The Agency is reminded that the collected data is appropriate for characterizing activities undertaken by respondents, and not for measuring program impact or characterizing non-respondent entities.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2015
36 Months From Approved
06/30/2012
6
0
7
240
0
633
0
0
0
EPA's Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP) was initiated in 1995 and is an important voluntary program contributing to the overall reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. This program focuses on reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions including perfluorocarbon (PFC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the production of primary aluminum. Seven of the eight U.S. producers of primary aluminum participate in this program. PFCs are very potent greenhouse gases with global warming potentials several thousand times that of carbon dioxide and they persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years. CO2 is emitted from consumption of the carbon anode. The Partnership effectively promotes the adoption of emission reduction technologies and practices associated with decreasing the frequency and duration of anode effects. Participants voluntarily agree to the following: designating a VAIP liaison; undertaking and sharing information on technically feasible and cost-effective actions to reduce PFC and direct CO2 emissions. The information contained in the annual reports of VAIP members is used by EPA to assess the success of the program in achieving its goals and to advance greenhouse gas emission reduction.
o On October 30, 2009, EPA issued the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule (74 FR 56260) which requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) data and other relevant information from large sources and suppliers in the United States. The regulation includes primary aluminum production and because emissions reporting shifted from a voluntary to a mandatory activity, companies are no longer required to track, assess and submit emissions data under the VAIP. The reduction in burden for this ICR is 50 hours per year per respondent.
o Since the last ICR, Northwest Goldendale Aluminum has ceased production of primary aluminum and is no longer a partner company. This reduced the number of participating companies from seven to six.
o This program has been existence for over 10 years and has resulted in significant success in the development and adoption best practices and has resulted in significant reductions in emissions. Given this success, the level of effort and associated burden of participating in the VAIP has declined and is estimated to be reduced by 10 hours per year per respondent.
$3,088
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Sally Rand 202 233-9739
No
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.
Form pending Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP)
1867t05.xlsx
1867ss05.docx
Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP)