[Federal Register: October 20, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 202)] [Notices] [Page 56010-56011] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr20oc98-47] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Energy Information Administration Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Three-Year Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Energy Information Administration, DOE ACTION: Agency information collection activities: Proposed three-year extension of a currently approved collection; comment request ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is soliciting comments on the proposed extension of Form FE-746R, ``Import and Export of Natural Gas.'' DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before December 21, 1998. Persons anticipating difficulty submitting comments within the 60 days, should contact the person identified below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Yvonne Caudillo, FE-34, Rm. 3E-042, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20585. Alternatively, Yvonne Caudillo may be reached at yvonne.caudillo@hq.doe.gov. [Internet e-mail], or (202) 586- 6050 [FAX]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the reporting requirements should be directed to Ms. Caudillo at the address listed above, or phone (202) 586-4587. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background II. Current Actions III. Request for Comments I. Background The Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101, et seq.), requires the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to carry out a central, comprehensive, and unified energy data and information program. This program involves the collection, evaluation, assembly, analysis, and dissemination of data and information related to energy resource reserves, production, demand, technology, and related economic and other statistical data, or information which is relevant to the adequacy of energy resources to meet demand in the near and longer term. The EIA, as part of its effort to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), provides the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on collections of information. Any comments received during this process helps the EIA to prepare data requests that maximize the utility of information collected, and to assess the impact of collection activities conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government on the public. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reviews and must approve (before the agency conducts) agency collections of information. The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy is delegated the authority to regulate natural gas imports and exports under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act of 1938, 15 U.S.C. 717b. In order to carry out its delegated responsibility, FE requires those persons seeking to import or export natural gas to file an application containing basic information about the scope and nature of the proposed import/export activity. FE collects, on a quarterly basis, certain information regarding import and export [[Page 56011]] transactions. The information obtained quarterly from authorization holders is used to ensure compliance with any terms and conditions of authorization. In addition, the data are used to monitor the North American natural gas trade, which in turn enables the Federal Government to: perform market and regulatory analyses; improve the capability of industry and the Government to respond to any future energy-related supply problems; and keep the general public informed of international natural gas trade. II. Current Actions FE is proposing a three-year extension, without change, of the currently-approved Form FE-746R. III. Request for Comments Prospective respondents and other interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed extension. The following guidelines are provided to assist in the preparation of comments. General Issues A. Is the proposed collection of information necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency? Does the information have practical utility? Practical utility is defined as the actual usefulness of information to or for an agency, taking into account its accuracy, adequacy, reliability, timeliness, and the agency's ability to process the information it collects. B. Could the Agency enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected? As a Potential Respondent A. Are the instructions and definitions clear and sufficient? If not, which instructions require clarification or elaboration? B. Can data be submitted by the due date? C. Public reporting burden for preparing applications to be submitted to FE is estimated to range between 8 hours (for short-term authorizations of up to two years) to 24 hours for long-term authorizations (over 2 years). The public reporting burden for the quarterly reports after authorization is estimated to range from 0.25 of an hour to 8 hours per response, with an average burden of 2 hours. The estimated burden includes the total time, effort, or financial resources expended to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide the information. Please comment on (1) the accuracy of the agency's estimate and (2) how the agency could minimize the burden of collecting information, including the use of information technology. D. The EIA estimates that respondents will incur no additional costs for reporting other than the hours required to complete the collection. What is the estimated: (1) total dollar amount annualized for capital and start-up costs; and (2) recurring annual costs of operation and maintenance, and purchase of services associated with this data collection? E. Does any other Federal, State, or local agency collect similar data? If so, specify the agency, the data element(s), and the methods of collection. As a Potential User A. Is the data useful at the levels of detail indicated on the form? B. For what purpose(s) would the data be used? Be specific. C. Are there alternate sources of data and are they used? If so, what are their deficiencies and/or strengths? Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of the form. They also will become a matter of public record. Statutory Authority: Section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Issued in Washington, DC., October 15, 1998. Jay H. Casselberry, Agency Clearance Officer, Statistics and Methods Group, Energy Information Administration. [FR Doc. 98-28032 Filed 10-19-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P