[Federal Register: January 29, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 19)] [Notices] [Page 4701] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr29ja99-90] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Notice of Proposed Information Collection AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to request approval for the collection of information for 30 CFR 705, Restriction on financial interests of State employees. DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received by March 30, 1999, to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to John A. Trelease, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1951 Constitution Ave, NW, Room 210--SIB, Washington, DC 20240. Comments may also be submitted electronically to jtreleas@osmre.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request a copy of the information collection request, explanatory information and related forms, contact John A. Trelease, at (202) 208-2783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR 1320, which implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), require that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8 (d)). This notice identifies an information collection activity that OSM will be submitting to OMB for extension. This collection is contained in 30 CFR 705, Restriction on financial interests of State employees. OSM has revised burden estimates, where appropriate, to reflect current reporting levels or adjustments based on reestimates of burden or respondents. OSM will request a 3-year term approval for this information collection activity. Comments are invited on: (1) The need for the collection of information for the performance of the functions of the agency; (2) the accuracy of the agency's burden estimates; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the information collection burden on respondents, such as use of automated means of collection of the information. A summary of the public comments will accompany OSM's submission of the information collection request to OMB. This notice provides the public with 60 days in which to comment on the following information collection activity: Title: Restrictions on financial interests of State employees, 30 CFR 705. OMB Control Number: 1029-0067. Summary: Respondents supply information on employment and financial interests. The purpose of the collection is to ensure compliance with section 517(g) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), which places an absolute prohibition on having a direct or indirect financial interest in underground or surface coal mining operations. Bureau Form Number: OSM-23. Frequency of Collection: Entrance on duty and annually. Description of Respondents: Any state regulatory authority employee or member of advisory boards or commissions established in accordance with state law or regulation to represent multiple interests who performs any function or duty under the Act. Total Annual Response: 3,321. Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,111. Dated: January 26, 1999. Richard G. Bryson, Chief, Division of Regulatory Support. [FR Doc. 99-2216 Filed 1-28-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-05-M