Notices. Notice and request for comments

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Agency Information Collection Activities; Request for Comment; Revision of an Information Collection: Driver Qualification Files AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request

(ICR)described below to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval and invites public comment. The FMCSA requests approval to revise an ICR entitled, “Driver Qualification Files,” which is used to promote safety in the operations of motor carriers of property and passengers by promoting the hiring and retention of responsible drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 23, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by any of the following methods. Please identify your comments by the FMCSA Docket Number FMCSA-2007-27510. • Web site: *http://dms.dot.gov.* Follow instructions for submitting comments to the Docket. • Fax: 202-493-2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Management Facility, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Plaza level, Washington, DC 20590-0001. • Hand Delivery: Plaza level of the Nassif, Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. *Docket:* For access to the Docket Management System

(DMS)to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time or to the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The DMS is available electronically 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want notification of receipt of your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. *Privacy Act:* Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Yager, Chief, Driver and Carrier Operations Division, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, MC-PSD, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Telephone: 202-366-4009. E-mail: *MCPSD@dot.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Background:* The Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984 (Pub. L. 98-554, Title II, 98 Stat 2834 (October 30, 1984)) requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to issue regulations pertaining to CMV safety. The regulations require motor carriers to maintain specified information in a driver qualification

(DQ)file for each CMV driver it employs. The DQ file contains the minimum information necessary to document the qualifications of a driver to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and in intrastate commerce under compatible State laws and regulations. The authority to require carriers to maintain DQ files is 49 U.S.C. 504, 31133, 31136, and 31502, and 49 CFR 1.73 and 391.51. This information is available to FMCSA investigators to substantiate the qualifications of each driver to operate a CMV in interstate commerce safely. A qualified driver means fewer crashes. *Title:* Driver Qualification Files. *OMB Control Number:* 2126-0004. *Type of Request:* Revision of a currently approved information collection. *Respondents:* Motor Carriers; and Drivers who are also Motor Carriers. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 7 million. *Estimated Time per Response:* An average of 28 minutes. *Expiration Date:* June 30, 2007. *Frequency of Response:* Many of these obligations concern activities involving the hiring of a driver. They also include the obligations of all entities that have employed this applicant-driver in the past 3 years in a safety-sensitive position; usually these are other motor carriers. These obligations occur irregularly because they are associated with the variable needs of motor carriers for new drivers. In addition, this collection imposes obligations that pertain to motor carriers and their employee-drivers. Most of these obligations must be met annually. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 3,254,580 hours. FMCSA arrives at this estimate through calculation of the time involved with each of the following requirements of the driver qualification regulations:

(A)General Requirements for the Hiring of a Driver by a Motor Carrier are as follows:

(1)Application for employment of the applicant-driver; and

(2)Driving record of the applicant-driver.

(B)Safety Performance History of the Applicant-Driver involves the following:

(1)Investigation by the hiring motor carrier;

(2)Former employer submitting to the hiring motor carrier a copy of its safety performance history on the applicant-driver;

(3)Request of the applicant-driver for a copy of the history; and

(4)Rebuttal of the history by the applicant-driver.

(C)Other Driver Qualification Requirements are as follows:

(1)Employee-driver's certificate of violations;

(2)Motor carrier's review of employee-driver's driving record(s); and

(3)Drivers for more than one motor carrier. The medical certificate is also required to be included in the Driver's Qualification File. However, the Agency has a separate OMB approval for the medical certificate component of the Driver Qualification Files. *Public Comments Invited:* You are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including:

(1)Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the FMCSA's performance;

(2)the accuracy of the estimated burden;

(3)ways for the FMCSA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and

(4)ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of the collected information. The agency will summarize and/or include your comments in the request for OMB's clearance of this information collection. Issued on: May 17, 2007. D. Marlene Thomas, Associate Administrator for Administration. [FR Doc. E7-9947 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA-2007-27924] Notice of Request for Information (RFI): Training Certification for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request

(ICR)described below to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval, and invites public comment. The FMCSA requests approval to revise an ICR entitled, “Training Certification for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators,” that relates to the training requirements for drivers applying for a commercial drivers license. DATES: We must receive your comments on or before July 23, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by any of the following methods. Please identify your comments by the FMCSA Docket Number FMCSA-2007-27924. • Web site: *http://dms.dot.gov.* Follow instructions for submitting comments to the Docket. • Fax: 202-493-2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Management Facility, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Plaza level, Washington, DC 20590-0001. • Hand Delivery: Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. *Docket:* For access to the Docket Management System

(DMS)to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time or to the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The DMS is available electronically 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want notification of receipt of your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. *Privacy Act:* Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Yager, Chief, Driver and Carrier Operations Division, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations, MC-PSD, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Telephone: 202-366-4009. E-mail: *MCPSD@dot.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Background:* The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (CMVSA) (49 U.S.C. 31301 *et seq.* ) established national minimum testing and licensing standards for operators of large trucks and buses. Congress sought to ensure that drivers of large trucks and buses possessed the knowledge and skills necessary to operate these vehicles. The CMVSA established the “Commercial Drivers License”

(CDL)program and directed the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), FMCSA's predecessor agency, to establish minimum Federal standards that States must meet when licensing CMV drivers. The CMVSA applies to most operators of CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce, including employees of Federal, State and local governments. Section 4007(a)(2) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) (Public Law 102-240, December 18, 1991) directed the FHWA to “commence a rulemaking proceeding on the need to require training of all entry-level drivers of CMVs.” On June 21, 1993, the FHWA published in the **Federal Register** an advance notice of proposed rulemaking entitled, “Commercial Motor Vehicles: Training for All Entry Level Drivers” (58 FR 33874). The Agency also began a study of the effectiveness of the training of entry-level drivers by the private sector. The results of the study were published in 1997 under the title “Adequacy of Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Training,” and are available in FMCSA Docket 1997-2199. The study found that the heavy truck, motor coach, and school bus segments of the industry were not providing adequate entry-level training. On August 15, 2003, FMCSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM)entitled, “Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators” (68 FR 48863). The Agency proposed mandatory training for operators of CMVs in four areas: driver qualifications, hours-of-service of drivers, driver wellness and whistle-blower protection. Training in these topics was not required at that time, and the Agency believed that knowledge of these areas was crucial to CMV safety. On May 21, 2004, FMCSA published a final rule with the same title as the NPRM (69 FR 2004). The Agency mandated training for all CDL operators in the four subject areas, effective July 20, 2004. On June 11, 2004, OMB approved the information collection associated with this requirement for a period of three years expiring June 30, 2007. *Title:* Training Certification for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators. *OMB Control Number:* 2126-0028. *Type of Request:* Revision of a currently-approved information collection. *Respondents:* Entry-level CDL drivers. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 45,611. *Estimated Time per Response:* 10 minutes. *Expiration Date:* June 30, 2007. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 7,602 hours. FMCSA estimates that an entry-level driver requires approximately 10 minutes to complete the tasks necessary to comply with the regulation. Those tasks are: photocopying the training certificate, giving the photocopy to the motor carrier employer, and placing the original of the certificate in a personal file. Therefore, the annual burden for all entry-level drivers is (45,611 × 10/60) = 7,602 hours (rounded). *Definitions:* “Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs)”: This rule applies to the operators of a specific sub-group of commercial vehicles, i.e. those having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, regardless of weight; are designed to transport 16 or more passengers; or are used to transport placardable and dangerous hazardous materials (49 CFR 383.5). The term “CMV” is limited to this definition in this document; the term “CDL driver” is used because the operators of these CMVs are required to have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). This rule currently applies solely to “entry-level” CDL drivers, i.e. those who have no experience operating a CMV (49 CFR 380.502(b)). *Public Comments Invited:* You are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including:

(1)Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the FMCSA's performance;

(2)the accuracy of the estimated burden;

(3)ways for the FMCSA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and

(4)ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of the collected information. The Agency will summarize or include your comments in the request for OMB's clearance of this information collection. Issued on: May 17, 2007. D. Marlene Thomas, Associate Administrator for Administration. [FR Doc. E7-9948 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No. PHMSA-2007-27181 (Notice No. 07-2)] Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Requests

