Browse: Departments   Dates   Agencies  

NOTICE: NOTICES

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: June 10, 2008.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 10413. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 3955806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 202507602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 7208681.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
[[Page 33802]]

Rural BusinessCooperative Service

Title: Renewal Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program.

OMB Control Number: 05700050.

Summary of Collection: This program is authorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Act) that established the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program under title IX, Section 9006. The Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create a program to make direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The program is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses reduce energy cost and consumption, develop new income streams, and help meet the nation's critical energy needs. The Act also mandates the maximum percentage the Rural BusinessCooperative Service (RBS) will provide in funding for these types of projects. Applicants wishing to apply for the grant or guaranteed loans will have to submit applications along with specified documents to the State Rural Energy Coordinator.

Need and Use of the Information: RBS will use the collected information to determine applicant eligibility, to determine project eligibility and feasibility, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and to ensure that grantees/borrowers operate on a sound basis and use funds for authorized purposes. Without this collection of information RBS would be unable to meet the requirements of the Act and effectively administer the program.

This notice reflects an increase in figures to encompass the projected increase in applicants due to additional funding and public interest in the program that was not accounted for in the Federal Register notice published on January 9, 2008.

Description of Respondents: Farmers, ranchers, and business or other forprofit.

Number of Respondents: 1,507.

Frequency of Responses: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 77,412.
Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E813330 Filed 61208; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410XTP

SUMMARY: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,

DOCUMENT BODY 2: June 10, 2008.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 10413. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 3955806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 202507602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 7208681.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
[[Page 33802]]

Rural BusinessCooperative Service

Title: Renewal Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program.

OMB Control Number: 05700050.

Summary of Collection: This program is authorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Act) that established the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program under title IX, Section 9006. The Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create a program to make direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The program is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses reduce energy cost and consumption, develop new income streams, and help meet the nation's critical energy needs. The Act also mandates the maximum percentage the Rural BusinessCooperative Service (RBS) will provide in funding for these types of projects. Applicants wishing to apply for the grant or guaranteed loans will have to submit applications along with specified documents to the State Rural Energy Coordinator.

Need and Use of the Information: RBS will use the collected information to determine applicant eligibility, to determine project eligibility and feasibility, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and to ensure that grantees/borrowers operate on a sound basis and use funds for authorized purposes. Without this collection of information RBS would be unable to meet the requirements of the Act and effectively administer the program.

This notice reflects an increase in figures to encompass the projected increase in applicants due to additional funding and public interest in the program that was not accounted for in the Federal Register notice published on January 9, 2008.

Description of Respondents: Farmers, ranchers, and business or other forprofit.

Number of Respondents: 1,507.

Frequency of Responses: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 77,412.
Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E813330 Filed 61208; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410XTP