In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years. When the Agency submits a request for renewal, it must include evidence of consultation with respondents to ensure the supporting statement's accuracy on availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, accuracy of burden estimate, relevance of data elements, and similar PRA matters. Regarding non-form collections in particular and the ICR package as a whole, the Agency is required and reminded to provide (1) a description of the regulatory text applicable to the ICR including submission specifications; (2) a clear description of the data elements being collected under the ICR; (3) where appropriate, screenshots of the electronic portal where the reporting requirements are submitted to DOI (with the control number and burden statement); (4) a detailed discussion of how information is submitted and the extent to which electronic reporting is available; (5) evidence of consultation with respondents (by actively reaching out to stakeholders as permitted by the PRA) to ensure the supporting statement's accuracy on availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, accuracy of burden estimate, relevance of data elements, and similar PRA matters; and (6) discussion of how DOI addressed substantive concerns raised by respondents and other stakeholders during consultation and in response to comments received on FR notices. Upon renewal of this ICR, BLM should during their consultations, seek information and data on the "Estimated Hourly Cost for Respondents" including whether or not BLM is correctly accounting for the professions that would be burdened by this collection. BLM should during their consultations, seek information and data on the "Total Annual Non-Hour Cost Burden" including whether or not BLM is correctly accounting for the total annual non-hour cost burden that the public would have to meaningfully submit recommendations to BLM for a special evaluation and recommendation of special areas.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2028
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2027
10
0
100
150
0
1,500
0
0
0
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is rescinding 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 rule revises information collection requirements pertaining to Special Areas (SAs) in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (Reserve). The rule involves 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 rule is 1004-AF02.
The rule removes and revises the information collection requirements pertaining to submitting recommendations to designate lands as an SA within the Reserve. The previous information collection requirements are moved from the rescinded 43 CFR 2361.30 to 43 CFR 2361.1(d). The information collected as part of this requirement is more effective by reducing overly complex administrative processes. The BLM believes that this rule increases clarity and efficiency in identifying lands being recommended as a SA. However, the BLM does not believe that the revised information collection requirements for SA recommendations would
result in a change in public burdens under this OMB control number. The estimated number of annual responses will be adjusted from 100 to 10 as we believe that 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.
API Comment on NPRA Information Collection 7 02 25 final filed.pdf
1004-00221_Supporting Statement_NPR-Alaska-SA Nomination Process FINAL RULE (RIN AF02) OMB.docx
SA Recommendation (43 CFR 2361.1(d))