(ICR)abstracted below will be forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and comments. The ICRs describe the nature of the information collections and their expected burden. A **Federal Register** Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collections of information was published on February 26, 2007 [72 FR 8421]. In response to our Notice, we received one comment concerning the renewal of OMB Control No. 2137-0586, “The Hazardous Materials Public Sector Training and Planning Grants.” A summary of the comment and our response can be found under the abstract for OMB Control No. 2137-0586. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before June 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Because of the recent relocation of the Department of Transportation's Docket Operations facility, which manages the Document Management System (DMS), comments to this notice may be submitted as follows: 1. *During the office closure May 25, 2007, through May 29, 2007:* a. Electronically through the DMS at *http://dms.dot.gov* , which is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Click on “Help & Information” to obtain instructions for filing the document electronically. b. By mail through the U.S. Postal Service after Thursday, May 24, 2007, addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE., Washington, DC 20590. Mail will be forwarded to the new building during this transition period. 2. *When the DMS computer is down from June 13, 2007, through June 17, 2007:* a. By mail addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE., Washington, DC 20590. b. By hand delivery to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE., Washington, DC 20590. In every case, the comment should refer to the Docket Number PHMSA-2007-27181 (Notice No. 07-2). Requests for a copy of an information collection should be directed to Deborah Boothe or T. Glenn Foster, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards (PHH-11), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, East Building, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001, Telephone

(202)366-8553. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deborah Boothe or T. Glenn Foster, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards (PHH-11), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., East Building, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC. 20590-0001, Telephone

(202)366-8553. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1320.8 (d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations requires PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected agencies an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping requests. This notice identifies information collection requests that PHMSA will be submitting to OMB for renewal and extension. These information collections are contained in 49 CFR parts 110 and 130 and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180). PHMSA has revised burden estimates, where appropriate, to reflect current reporting levels or adjustments based on changes in proposed or final rules published since the information collections were last approved. *The following information is provided for each information collection:*

(1)Title of the information collection, including former title if a change is being made;

(2)OMB control number;

(3)abstract of the information collection activity;

(4)description of affected public;

(5)estimate of total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden; and

(6)frequency of collection. PHMSA will request a three-year term of approval for each information collection activity and, when approved by OMB, publish notice of the approval in the **Federal Register** . *PHMSA requests comments on the following information collections:* *Title:* Requirements for Cargo Tanks. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0014. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* This information collection consolidates and describes the information collection provisions in parts 178 and 180 of the HMR involving the manufacture, qualification, maintenance and use of all specification cargo tank motor vehicles. It also includes the information collection and recordkeeping requirements for persons who are engaged in the manufacture, assembly, requalification and maintenance of DOT specification cargo tank motor vehicles. The types of information collected include:

(1)*Registration Statements:* Cargo tank manufacturers and repairers, and cargo tank motor vehicle assemblers are required to be registered with DOT by furnishing information relative to their qualifications to perform the functions in accordance with the HMR. The registration statements are used to identify these persons in order for DOT to ensure that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the required functions and they are performing the specified functions in accordance with the applicable regulations.

(2)*Requalification and maintenance reports:* These reports are prepared by persons who requalify or maintain cargo tanks. This information is used by cargo tank owners, operators and users, and DOT compliance personnel to verify that the cargo tanks are requalified, maintained and are in proper condition for the transportation of hazardous materials.

(3)*Manufacturers' data reports, certificates and related papers:* These reports are prepared by cargo tank manufacturers and certifiers, and are used by cargo tank owners, operators, users and DOT compliance personnel to verify that a cargo tank motor vehicle was designed and constructed to meet all requirements of the applicable specification. *Affected Public:* Manufacturers, assemblers, repairers, requalifiers, certifiers and owners of cargo tanks. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 41,366. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 132,600. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 102,021. *Frequency of Collection:* Periodically. *Title:* Inspection and Testing of Portable Tanks and Intermediate Bulk Containers. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0018. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* This information collection consolidates provisions for documenting qualifications, inspections, tests and approvals pertaining to the manufacture and use of portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers under various provisions of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR parts 171-180). It is necessary to ascertain whether portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers have been qualified, inspected, and retested in accordance with the HMR. The information is used to verify that certain portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers meet required performance standards prior to their being authorized for use, and to document periodic requalification and testing to ensure the packagings have not deteriorated due to age or physical abuse to a degree that would render them unsafe for the transportation of hazardous materials. Applicable sections include, but are not limited to: § 173.32—requirements for the use of portable tanks; § 173.38—hazardous materials in intermediate bulk containers; § 178.273—approval of specification IM portable tanks and UN portable tanks; § 178.801—general requirements for intermediate bulk containers; § 180.352—requirements for retest and inspection of intermediate bulk containers; and § 180.605—requirements for periodic testing, inspection and repair of portable tanks. *Affected Public:* Manufacturers and owners of portable tanks and intermediate bulk containers. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 8,770. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 86,100. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 66,390. *Frequency of collection:* On occasion. *Title:* Hazardous Materials Incident Reports. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0039. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* This collection is applicable upon occurrence of incidents as prescribed in §§ 171.15 and 171.16. A Hazardous Materials Incident Report, DOT Form F 5800.1, must be completed by a person in physical possession of a hazardous material at the time a hazardous material incident occurs in transportation, such as a release of materials, serious accident, evacuation or closure of a main artery. Incidents meeting criteria in § 171.15 also require a telephonic report. This information collection enhances the Department's ability to evaluate the effectiveness of its regulatory program, determine the need for regulatory changes, and address emerging hazardous materials transportation safety issues. The requirements apply to all interstate and intrastate carriers engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials by rail, air, water, and highway. *Affected Public:* Shippers and carriers of hazardous materials. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 1,781. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 17,810. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 23,746. *Frequency of collection:* On occasion. *Title:* Flammable Cryogenic Liquids. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0542. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* Provisions in § 177.840 specify certain safety procedures and documentation requirements for drivers of motor vehicles transporting flammable cryogenic liquids. This information allows the driver to take appropriate remedial actions to prevent a catastrophic release of the flammable cryogenics should the temperature of the material begin to rise excessively or if the travel time will exceed the safe travel time. These requirements are intended to ensure a high level of safety when transporting flammable cryogenics due to their extreme flammability and high compression ratio when in a liquid state. *Affected Public:* Carriers of cryogenic materials. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 65. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 18,200. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 1,213. *Frequency of collection:* On occasion. *Title:* Container Certification Statement. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0582. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* Shippers of explosives, in freight containers or transport vehicles by vessel, are required to certify on shipping documentation that the freight container or transport vehicle meets minimal structural serviceability requirements. This requirement is intended to ensure an adequate level of safety for transport of explosives aboard vessel and ensure consistency with similar requirements in international standards. *Affected Public:* Shippers of explosives in freight containers or transport vehicles by vessel. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 650. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 890,000 HM Containers & 4,400 Explosive Containers. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 14,908. *Frequency of collection:* On occasion. *Title:* Hazardous Materials Public Sector Training and Planning Grants. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0586. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* Part 110 of 49 CFR sets forth the procedures for reimbursable grants for public sector planning and training in support of the emergency planning and training efforts of States, Indian tribes and local communities to manage hazardous materials emergencies, particularly those involving transportation. Sections in this part address information collection and recordkeeping with regard to applying for grants, monitoring expenditures, and reporting and requesting modifications. PHMSA received one comment from the Interested Parties for Hazardous Materials Transportation urging us to require grant applicants to report on the hazardous materials information fees they collect in accordance with § 5125(f) of the Federal hazmat law. The commenter states that such information is important for policy considerations or to determine the appropriateness and necessity of HMEP grant awards. We have reviewed this request and, based on our findings, will submit a revised information collection to OMB for review and comments in the near future. When we revise the information collection burden for this ICR, we will provide interested members of the public and affected agencies an opportunity to comment by publishing a 60-Day and 30-Day notice in the **Federal Register** describing the nature of the revised information collection and its expected burden. *Affected Public:* State and local governments, Indian tribes. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 66. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 66. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 4,080. *Frequency of collection:* On occasion. *Title:* Response Plans for Shipments of Oil. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0591. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* In recent years, several major oil discharges damaged the marine environment of the United States. Under authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, PHMSA issued regulations in 49 CFR part 130 that require preparation of written spill response plans. *Affected Public:* Carriers that transport oil in bulk, by motor vehicle or rail. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 8,000. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 8,000. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 10,560. *Frequency of collection:* On occasion. *Title:* Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles in Liquefied Compressed Gas Service. *OMB Control Number:* 2137-0595. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Abstract:* These information collection and recordkeeping requirements pertain to the manufacture, certification, inspection, repair, maintenance, and operation of certain DOT specification and non-specification cargo tank motor vehicles used to transport liquefied compressed gases. These requirements are intended to ensure certain cargo tank motor vehicles used to transport liquefied compressed gases are operated safely, and to minimize the potential for catastrophic releases during unloading and loading operations. They include:

