
484 Truck Transportation
4841 General Freight Trucking
48411 General Freight Trucking, Local
48412 General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance
484121 General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload
484122 General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, LTL
4842 Specialized Freight Trucking
488 Support Activities for Transportation
4881 Support Activities for Air Transportation
48811 Airport Operations
488119 Other Airport Operations
48819 Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
4882 Support Activities for Rail Transportation
48821 Support Activities for Rail Transportation
4883 Support Activities for Water Transportation
48831 Port and Harbor Operations
48832 Marine Cargo Handling
48833 Navigational Services to Shipping
48839 Other Support Activities for Water Transportation
4884 Support Activities for Road Transportation
4885 Freight Transportation Arrangement
48851 Freight Transportation Arrangement
4889 Other Support Activities for Transportation
48899 Other Support Activities for Transportation
488991 Packing and Crating
488999 All Other Support Activities for Transportation
4931 Warehousing and Storage Facilities
49311 General Warehousing and Storage Facilities
49312 Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage Facilities
49319 Other Warehousing and Storage Facilities
Respondents commit to conserve fuel and reduce
emissions when they join SmartWay. The following describes the
information that they submit as part of their participation with
SmartWay:
SmartWay Annual Reporting Tool
A respondent company completes a reporting tool for its transportation mode (e.g., carrier, multi-modal, shipper) when it joins SmartWay. The partnership annual agreement is embedded in the reporting tool. On average, EPA estimates that .66 hours are needed to thoroughly review, comprehend and agree to the terms in the agreement. This estimate is included in the burden hours for the tool.
The partnership annual agreement includes the following information:
The importance of an accurate and true reporting tool submission,
Terms of the company’s commitment,
Terms of EPA’s commitment,
General terms of the SmartWay partnership, and
A statement confirming an understanding of the annual agreement.
• The SmartWay annual reporting tool is a Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheet that enables SmartWay partners to quantify the environmental performance of their freight transportation-based operations in reports generated by the tool. SmartWay partners download the reporting tool from the SmartWay website (www.epa.gov/smartway) and enter their freight transportation data when they join SmartWay. They submit updated reporting tools annually thereafter. SmartWay provides tailored carrier and shipper reporting tools for different modes of moving goods. Available reporting tools include truck, rail, inland marine (barge), air, multi-modal, and logistics.
On average, EPA estimates that SmartWay partners will take 5.82 hours to gather, input, and review the data needed to successfully complete and submit the reporting tool the first time.
Thereafter, annual reporting tool updates will take 2.66 hours to complete. These estimates include the time needed to review system outputs prior to sending them to EPA.
For carrier partners the reporting tool requires the following information:
Contact information, including a responsible primary contact for the company, an alternate contact, an executive contact; street and electronic addresses and phone numbers, and
Information about the company, including data about its existing transportation equipment, such as the number of trucks employed; gallons of fuel used and miles traveled annually; average payload; pollution control equipment deployed and idling activity.
For shipper and logistics partners, the reporting tool requires the following information:
Contact information, including a responsible primary contact for the company, an alternate contact, an executive contact; street and electronic addresses, and phone numbers, and
Information about the company’s transportation activities, including carriers hired to transport goods; mode/s used to transport goods; and freight facility operations.
Annual SmartWay Excellence Awards and SmartWay Affiliate Challenge
• The Annual SmartWay Excellence Awards and SmartWay Affiliate Challenge recognize outstanding achievements by partners in the program. Data from the reporting tools uploaded and summarized in the partner database provide the basis for an award. A subset of partners (shippers, logistics providers and multimodal carriers) also have the option of providing additional qualitative information, as listed below, to be considered for an award. On average, EPA estimates that partners that choose to provide this information take an estimated 3.25 hours to do so. Affiliates who choose to participate in the challenge take an estimated 2.75 to read and complete the paperwork and submit to EPA.
Additional information that may be provided by a Partner includes:
Efforts undertaken to educate its staff, customers, stakeholders and the public about its participation in SmartWay, and
Other activities supporting its participation as a SmartWay partner (e.g., a shipper may offer special assistance or incentives that help and/or encourage carriers to join SmartWay).
Information that may be provided by an affiliate highlights their success within industry peer organizations, raising the bar on sustainability and helping to strengthen and build the partnership.
SmartWay Affiliate Agreement
• An organization that wishes to support SmartWay as an affiliate completes the SmartWay affiliate agreement when it joins SmartWay. The affiliate agreement is in Adobe Acrobat format and is submitted electronically, or by fax. (See Appendix A for a copy of the affiliate agreement).
A completed affiliate agreement lists the commitments that both EPA and the joining organization assume by working together through the SmartWay partnership. On average, EPA estimates that 0.82 hours are needed to thoroughly review, comprehend and submit the affiliate agreement. This could include some legal review.
Partner Evaluation
SmartWay may request feedback on the program and the tools it provides, which would be expected to require no more than .25 hours of a respondent’s time.
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program
Any company*, individual* or SmartWay partner that wants to label the exterior of its tractors and/or trailers as “EPA-designated SmartWay Tractor” or “EPA-designated SmartWay trailer” will complete and submit the SmartWay Equipment Checklist that may be downloaded from the EPA’s SmartWay website (See Exhibit 4 for a copy of the SmartWay Equipment Checklist.) Completion and submission of the Equipment Checklist signifies that a company owns or operates the respective tractor and/or trailer that meet the EPA-designated SmartWay specifications.
* Note: The EPA-designated SmartWay tractor and trailer logos are separate from
and different than the SmartWay partner logo and can be applied for by
any buyer of EPA-designated SmartWay equipment.
Data that the partner or EPA-designated equipment buyer submits in the SmartWay Equipment Checklist include:
Name of the truck and/or trailer manufacturer,
Name of the truck and/or trailer model/brand,
The model year of the truck and/or trailer,
Identification of SmartWay-verified technologies on the trucks (e.g., tires, idling control devices) and trailers (e.g., tires, aerodynamic equipment), and
The number of EPA-designated SmartWay trucks and/or trailers in use by the company fleet owner/operator/lessor.
The company fleet owner/operator/lessor also completes and submits the Mark (i.e., logo) Signature Form (See Exhibit 6 for a copy of the Mark Signature Form). This form is found on page 54 of the SmartWay Graphic Standards & Usage Guide.) Signing and submitting this form to EPA signifies understanding of the agreement to adhere to the SmartWay logo guidelines.
EPA estimates that it takes partners and company fleet owners/operators/lessors approximately 2.75 hours to compile and submit the SmartWay Equipment Checklist and Mark Signature Form.
Any manufacturer that wishes to label the interior of tractors or trailers it produces as “SmartWay Designated” will complete and submit the SmartWay License Agreement that may be downloaded from the EPA’s SmartWay website (See Exhibit 8 for a copy of the SmartWay License Agreement.) Completion and submission of the License Agreement authorizes advertising and promotion of tractors or trailers that meet the EPA-designated SmartWay specifications by Original Equipment Manufacturers
EPA estimates that it takes manufacturers approximately .25 hours to read, complete and sign the SmartWay License Agreement. Additional time may be necessary to garner internal company approvals. This submittal is requested periodically (every 3 – 6 years).
SmartWay Partnership Annual Agreement and Reporting Tool
To register with SmartWay, respondents are asked to:
Download the reporting tool,
Review the embedded partnership annual agreement and agree to its terms,
Complete the reporting tool, and
Submit the completed reporting tool to EPA electronically.
SmartWay Annual Reporting Tool
Partners are asked to annually submit an updated reporting tool to the EPA. These activities involve the following:
Gathering freight transportation data (fuel, miles and payload) needed for the reporting tool,
Reviewing reporting tool reports and data, and
Submitting a new or updated reporting tool and reviewing data outputs annually.
SmartWay Affiliate Agreement
To join the SmartWay Partnership as an affiliate, organizations are asked to complete and submit the affiliate agreement. This activity includes the following:
Download the affiliate agreement
Review its terms, and
Submit the signed affiliate agreement to EPA electronically.
Annual SmartWay Excellence Award
In addition to reporting their environmental performance data via the reporting tool, a subset of partners (shippers, logistics providers and multimodal carriers) have the option to submit information on their specific projects/events to reduce fuel use, save energy, and publicly promote their participation in the SmartWay program. When a partner chooses to submit this information, it will:
Gather and compile information (dates, participants, weight and/or emissions savings data) on its activities, including samples of promotional materials and in-house tools developed to highlight their involvement in SmartWay, and
Send these materials to EPA, electronically.
