In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/2017
36 Months From Approved
07/31/2014
3,961
0
3,225
11,504
0
8,301
1,651
0
1,350
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the SmartWay Transport Partnership to help businesses and individuals protect the environment, improve air quality and maximize the energy efficiency of their transportation and logistics management choices. The Partnership focuses on increasing efficiency and lowering the greenhouse gases and air pollution generated by the transport and movement of goods. EPA encourages businesses and individuals that transport and move goods to adopt energy-efficient strategies and technologies that reduce fuel use, air pollution, and energy costs.
EPA administers a streamlined, online reporting process for organizations that join the SmartWay Transport Partnership, and has created incentives for improvement (e.g., SmartWay Excellence Awards Program). EPA also makes tools and other resources available on the Web to help organizations and individuals evaluate their environmental performance and the value of investing in transportation management improvements.
This ICR examines the information collected under the SmartWay Transport Partnership from organizations active in the transportation sector. Sections 1 through 5 of this supporting statement describe the collections (in terms of the need and utility of the data collected). These sections also outline respondent and Agency activities. In Section 6, EPA estimates the annual hour and cost burden to respondents and the Agency as a result of the data collections.
Increase in Respondent burden since the previous ICR was approved is approximately 3,203 hours
1. Adjustment due to increased interest in SmartWay and thus, an increase in new annual Respondents - burden hour increase = 331 hours:
The average annual number of burden hours for new reporting tools, not including the burden associated with completing the Annual Agreement has increased by 331 hours (i.e., from 1,826 to 2,157 average annual burden hours.) This increase is due to the growth in the number of new Respondents since the last ICR. The number of new Respondents submitting a reporting tool for the first time is estimated to have increased from 260 to 418 Respondents. This is based on historical trends and a programmatic change that now requires any new Respondent to submit a reporting tool in addition to the Partnership Annual Agreement when it initially registers with SmartWay.
2. Adjustment due to robust retention, and as a result, an increased number of existing Respondent Partners - burden hour increase = 2,727 hours.
The average number of burden hours for updated reporting tools has increased by 2,727 annual burden hours due to Program growth (i.e., from 5,825 annual average burden hours to 8,552 annual average burden hours.) This is due to Program growth. The average annual number of Respondents submitting an updated reporting tool and Annual Agreement has increased from an annual average of 2,190 respondents to an annual average of 3,215 Respondents, since the last ICR.
3. Adjustment due to a projected increase in Respondent interest in the SmartWay Excellence Award - Burden hour increase = 110 hours.
The number of projected annual SmartWay Excellence Awards applicants has increased based on the increased number of SmartWay partners.
4. Program Change associated with the SmartWay Tractor & Trailor Program - Burden hour increase = 102 hours.
EPA has added information collection requirements with the SmartWay Tractor & Trailer Program, to increase the Program's effectiveness and reflect changes in fleet mix.
5. Program Change associated with SmartWay's streamlined Partnership Annual Application - Burden hour decrease = 67 hours.
The reason for this change is that EPA streamlined its process so new Partners submit their Partnership Annual Agreement as part of the reporting tool. Thus, the 0.16 hours needed to submit the Agreement is now merged in with the reporting tool submission. There is an annual reduction in 0.16 hours per Respondent needed to submit the Partnership Annual Agreement - from 0.82 hours to 0.66 hours. The annual Respondent burden associated with submitting the Affiliate Agreement has not changed.
EPA believes the burden in this ICR renewal is justified in light of the many benefits to participants, the public, and the environment.
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.
Information Collection Activities Associated with the SmartWay Transport Partnership
EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0482-0008[1].pdf
ICR 2265-02 supporting statement-Final 201407.docx
Information Collection Activities Associated with the SmartWay Transport Partnership