(1)Requirements for operators of cargo tank motor vehicles in liquefied compressed gas service to develop operating procedures applicable to unloading operations and carry the operating procedures on each vehicle;

(2)inspection, maintenance, marking, and testing requirements for the cargo tank discharge system, including delivery hose assemblies; and

(3)requirements for emergency discharge control equipment on certain cargo tank motor vehicles transporting liquefied compressed gases that must be installed and certified by a Registered Inspector. (See sections 173.315(n); 177.840(l); 180.405; 180.407(h); and 180.416(b),

(d)and (f)) *Affected Public:* Carriers in liquefied compressed gas service, manufacturers and repairers. *Recordkeeping:* *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 6,958. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 920,530. *Estimated Annual Burden Hours:* 200,615. *Frequency of collection:* On occasion. Issued in Washington, DC on May 16, 2007. Theodore L. Willke, Acting Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety. [FR Doc. E7-9872 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 35023] Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation and Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad Corporation—Temporary Trackage Rights Exemption—BNSF Railway Company BNSF Railway Company

(BNSF)has agreed to grant non-exclusive temporary overhead trackage rights to the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation (DME), and the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad Corporation

(ICE)1 (DME and ICE are referred to collectively as “User”) over BNSF's lines between milepost 146.0 on BNSF's Corson Subdivision at Sioux Falls, SD, and milepost 705.5 on BNSF's Aberdeen Subdivision at Wolsey, SD, a distance of approximately 149.8 miles. 2 1 ICE is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cedar American Rail Holdings, Inc. which in turn is wholly owned by DME. 2 User indicates that this is a “reinstatement” of a previous trackage rights agreement between the same parties and also involving the above-referenced track, in STB Finance Docket No. 34790, which expired on November 22, 2006. They also state that the temporary trackage rights agreement in that proceeding will be incorporated by reference in this proceeding as modified by agreement between User and BNSF signed on April 25, 2007, and filed herein. A request for a protective order was filed concurrently with this exemption and will be addressed in a separate decision. The transaction is scheduled to be consummated on or after June 1, 2007, the effective date of the exemption (30 days after the exemption was filed). The temporary trackage rights will expire on November 22, 2007. 3 3 User states that the parties have agreed on the possible extension of the temporary trackage rights. Any temporary trackage rights extension agreement must be filed with the Board. The purpose of the temporary trackage rights is solely for the overhead movement of User's business cars (and engines and end-of-train devices required to operate those business cars). As a condition to this exemption, any employee affected by the acquisition of the temporary trackage rights will be protected by the conditions imposed in *Norfolk and Western Ry. Co.—Trackage Rights—BN* , 354 I.C.C. 605 (1978), as modified in *Mendocino Coast Ry., Inc.—Lease and Operate* , 360 I.C.C. 653 (1980), and any employee affected by the discontinuance of those trackage rights will be protected by the conditions set out in *Oregon Short Line R. Co.—Abandonment—Goshen* , 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). This notice is filed under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(8). If it contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void *ab initio* . Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the transaction. Any stay petition must be filed on or before May 25, 2007 (at least 7 days before the exemption becomes effective). An original and 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 35023, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, one copy of each pleading must be served on Michael J. Barron, Jr., Fletcher & Sippel LLC, 29 North Wacker Drive, Suite 920, Chicago, IL 60606. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at “ *WWW.STB.DOT.GOV* .” Decided: May 11, 2007. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-9911 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service [PS-163-84] Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13(44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing final regulation, PS-163-84 (TD 8439), Treatment of Transactions Between Partners and Partnerships §§ 1.707-3(c)(2), 1.707-5(a)(7)(ii), 1.707-6(c) and 1.707-8. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 23, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn P. Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the regulations should be directed to R. Joseph Durbala at Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224, or at (202)622-3634, or through the internet at *RJoseph.Durbala@irs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Treatment of Transactions Between Partners and Partnerships. *OMB Number:* 1545-1243. Regulation Project Number: PS-163-84. *Abstract:* Internal Revenue Code section 707(a)(2) provides that if there are transfers of money or property between a partner and a partnership, the transfer will be treated, in certain situations, as a disguised sale between the partner and the partnership. The regulations require that the partner or the partnership should disclose the transfer and certain attendant facts in some situations. *Current Actions:* There is no change to this existing regulation. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Time Per Respondents:* 7,500. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* 20 minutes. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 2,500. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. *Request for Comments:* Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and