Annual SmartWay Affiliate Challenge
Affiliates have the option to submit information on their specific projects and initiatives implemented to raise awareness about the mission and goals of SmartWay and sustainable freight transportation. When an affiliate chooses to participate in the Affiliate Challenge by submitting this information, it will:
Program Evaluation
EPA may seek feedback on the SmartWay program on a random and voluntary basis, and respondents may be asked to respond to a range of questions. These questions could include the usability of the reporting tool and the program’s value to their organization, recognition of the SmartWay brand, understanding about the partnership, among others.
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program
Any company*, individual* or SmartWay partner’s completion of the SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program application includes the following steps:
Review the EPA-designated SmartWay technical specifications to determine whether the tractor and/or trailer is eligible for the designation,
Review the SmartWay Graphic Standards and Usage Guide that details specifics and guidelines for SmartWay logo use,
If eligible:
Complete and submit the SmartWay Equipment Checklist which can be downloaded from the SmartWay website. Information to be provided includes:
Name of the truck and/or trailer manufacturer,
Truck and/or trailer model/brand,
Truck and/or trailer model year,
EPA-verified SmartWay technologies on trucks (tires, idling control devices),
Listed technologies and manufacturers are on the SmartWay website.
SmartWay-verified technologies on trailers (tires, aerodynamic equipment),
Listed technologies and manufacturers are on the SmartWay website.
Number of trucks and/or trailers.
A SmartWay Equipment Checklist needs to be submitted for additional purchases of new trucks and/or trailers to be branded with the SmartWay- designated logos.
Company (licensee) Name
Signatory Name (of licensee)
Signatory Title
Licensee company address
Signatory phone number
Signatory email address
Date
EPA SmartWay managers, staff, and Partner Account Managers (PAMs) will perform certain activities associated with information collections described in this ICR. These activities serve to develop, evaluate and support the SmartWay program.
SmartWay Annual Agreement
The Agency will perform the following activities related to the partnership annual agreement:
Promote company participation by posting partner names on the SmartWay website and in related educational, promotional, and media materials,
Provide partners with their freight transportation performance ranking data as it becomes available and summarized by EPA,
Assist partners in achieving freight transportation emissions and fuel usage reduction goals,
Update and maintain SmartWay website, and
Monitor the distribution and use of SmartWay logos.
SmartWay Annual Reporting Tool
The Agency will perform the following activities related to SmartWay partner-submitted reporting tools:
Assign a Partner Account Manager (PAM). A PAM is a technical expert that is responsible for reviewing and approving SmartWay partner tool submissions, offers suggestions to partners on efficiency strategies and improvements and engages non-SmartWay companies with SmartWay.
Review, approve, and upload to the partner database new and updated partner freight transportation performance data submitted in the reporting tool,
Send a welcome letter and registration certificate to the new partner,
Request updates of data, strategies undertaken and substantiation of information annually,
Review partner activities undertaken to promote SmartWay,
Review partner’s year-over-year progress in the database, and note any anomalies that would necessitate a call from the PAM to the partner,
Update and maintain SmartWay Website Performance Carrier Ranking List.
Annual SmartWay Excellence Awards
The Agency will review environmental performance data and any additional information/data partners provide to highlight their progress and achievements in conserving fuel and reducing emissions related to freight transportation:
Review and rank performance data that is submitted,
Review and assess other partner information submitted for award consideration, and
Summarize and evaluate partner accomplishments and achievements that warrant excellence recognition.
Annual SmartWay Affiliate Challenge
The Agency will review information affiliates provide that show how engaged they are with the SmartWay program. The information provided by affiliates will demonstrate the variety of innovative ways used to raise awareness about freight supply chain sustainability.
Program Evaluation
The Agency will review data and feedback from its partners, and industry representatives on the program and use it to adjust/change and improve the program.
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program
SmartWay will perform the following activities in support of the SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program:
Review the tractor and trailer logo requests from companies via checklist submissions,
Answer questions of companies, individuals and partners, as appropriate, and
Once approved, send the digital logo files to the EPA-designated SmartWay equipment buyer(s),
Review and file the SmartWay License Agreement,
Send the digital files of the SmartWay designated logo to the manufacturer.
EPA will use a telephone system, computers, and applicable software to collect, summarize and analyze information gathered under this ICR. Market research may also be undertaken periodically to gage program effectiveness. The reporting tools have embedded quality assurance controls based on EPA’s statistical analyses of historical freight transportation data. These controls assist the Agency in managing the data and labor costs effectively.
Additionally, EPA will ensure the accuracy and completeness of collected information by reviewing each submittal. The Agency will upload the reviewed and approved data obtained into the partner database and will aggregate data obtained to monitor the progress of participants in reducing fuel consumption and freight transportation air pollutant emissions. These efforts will help to ensure the proper use and processing of the data being collected to enhance the value of the air quality /environmental information to EPA and the public.
EPA expects that some independent truck owners, small fleet (20 and under trucks) operators and other small businesses will participate in SmartWay. EPA has designed its information collections to minimize respondent burden while obtaining sufficient and accurate freight transportation information. EPA has tailored its reporting tools to ensure that the burden on all businesses – including small businesses – is minimal.
Small entities, along with any respondent, can call the SmartWay Helpline, attend and/or download recorded SmartWay webinars, download instruction guides or use the SmartWay email box to access help and program information. Additionally, SmartWay works with affiliates such as state trucking associations to provide additional training and outreach.
The Agency collects environmental performance data from SmartWay partners annually via an Excel-based reporting tool. Additional information that is submitted for the purpose of being considered for an award is optional.
Exhibit 1 presents the annual respondent burden hours for information collection activities associated with SmartWay. Exhibit 1 also includes the total annual hours devoted by respondents to conduct all activities.
Exhibit 1 estimates respondent costs associated with each information collection activity. Exhibit 1 also presents the total annual respondent costs under all activities. Specific cost assumptions are discussed below.
The labor rates used to estimate costs to respondents are consistent with hourly national wage rates published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publications on employment and earnings. EPA estimates a median hourly respondent labor cost. EPA also multiplied hourly wage rates by the standard government overhead factor of 1.6 to calculate overhead costs such as paid leave, health insurance, retirement savings, office space, computers, and other business expenses. This resulted in hourly respondent labor burden of $95.98 for legal staff, $89.07 for managerial staff, $75.38 for technical staff, and $30.65 for clerical and/or administrative staff.
In general, EPA is not expecting that respondents will need additional computers, software, or other capital investments to participate in the SmartWay Transport Partnership. Respondents should be able to use existing computer equipment and software to compile and submit the annual reporting tool and to submit other information as part of their SmartWay participation.
Operations and maintenance (O&M) costs are those costs associated with a paperwork requirement incurred continually over the life of the ICR. They are defined by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 as the “recurring dollar amount of costs associated with O&M or purchasing service.”
This ICR no longer includes O&M postage costs for each submittal to EPA for the collection of optional items such as hard copies of materials submitted with the Smartway Excellence Award Application for consideration of a SmartWay Excellence Award. EPA previously estimated an average cost of $15.00 per submittal. Now, all submittals are electronically provided for the SmartWay Excellence Awards. These costs no longer affect the respondent burden.
The data in Exhibit 2 shows that EPA estimates that each EPA federal burden hour for the information collection activities associated with SmartWay is conducted by an experienced technical staff person. EPA is also including overhead costs associated with employing an experienced technical staff person, such as paid leave, health insurance, retirement savings, office space, telephones, computers, and other business expenses.
EPA assumed that federal staff-level burden hours would be completed by an experienced technical staff person being paid at a GS-13, Step 3 federal government employee salary of $97,990/year.1 EPA then divided the annual 2013 GS-13, Step 3 salary rate by 2080 (the number of hours in a work year) and multiplied this number by the standard government overhead factor of 1.6. This calculation resulted in a federal cost of $75.38/burden hour.
EPA also assumed that managerial oversight would be completed by a manager being paid at the GS-14, Step 3 federal government employee salary of $90,343/year. EPA then divided the annual 2016 GS-14, Step 3 of $115,793 salary rate by 2080 (the number of hours in a work year) and multiplied this number by the standard government overhead factor of 1.6. This calculation resulted in a federal cost of $89.07/burden hour.
EPA also uses Senior Environmental Employees (SEEs) to support SmartWay. For the SEE employees, EPA used the average hourly rate for Level IV Technical Staff of $15.61 multiplied by 1.43 benefits rate for $22.32/burden hour. Labor rates for SEE employees are based on standard rates applied by Senior Service America, Inc., the administrator of a grant program that makes SEE employees available to the EPA.
These estimates are summarized in Exhibit 2.
In this section, EPA describes its estimates of the number of respondents carrying out the information collections under SmartWay. In developing its estimates, EPA referred to its partner database to identify trends in the number of existing and new respondents. Based on this understanding, EPA has estimated the average number of respondents associated with each of the information collections under the program. These averages and an explanation of how they were derived follows for each collection activity.
