Application for
Self-Insurance Under the Black Lung Benefits Act
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
01/15/2025
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2025
142
294
246
261
34,000
34,080
This information collection is
essential to the mission of OWCP’s Division of Coal Mine Workers’
Compensation, which administers the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA),
30 U.S.C. 901 et seq. The statute grants the Department authority
to authorize and regulate coal mine operators who wish to
self-insure their BLBA liabilities. 30 U.S.C. 933. This information
collection would provide OWCP with sufficient information to
determine whether a coal mine operator should be (or continue to
be) authorized to self-insure. The information would also allow
OWCP to determine the security amount a coal mine operator must
deposit to guarantee that it will be able to meet its BLBA
liabilities.
US Code:
30
USC 933 Name of Law: Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA)
The final rule contains
information collections within the meaning of the PRA, but these
collections are not new. Aside from the removal of the collection
associated with submitting form CM-2017a to OWCP, the requirements
for completion of the forms and the information collected on the
forms will not change if this proposed rule is adopted.
Respondents: The estimated number of self-insured operators has
increased from 49 to 61. The number of respondents increased due to
increased number of estimated applications for self-insurance. Both
the below estimated annualized responses and burden hours have
decreased due to the removal of the CM-2017a form despite the
increase in respondents. Responses: Responses have decreased from
294 to 122. Burden Hours: Burden hours have decreased from 261 to
244. Costs: Annual burden costs have decreased from $34,080 to
$34,000 due to the removal of the associated mailing costs.
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.