(e)estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: May 16, 2007. Glenn P. Kirkland, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-9857 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service [REG-124405-03, TD 9168 (final)] Proposed Collection: Comment Request for Regulation Project AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing final regulation. TD 9168, Optional 10-Year Write-off of Certain Tax Preferences. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 23, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn P. Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the for and instructions should be directed to R. Joseph Durbala, at

(202)622-3634, or at Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet, at *RJoseph.Durbala@irs.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Optional 10-Year Write-off of Certain Tax Preferences. *OMB Number:* 1545-1903. *Regulation Project Number:* REG-124405-03 [TD 9168 (final)]. *Abstract:* This collection of information is required by the IRS to verify compliance with section 59(e). This information will be used to determine whether the amount of tax has been calculated correctly. *Current Actions:* There is no change to this existing regulation. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households, Businesses and other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 10,000. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* 1 hour. *Estimated Total Annual Hours:* 10,000. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. *Request for Comments:* Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and

(e)estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: May 16, 2007. Glenn P. Kirkland, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-9861 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 1040-C AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning Form 1040-C, U.S. Departing Alien Income Tax Return. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 23, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn P. Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the form and instructions should be directed to R. Joseph Durbala at Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224, or at

(202)622-3634, or through the internet at *RJoseph.Durbala@irs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* U.S. Departing Alien Income Tax Return. *OMB Number:* 1545-0086. *Form Number:* 1040-C. *Abstract:* Form 1040-C reflects Internal Revenue Code section 6851 and regulation sections 1.6851-1 and 1.6851-2. The form is used by aliens departing the U.S. to report income received or expected to be received for the entire year. The information collected is used to insure that the departing alien has no outstanding U.S. tax liability. *Current Actions:* There are no changes being made to the form at this time. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 2,000. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* 5 hours, 49 minutes. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 11,632. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. *Request for Comments:* Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and

(e)estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: May 15, 2007. Glenn P. Kirkland, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-9862 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 3800 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning Form 3800, General Business Credit. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 23, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn P. Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the form and instructions should be directed to R. Joseph Durbala at Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224, or at

(202)622-3634, or through the internet at *RJoseph.Durbala@irs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* General Business Credit. *OMB Number:* 1545-0895. *Form Number:* Form 3800. *Abstract:* Internal Revenue Code section 38 permits taxpayers to reduce their income tax liability by the amount of their general business credit, which is an aggregation of their investment credit, work opportunity credit, welfare-to-work credit, alcohol fuel credit, research credit, low-income housing credit, disabled access credit, enhanced oil recovery credit, etc. Form 3800 is used to figure the correct credit. *Current Actions:* We added new line 1u to accommodate the energy efficient appliance credit (new section 45M). We added new line 1y to accommodate the mine rescue team training credit (new section 45N). We deleted Schedule A—Additional General Business Credit Allowed by Code Section 38(c)(2) because this provision has expired. We are making this submission to renew the OMB approval. *Type of Review:* Revision of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations, farms and individuals. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 179,650. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 17 hours, 26 minutes. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 3,131,300. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. *Request for Comments:* Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and

(e)estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: May 15, 2007. Glenn P. Kirkland, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-9866 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service [PS-19-92] Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing final regulation, PS-19-92 (TD 8520), Carryover Allocations and Other Rules Relating to the Low-Income Housing Credit (§§ 1.42-6, 1.42-8, and 1.42-10). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 23, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6411, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the regulation should be directed to R. Joseph Durbala, at

