In this information collection request, the burden calculated is composed of NOx SIP sources not affected by the CAIR or Acid Rain program. These units continue to report emissions as part of the state implementation plans but are not expected henceforth to be subject to burden associated with participation in the NOx SIP trading program. The remaining burden estimated is largely the annualized capital cost for monitoring equipment, the labor cost and hours for monitoring, and the labor costs and hours for reporting. The Agency will submit revisions to this ICR if sources are once again experiencing burden associated with trading activities.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2017
36 Months From Approved
08/31/2016
424
0
424
57,586
0
57,586
3,777,000
0
3,777,000
The NOx Budget Trading Program was a market-based cap and trade program created to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power plants and other large combustion sources in the eastern United States. NOx is a prime ingredient in the formation of ground-level ozone (smog), a pervasive air pollution problem in many areas of the eastern United States. The NOx Budget Trading Program was established as an optional implementation mechanism for the NOx SIP Call and was designed to reduce NOx emissions during the warm summer months, referred to as the ozone season, when ground-level ozone concentrations are highest. In 2009 the program was replaced by the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) Ozone Season Trading Program. The renewal of this ICR is necessary primarily because some sources in certain States are still required to monitor and report emissions data to EPA under those states' NOx SIP Call rules. All data received by EPA will be treated as public information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.
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 7620-16 NOX Budget Trading Program to Reduce the Regional Transport of Ozone
1857ss06.docx
NOX Budget Trading Program to Reduce the Regional Transport of Ozone