Affiliates
Based on information drawn from the SmartWay Partner database, there are approximately 3,500 respondents participating in SmartWay. Of those 3,500 respondents, approximately 262 (7%) of them are affiliates.
These affiliates do not complete or submit an annual reporting tool. Affiliates join SmartWay to act as an advocate and highlight and support EPA’s goals through marketing and communications activities. They typically do not engage in a significant amount of freight activity. Consequently, it is not necessary for them to complete or submit an annual SmartWay reporting tool. However, they must complete and submit an Affiliate Agreement to participate with SmartWay as an affiliate.
Based on historical program growth, EPA estimates that, on average, 429 respondent organizations will join SmartWay each year either as partners or affiliates. Based on the existing percentage of respondents that are Affiliates (i.e., 7%), EPA projects that 30 respondents will join annually as Affiliates (429 x 0.07 = 30). EPA estimates that it will take, on average. 0.82 hours for each of these Affiliates to complete and submit an Affiliate Agreement.
These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1 and a copy of the SmartWay Affiliate Agreement is in Exhibit 4.
SmartWay Partnership Annual Agreement and Reporting Tool
EPA asks all organizations that join SmartWay, with the exception of affiliates, to download the reporting tool which is available online, and to enter their freight transportation activity data into the reporting tool before submitting it to EPA. After that, Partners are asked to provide annual updates using the reporting tool.
Approximately 93% of SmartWay’s respondents, or 3,255 partners, submit a completed reporting tool upon joining the program and annually thereafter. Based on historical program growth, EPA estimates that 429 organizations representing shipper, carrier (truck, rail), logistics management, and public and private affiliate groups will join SmartWay annually. Using historical trends, EPA estimates that approximately 418 of those organizations will register annually as SmartWay partners (459 x 0.93 = 427). The other 7% –30 organizations– will join as affiliates.
EPA estimates that these 427 new partners will enter environmental performance data each year, taking 5.16 hours on average to do so. This work will entail the following:
Reviewing the terms of the embedded annual agreement which may include legal review for some companies,
Gathering information needed to provide relevant data into the reporting tool,
Downloading the reporting tool from the SmartWay website and entering information and relevant data into the reporting tool,
Reviewing the reporting tool and data outputs for inconsistencies and errors,
Sending the completed reporting tool to the EPA via email.
These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1.
SmartWay Annual Reporting Tool Updates
Following the initial submittal of environmental performance data using the reporting tool, EPA asks that partners annually report their progress in meeting their environmental performance goals. In addition to the 3,500 existing partners that will provide annual reporting tool updates, new partners also will submit an annual reporting tool. Therefore, in addition to the 3,500 existing partners that provide updated environmental data via the reporting tool, another 427 new partners will submit a reporting tool for the first time during each year of the three-year period covered by this ICR.
EPA also reviewed the SmartWay program’s retention rate among its existing partners. EPA found that about 75% of all SmartWay partners that initially submit a reporting tool maintain their status as SmartWay partners by annually submitting the reporting tool and annual agreement. Thus, of the 427 new SmartWay partners that submit a reporting tool for the first time, approximately 320 of them (427 x .75 = 320) will submit a reporting tool update in years that follow.
To develop an average complete estimate of the number of annual respondent hours and cost burden associated with submitting the reporting tool on an annual basis, EPA factored in this retention rate. See the below Table 6.1 for an average of projected respondents submitting reporting tools over the three-year period covered by this ICR.
Year |
Existing Respondents |
New Respondents |
1 |
3,500 |
427 |
2 |
3,820 (3,500 + 320) |
427 |
3 |
4,140 (3,820 + 320) |
427 |
Average Annual Respondents |
3,820 |
427 |
Although the same basic actions that are involved in initially submitting the reporting tool are used in subsequent reporting years, EPA estimates that gathering, reviewing, and submitting an updated reporting tool will require an average of 2.66 hours. The reduction in this burden hour estimate (as compared to running the reporting tool for the first time) is based on the experience that SmartWay partners have acquired in managing their fleet, energy and environmental performance as well as in increased familiarity with the SmartWay reporting tool.
As a result, EPA estimates that on an average annual basis, 3,820 SmartWay partners will provide an updated reporting tool, taking 2.66 hours on average to do so.
These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1.