(202)622-3634, or at Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet, at *RJoseph.Durbala@irs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Carryover Allocations and Other Rules Relating to the Low-Income Housing Credit. *OMB Number:* 1545-1102. *Regulation Project Number:* PS-19-92. *Abstract:* Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code provides for a low-income housing tax credit. The regulations provide guidance with respect to eligibility for a carryover allocation, procedures for electing an appropriate percentage month, the general public use requirement, the utility allowance to be used in determining gross rent, and the inclusion of the cost of certain services in gross rent. This information will assist State and local housing tax credit agencies and taxpayers that apply for or claim the low-income housing tax credit in complying with the requirements of Code section 42. *Current Actions:* There is no change to this existing regulation. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Individuals, business or other for-profit organizations, not-for-profit institutions, and state, local or tribal governments. *Estimated Number of Respondents/Recordkeepers:* 2,230. *Estimated Time Per Respondent/Recordkeeper:* 1 hr., 48 min. *Estimated Total Annual Reporting/Recordkeeping Burden Hours:* 4,008. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. *Request For Comments:* Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and

(e)estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: May 15, 2007. Glenn P. Kirkland, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-9873 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service [REG-116608-97] Proposed Collection: Comment Request for Regulation Project AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13(44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing final regulation. REG-116608-97 EIC Eligibility Requirements (§ 1.32-3). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 23, 2007 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn P. Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the instructions should be directed to R. Joseph Durbala, at

(202)622-3634, or at Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet, at *RJoseph.Durbala@irs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* EIC Eligibility Requirements. *OMB Number:* 1545-1575. *Regulation Project Number:* REG-116608-97. *Abstract:* Under Section 1.32-3, this regulation provides guidance to taxpayers who have been denied the earned income credit

(EIC)as a result of the deficiency procedures and wish to claim the EIC in a subsequent year. The regulation applies to taxpayers claiming the EIC for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996. *Current Actions:* There is no change to this existing regulation. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 1. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* 1. *Estimated Total Annual Hours:* 1. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. *Request for Comments:* Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and

(IRS)strategy for electronic tax administration. The ETAAC provides an organized public forum for discussion of electronic tax administration issues in support of the overriding goal that paperless filing should be the preferred and most convenient method of filing tax and information returns. ETAAC members convey the public's perception of IRS electronic tax administration activities, offer constructive observations about current or proposed policies, programs, and procedures, and suggest improvements. This document seeks representatives from large businesses who file annual corporation and partnership tax returns. The Director, Electronic Tax Administration

(ETA)assures that the size and organizational representation of the ETAAC obtains balanced membership and includes representatives from various groups including:

(1)Tax practitioners and preparers,

(2)transmitters of electronic returns,

(3)tax software developers,

(4)large and small business,

(5)employers and payroll service providers,

(6)individual taxpayers,

(7)financial industry (payers, payment options and best practices),

(8)system integrators (technology providers),

(9)academic (marketing, sales or technical perspectives),

(10)trusts and estates,

(11)tax exempt organizations, and

(12)state and local governments. Members serve a three-year term on the ETAAC to allow a change in membership. The change of members on the Committee ensures that different perspectives are represented. All travel expenses within government guidelines will be reimbursed. Potential candidates must pass an IRS tax compliance check and Federal Bureau of Investigation

(FBI)background investigation. DATES: Applications must be received no later than Wednesday, June 6, 2007. ADDRESSES: Completed applications, resumes, and statements should be submitted by using one of the following methods: • *E-Mail:* Send to *etaac@irs.gov.* • *Mail:* Send to Internal Revenue Service, Electronic Tax Administration, SE:W:ETA:S:RM, 5000 Ellin Road (M/Stop C4-470, Attn: Cassandra Daniels (C4-226), Lanham, Maryland 20706. • *Fax:* Send via facsimile to

(202)283-4829 (not a toll-free number). Application packages can be obtained by sending an e-mail to *etaac@irs.gov* or calling

(202)283-2178 (not a toll-free number). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cassandra Daniels,

