In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is filing comment and withholding approval at this time. The agency shall examine public comment in response to the proposed rulemaking and include in the supporting statement of the next ICR--to be submitted to OMB at the final rule stage--a description of how the agency has responded to any public comments on the ICR, including comments on maximizing the practical utility of the collection and minimizing the burden. Given that the cost estimates presented rely largely on non-public data, the agency is requested to work with OMB to increase the amount of quality supporting information underlying the cost estimates before this information collection is submitted for renewal. Lastly, the supporting statement submitted at final rule stage should include any changes that occurred between the proposed and final rule related to this ICR.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2027
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2027
100
0
100
1,500
0
1,500
0
0
0
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to rescind the current regulations for Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska in 43 CFR Part 2360 and return to the status quo under the rule promulgated in 1977 in 43 CFR Part 2360. The proposed rule would revised information collection requirements pertaining to Special Areas (SAs) in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (Reserve). The proposed rule would involve one (1) information collection at 43 CFR 2361.1(d) regarding recommendations for the designation of land as a SA in the Reserve. This information collection requirement slightly revises the existing requirement for SA recommendations. The RIN for this proposed rule is 1004-AF02.
The estimated number of annual responses will be adjusted from 100 to 10 as it is unlikely that the BLM would receive more than 10 recommendations year. This adjustment will reduce the annual estimated burden hours associated with SA recommendations from 1,500 to 150.
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.
1004-00221_Supporting Statement_NPR-Alaska-SA Nomination process NPRM (RIN AF02) 2025 Revisions-OMB.docx
NPPRA.pdf
SA Recommendation (43 CFR 2361.1(d))