77 FR 208 pgs. 65374-65375 - Proposed Agency Information Collection
Type: NOTICEVolume: 77Number: 208Pages: 65374 - 65375
FR document: [FR Doc. 2012-26366 Filed 10-25-12; 8:45 am]
Agency: Energy Department
Sub Agency: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Proposed Agency Information Collection
AGENCY:
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
ACTION:
Notice and request for comments
SUMMARY:
The Department of Energy invites public comment on a proposed collection of information that DOE is developing for submission to the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
The proposed collection would involve information that will enable DOE to measure the impact and progress of DOE's National Clean Fleets Partnership (Partnership). The Partnership is an initiative through which DOE provides large private-sector fleets with technical assistance and expertise to incorporate alternative fuels and fuel saving measures into their operations successfully. The initiative builds on the established success of DOE's Clean Cities program. The Partnership was developed with input from fleet managers, industry representatives, Clean Cities program staff, and Clean Cities coordinators.
DATES:
Comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before December 26, 2012. If you anticipate difficulty in submitting comments within that period, contact the person listed in ADDRESSES as soon as possible.
ADDRESSES:
Written comments may be sent to Mr. Mark Smith, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE-2G), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, or by fax at 202-586-1600, or by email at Mark.Smith@ee.doe.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Mr. Mark Smith, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE-2G), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 287-5151, Mark.Smith@ee.doe.gov .
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This information collection request contains: (1) OMB No. New; (2) Information Collection Request Title: National Clean Fleets Partnership Progress; (3) Type of Request: New; (4) Purpose: DOE's Clean Cities initiative has developed a voluntary National Clean Fleets Partnership effort that establishes strategic alliances with large private fleets to help them explore and adopt alternative fuels and fuel economy measures to reduce petroleum use. The Partnership does not endeavor to engage a large number of fleets, but rather works with select fleets committed to leading the way in reducing petroleum consumption. Under a voluntary agreement, Clean Cities commits to provide each fleet with a designated account manager for assistance and support; work with fleets to develop individual partner plans to reduce petroleum use; provide technical assistance, data, access to subject matter experts, analysis, and unbiased evaluation; provide education and outreach materials to recognize a fleet's involvement with the Partnership and its accomplishments; supply mechanisms for fleet information exchange and networking; and identify and document progress related to petroleum savings, cost savings, and reductions in emissions. A participating fleet commits to appointing a primary contact; developing a petroleum use reduction plan; acting to work toward the goals set forth in the plan; tracking progress and provide baseline information and annual data on petroleum use; and participating as an active Clean Cities stakeholder.
The principal objective of collecting the information DOE seeks to gather through the Partnership effort is to allow DOE to develop an objective assessment and estimate of each fleet's impact and progress. Information requested would be used to establish a baseline of activities, vehicle inventories, and fuel use for each fleet, which will then be used for future comparisons and analyses of instituted programs and policies. A designated representative for each participating fleet will provide the requested information. The intended respondent is expected to be aware of relevant aspects of the company's fleet management, such that the gathering of information is not expected to be very resource consuming.
The Partnership effort will rely on data provided in a template spreadsheet and responses to questions the respondent chooses to answer during a phone or in-person interview. The questions and data collection would address the following topic areas: (a) Vehicle data, in terms of the number of different vehicles in the fleet sorted by fuel type and class or category of vehicle; (b) Fuel data, in terms of the quantity of fuel used in given vehicle categories or classes, based on the type of fuel; (c) Fuel use by type by zip code or other appropriate geographic zone; (d) type of infrastructure used; (e) Current and historical fleet strategies to reduce petroleum (driver training, idle reduction, alternative fuels, right sizing); and (e) Fleet operations (how vehicles are fueled). The responses and data will be compiled for the purpose of assessing progress against the fleet's baseline information, and impact in terms of increasing deployment of alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuels themselves.
The interview that would be part of the voluntary Partnership initiative would be completed on an annual basis, at the convenience of the participating fleet, there being no date by which the questions must be completed. Calculation of progress and impacts will be undertaken on an ongoing basis, once the interview is completed.
The data and subsequent analyses will allow DOE to compare historical records dynamically, and provide the opportunity for each fleet to determine annual progress. The Partnership is targeted at large, private-sector fleets that own or have contractual control over at least 50 percent of their vehicles and have vehicles operating in multiple States. DOE expects approximately 30 fleets to participate in the Partnership the first year and, as a result, DOE expects a total respondent population of approximately 20 respondents the first year. Providing initial baseline information for each participating fleet, which occurs only once, is expected to take 60 minutes. Follow-up questions and clarifications for the purpose of ensuring accurate analyses are expected to take up to 90 minutes. (5) Annual Estimated Number of Respondents: 20; (6) Annual Estimated Number of Total Responses: 20; (7) Annual Estimated Number of Burden Hours: 50; and (8) Annual Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Cost Burden: There is no cost associated with reporting and recordkeeping.
Statutory Authority:
42 U.S.C. Sec. 13252(a)-(b); 42 U.S.C. 13255; 42 U.S.C. 7256.
Issued in Washington, DC on October 19, 2012.
Patrick B. Davis,
Program Manager, Vehicle Technologies Program, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2012-26366 Filed 10-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P