In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
04/30/2021
36 Months From Approved
4,605
0
0
13,224
0
0
1,919
0
0
The EPAâs Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) developed the SmartWay Transport Partnership (âSmartWayâ) under directives outlined in Subtitle D of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which calls on EPA to assess the energy and air quality impacts of activities within the freight industry. These activities include long-duration truck idling, the development and promotion of strategies for reducing idling, fuel consumption, and negative air quality effects. SmartWayâs objectives also are consistent with the Federal Technology Transfer Act and other laws that support collaborative partnerships between government and industry.
SmartWay is open to organizations that own, operate, or contract with fleet operations, including truck and multi-modal carriers, air carriers, logistics companies, and shippers. Organizations that do not operate fleets, but that are working to strengthen the freight industry, such as industry trade associations, state and local transportation agencies and environmental groups, also may join as SmartWay Affiliates. All organizations that join SmartWay are asked to provide EPA with information as part of their SmartWay registration to annually benchmark their transportation-related operations and improve the environmental performance of their freight activities.
A company joins SmartWay when it completes and submits a SmartWay Excel-based Partnership tool (âreporting toolâ) to EPA. The data outputs from the submitted tool are used by Partners and SmartWay in several ways. First, the data provides confirmation that SmartWay Partners are meeting established objectives as in their Partnership Agreement. The reporting tool outputs enable EPA to assist SmartWay Partners in adjusting their commitments, as appropriate, and to update them with environmental performance and technology information that empower them to improve their efficiency. This information also improves EPAâs knowledge and understanding of the environmental and energy impacts associated with goods movement, and the effectiveness of both proven and emerging strategies to lessen those impacts.
In addition to requesting annual transportation-related data, EPA may ask its SmartWay Partners for other kinds of information which could include opinions and test data on the effectiveness of new and emerging technology applications, sales volumes associated with SmartWay-recommended vehicle equipment and technologies, the reach and value of partnering with EPA through the SmartWay Partnership, and awareness of the SmartWay brand. In some instances, EPA might query other freight industry representatives (not just SmartWay Partners), including trade and professional associations, nonprofit environmental groups, energy, and community organizations, and universities, and a small sampling of the general public.
The Change Due to Agency Estimate reflects the following adjustments and program changes: (1) Adjustments associated with increased interest in SmartWay, and thus, an increase in new annual respondents, as well as robust program retention practices, leading to increased number of existing respondent partners reporting annually, increase in the number of applications for the SmartWay Excellence Awards and the affiliate challenge annually; (2) Increased burden associated with the SmartWay Tractor and Trailer program; and, (3) Reduced burden due to EPAâs change in policy for submitting Awards materials electronically, rather than by mail.
$195,271
No
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Kathleen Martz 734 214-4335
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.