(202)283-2178 or send an e-mail to *etaac@irs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ETAAC will provide continued input into the development and implementation of the Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)strategy for electronic tax administration. The ETAAC members will convey the public’s perception of IRS electronic tax administration activities, offer constructive observations about current or proposed policies, programs, and procedures, and suggest improvements. The ETAAC will also provide an annual report to Congress on IRS progress in meeting the Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 goals for electronic filing of tax returns. This activity is based on the authority to administer the Internal Revenue laws conferred upon the Secretary of the Treasury by section 7802 of the Internal Revenue Code and delegated to the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue. The ETAAC will research, analyze, consider, and make recommendations on a wide range of electronic tax administration issues and will provide input into the development of the strategic plan for electronic tax administration. Completed applications, resumes, and statements should describe and document the proposed member's qualifications for membership to the Committee. Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership will include, to the extent practicable, individuals, with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The Secretary of Treasury will review the recommended candidates and make final selections. Dated: May 18, 2007. Gregory K. Kay, Director, Strategic Services Division. [FR Doc. E7-9952 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grant Program; Availability of 2008 Grant Application Package AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This document contains a notice that the IRS has made available the grant application package and guidelines (Publication 3319) for organizations interested in applying for a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic

(LITC)matching grant for the 2008 grant cycle (January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008). The IRS will award a total of up to $6,000,000 (unless otherwise provided by specific Congressional appropriation) to qualifying organizations, subject to the limitations of Internal Revenue Code section 7526, for LITC matching grants. DATES: Grant applications for the 2008 grant cycle must be postmarked or filed electronically by July 6, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send completed grant applications to: Internal Revenue Service, Taxpayer Advocate Service, LITC Program Office, TA:LITC, Attention: LITC Applications, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW., Room 1034, Washington, DC 20224. Copies of the *2008 Grant Application Package and Guidelines,* IRS Publication 3319 (Rev. 5-2007), can be downloaded from the IRS Internet site at *www.irs.gov/advocate* or ordered from the IRS Distribution Center by calling 1-800-829-3676. Applicants can also file electronically at *www.grants.gov.* For applicants applying through the Federal Grants Web site, the Funding Number is TREAS-GRANTS-052008-001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The LITC Program Office at 202-622-7186 (not toll-free number) or by e-mail at *LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Section 7526 of the Internal Revenue Code authorizes the IRS, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, to award organizations matching grants of up to $100,000 per year for the development, expansion, or continuation of qualified low income taxpayer clinics. Section 7526 authorizes the IRS to provide grants to qualified organizations that represent low income taxpayers in controversies with the IRS or inform individuals for whom English is a second language or who have limited English proficiency of their taxpayer rights and responsibilities. Qualified organizations must provide these services for free or for a nominal fee. The IRS may award grants to qualifying organizations to fund one-year, two-year or three-year project periods. Grant funds may be awarded for start-up expenditures incurred by new clinics during the grant cycle. The costs of preparing and submitting an application are the responsibility of each applicant. Each application will be given due consideration and the LITC Program Office will notify each applicant by mail of whether they were awarded a grant no later than November 30, 2007. Selection Considerations Applications that pass the eligibility screening process will be numerically ranked based on the information contained in each proposed program plan. Please note that the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

(VITA)and Tax Counseling for the Elderly

(TCE)Programs are independently funded and separate from the LITC Program. Organizations currently participating in the VITA or TCE Programs may also be eligible to apply for a LITC grant if they meet the criteria and qualifications outlined in the *2008 Grant Application Package and Guidelines.* Organizations that seek to operate VITA and LITC Programs, or TCE and LITC Programs, must maintain separate and distinct programs even if co-located to ensure proper cost allocation for LITC grant funds and adherence to the rules and regulations of the VITA, TCE, and LITC Programs, as appropriate. In addition to the criteria and qualifications outlined in the *2008 Grant Application Package and Guidelines,* to foster parity regarding clinic availability and accessibility for taxpayers nationwide, the IRS will consider the geographic areas served by applicants as part of the decision-making process. Comments Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments on the IRS's administration of the grant program on an ongoing basis. Comments may be sent to: Internal Revenue Service, Taxpayer Advocate Service, Attn: Shawn Collins, Internal Revenue Service, Taxpayer Advocate Service, LITC Program Office, TA:LITC, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW., Room 1034, Washington, DC 20224. Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, Internal Revenue Service. [FR Doc. 07-2572 Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am]

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