Annual SmartWay Excellence Awards
As a part of its annual SmartWay Excellence Awards program, EPA annually reviews the environmental data respondents submit to identify and recognize respondents that demonstrate a high level of leadership in reducing fuel consumption and lowering greenhouse gas and other air emissions. Selected shipper and logistics respondents have the option of providing EPA with other relevant information on actions that may not be captured in their performance data.
When a respondent voluntarily opts to submit this information, it will:
Gather and compile information on its activities, including samples of promotional materials and in-house tools developed to highlight its involvement in SmartWay,
If the supplemental information includes activities and/or projects carried out where weight and/or miles are taken out of their supply chain, respondents submit their methodology, calculations with summarized results and
Send these materials to EPA, electronically.
Based on EPA’s experience in administering the SmartWay Excellence Awards program, it is estimated that 132 partners (about 3.5% of all partners) will provide this additional information for consideration on an annual basis during the three-year time period covered by this ICR. On average, these partners will take 3.25 hours to gather and submit the award materials that they would like EPA to evaluate.
These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1 and copy of the SmartWay Excellence Award Semi-Finalist Application, Exhibit 3.
As a part of its annual SmartWay Affiliate Challenge, EPA encourages affiliates to submit an application detailing marketing and outreach activities performed from March 1 of the previous year to March 1 of the current year. Activities must fit into the following four broad categories: SmartWay promotional efforts, SmartWay enrollment efforts, promotion of efficient freight supply chain practices and collaboration efforts. EPA reviews the applications and evaluates them based on level of effort, innovation, scope and reach of activities, and results achieved. When an affiliate voluntarily opts to submit this information, it will:
Gather and compile information on its activities, including samples of promotional materials and in-house tools developed to highlight its involvement in SmartWay.
Send these materials to EPA, electronically.
Based on EPA’s experience in administering the SmartWay Affiliate Challenge it is estimated that 24 affiliates (about 10% of all Affiliates) will provide this additional information for consideration on an annual basis during the three-year time period covered by this ICR. On average, these affiliates will take 2.50 hours to compile and submit the challenge recognition materials that they would like EPA to evaluate.
These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1 and a copy of the SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Application is in Exhibit 5.
Program Evaluation
Over the three-year period covered by this ICR, EPA expects that it will ask respondents for advice and suggestions on the effectiveness of SmartWay and how to improve the tools and incentives it provides the transportation sector. EPA will request this information no more than once a year from no more than 150 respondents and expects that it will require no more than 15 minutes of time from a respondent.
These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1.
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program
Approximately 170 SmartWay partners reported owning or operating tractors that meet the SmartWay designated specifications. This is an annual average of 22 SmartWay partners applying to participate since the SmartWay Tractor Program began in 2008.
Approximately 54 SmartWay partners reported owning or operating dry van trailers that meet the SmartWay designated specifications. This is an annual average of nine (9) partners applying to participate since trailers were included in the program in 2009.
Based on historical data, EPA estimates that, on average, 22 interested partners will apply to participate in the SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program annually over the three-year period covered by this ICR. EPA estimates that it will take these partners approximately 2.75 hours each to gather the required data and to complete and submit the SmartWay Equipment Checklist and the Mark Signature form needed to participate in the SmartWay Tractor and Trailer program.
Based on current data, EPA estimates there will be 16 equipment manufacturers who will update their tractor or trailer license agreement. EPA estimates that it will take at least .50 hours each to complete the agreement and submit it to EPA.
These assumptions are reflected in Exhibit 1 and a copies of the U. S. EPA Designated SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Equipment Checklists are in Exhibit 6; copy of the US EPA Designated SmartWay Mark Licensing Agreement is in Exhibit 8.
6(e) Bottom Line Burden Hours and Cost Tables
As shown in Table 6.2, EPA estimates the total annual hour and cost burden to respondents to be 13,202 hours and $909,828.
