In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years. In addition, the Agency is reminded that, when it submits this collection for renewal, it should include evidence of outside consultation (including with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained) on availability of data, frequency of collection, clarity of instructions, accuracy of burden estimate, relevance of data elements, and similar matters.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2019
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2017
790
0
1,051
13,180
0
6,253
0
0
0
The Biorefinery Assistance Program was authorized under Section 9003 of the 2008 Farm Bill. The program assists in the development, construction, and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies for the development of advanced biofuels by providing loan guarantees of up to $250 million. Section 9003 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) modifies various provisions of the program. In addition to renaming the program to "Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program," the 2014 Farm Bill requires several substantive changes. These changes are:
⢠Expanding the program to include biorefineries that primarily produce renewable chemicals and/or biobased products;
⢠Providing loan guarantees to stand-alone biobased product manufacturing facilities;
⢠Defining renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing; and
⢠Ensuring that there is diversity in the types of projects approved.
This collection of information is necessary in order for Rural Development to identify projects eligible for loan guarantees under the Program. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), Rural Development is submitting this information collection package to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance.
This interim rule revision replaces the current approved burden in its entirety. This package reflects changes in the burden from the previous submittal. The current approved burden is based on a total of 40 applicants and 10 awardees over four years or equivalently 10 applicants and 2.5 awardees per year. The burden associated with this package is based on approximately 32 applicants and 6 awardees per year. This significant increase in hours is attributable to the Agency having a much better understanding of the efforts required by applicants to prepare an application for the types of projects for which loan guarantees are being sought under this program and shifting the responsibility of preparing the environmental assessment from the Agency to the applicant.
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 RD 4279-1 BioRefinery Assistance Program - Private Sector
9003 Supporting Statemen for Subsequent Interim Rule - 2-2-16.doc
Copy of Section 9003 - 0570-0065 Burden Spreadsheet 2-2-16.xlsx
9003 Application Guide 06 19 15.docx
BioRefinery Assistance Program - Private Sector