Prior to
publication of the final rule, the agency should provide to OMB a
summary of all comments received on the proposed information
collection and identify any changes made in response to these
comments.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
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This is a new collection for proposed
rule, Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility
Allowances (SUAs), which would create a clearer and more consistent
nationwide policy by standardizing the methodology for standard
utility allowances. Heating and cooling SUAs would be calculated
annually by FNS instead of this being a State responsibility. Other
types of allowances for other utility costs would subsequently be
capped at a percentage of the heating and cooling allowance (with
the exception of an updated telecommunications SUA that would be a
capped amount rather than percentage and set nationally by FNS).
State agencies would still be responsible for calculating SUAs
other than the HCSUA, however, the amounts may not exceed the cap
set by FNS. These figures would continue to be updated annually and
reflective of utility costs in each State. The Department believes
that standardizing the SUA methodology would help make SUAs and the
program more equitable and would also improve program integrity by
ensuring SUAs better reflect what households are paying for
utilities. Once FNS receives OMB approval for the collection
associated with this rule, FNS intends to merge this data
collection with 0584-0496 following final rule making.
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.