Information Collections |
Number of Respondents (Average/Year) |
Estimated Burden Hours per Respondent |
Total Annual Burden Hours |
Total Annual Labor |
Total Annual Capital Cost |
Total Annual O&M Cost |
Total Annual Cost |
Affiliate Agreement |
30 |
.82 |
25 |
$1,897 |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,897 |
Initial Reporting Tool and Annual Agreement Submission |
427 |
5.82 |
2,485 |
$187,282 |
$0 |
$0 |
$187,282 |
Annual Reporting Tool Updates |
3,820 |
2.66 |
10,161 |
$679,311 |
$0 |
$0 |
$679,311 |
Excellence Awards & Recognition
|
132 |
3.25 |
429 |
$31,765 |
$0 |
$0 |
$31,765 |
Evaluation |
150 |
.25 |
38 |
$3,340 |
$0 |
$0 |
$3,340 |
Affiliate Challenge |
8 |
2.75 |
22 |
$207.29 |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,658 |
Tractor and Trailer Program |
22 |
2.75 |
61 |
$191.77 |
$0 |
$0 |
$4,219 |
Tractor/Trailer License Agreement |
16 |
.25 |
4 |
$22.27 |
$0 |
$0 |
$356 |
TOTAL |
4,605 |
-- |
13,224 |
$909,828 |
$0 |
$0 |
$909,828 |
In Table 6.3, EPA presents a summary of the total estimated annual Agency burden for the SmartWay program.
Respondent Type |
Annual Burden Hours |
Total Annual Labor Costs |
Total Annual Capital Cost |
Total Annual O&M Cost |
Total Annual Cost |
Agency |
4,910 |
$194,921 |
$0 |
$350 |
$195,271 |
Increase in respondent burden since the previous ICR was approved is approximately 1,720 hours:
Adjustment due to increased interest in SmartWay and thus, an increase in new annual respondents.
The average annual number of burden hours for new reporting tools has increased by 328 hours (i.e., from 2,157 to 2,485 average annual burden hours.) This increase is due to the growth in the number of new respondents since the last ICR.
The average annual number of new respondents submitting a reporting tool for the first time is slightly increased from 418 to 427 respondents. This is based on historical trends.
Adjustment due to robust retention, and as a result, an increased number of existing respondent partners.
The average number of burden hours for updated reporting tools has increased by 1,609 annual burden hours due to program growth (i.e., from 8,552 annual average burden hours to 8 annual 10,161 average burden hours.) This is due to Program growth.
The average annual number of respondents submitting an updated reporting tool has increased from an annual average of 3,215 respondents to an annual average of 3,820 respondents, since the last ICR.
Adjustment due to a projected increase in respondent interest in the SmartWay tools.
The number of projected annual SmartWay Excellence Awards applicants has increased based on the increased number of SmartWay partners. Last ICR average annual number of Award applicants was 109 for this ICR, our projected average annual number is 132.
Burden costs increase attributable to this change: Approximately 22 hours and $1,658 in costs.
EPA has added information collection requirements with the SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Program, to collect updated licensing agreements from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The average annual number of respondents is estimated to be 16.
EPA believes the burden in this ICR renewal is justified in light of the many benefits to participants, the public, and the environment.
EPA estimates that the reporting burden per SmartWay respondent will be approximately 2.65 hours per year. EPA notes that this is an average across all SmartWay partners, regardless of whether they are SmartWay affiliates or SmartWay partners. It is also an average for all respondents, regardless of how they have participated with SmartWay (i.e., whether they have previously completed partner agreements, submitted additional information for program evaluation, or submitted an application for Excellence Award consideration.).
Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by a person to generate, maintain, retain, disclose or provide information to or for a federal agency. This includes the time needed to: review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information; adjust the existing ways to comply with previously applicable instructions; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; transmit or otherwise disclose the information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
To comment on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of automated collection techniques, EPA has established a
public docket for this ICR under Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0482, which is available for online viewing at www.regulations.gov, or in person viewing at the Air Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742. An electronic version of the public docket is available at www.regulations.gov. This site can be used to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. When in the system, select “search,” then key in the Docket ID Number identified above. Also, you can send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20503, Attention: Desk Officer for EPA. Please include the EPA Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0482 and OMB Control Number 2060-0663 in any correspondence.
Exhibit 3 |
SmartWay Excellence Award Semi-Finalist Application |
Exhibit 4
SmartWay Affiliate Agreement
Exhibit 5
SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Application
Exhibit 6 |
SmartWay Tractor and Trailer Equipment Checklists |
Exhibit 7
SmartWay Mark Signature Page
Exhibit 8US EPA Designated SmartWay Mark License Agreement |
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1 January 2016 U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Salary Table 2013-GS, 2013 General Schedule, https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2016/DET.pdf.
OMB Control Number: 2060-0663
File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
File Title | Microsoft Word - SmartWay ICR documents summary Mar_14_11.docm |
Author | DKearns |
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File Created | 2021-01-21 |