Notices. Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval; public comment request
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BILLING CODE 6820-KF-M DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [Docket No. EERE-2007-BT-CRT-0002] Agency Information Collection: Energy Conservation Program: Compliance and Certification Information Collection for Consumer Appliance Products AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Submission to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and approval; public comment request. SUMMARY: The Department of Energy
(DOE)has submitted an information collection request to the OMB for extension under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection request is for a three-year extension of its Compliance Statement and Certification Report: Energy or Water Conservation Program for Consumer Products, OMB Control Number 1910-1400, whereby a manufacturer or private labeler reports on and certifies its compliance with energy efficiency standards for consumer appliances covered under Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 430 (10 CFR Part 430)—Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products. DATES: Comments regarding this collection must be received on or before July 2, 2007. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, please advise the OMB Desk Officer of your intention to make a submission as soon as possible. The Desk Officer may be telephoned at
(202)395-4650. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to: Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10102, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. Comments should also be addressed to: Mr. James D. Raba, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, or by fax at
(202)586-4617, or by e-mail at *appliance.information@ee.doe.gov.* Any comments submitted must identify the information collection for consumer appliance products, and provide the docket number EERE-BT-CRT-2007. Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods: • *Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.* Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • *E-mail: appliance.information@ee.doe.gov.* Include the docket number in the subject line of your message. • *Postal Mail:* Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. *Telephone:*
(202)586-2945. Please submit one signed paper original. • *Hand Delivery/Courier:* Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Room 1J-018, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Please submit one signed original paper copy. *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1J-018 (Resource Room of the Building Technologies Program), 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC,
(202)586-2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Please call Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at the above telephone number for additional information regarding visiting the Resource Room. *Please note:* DOE's Freedom of Information Reading Room (Room 1E-190 at the Forrestal Building) no longer houses rulemaking materials. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to James Raba , U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, telephone
(202)586-8654. *E-mail: jim.raba@ee.doe.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Authority and Background Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended, provides for the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other than Automobiles and sets forth energy conservation requirements for consumer appliance products. (42 U.S.C. 6291 *et seq.* ) EPCA authorizes the Secretary of Energy to carry out these requirements, in part, by issuing the necessary rules requiring each manufacturer of a covered product to submit information and reports to ensure compliance. (42 U.S.C. 6296(d)) On November 17, 2006, DOE published in the **Federal Register** a notice and request for comments regarding its proposed information collection for consumer appliance products covered under 10 CFR 430. 71 FR 66943 (November 17, 2006). DOE received no comments on its proposed information collection. The information collection request, at appendix A to subpart F of 10 CFR Part 430, provides a format for a manufacturer or private labeler to certify compliance with the applicable energy efficiency standards prescribed under section 325 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295) and covers information necessary for DOE and United States Customs Service officials to facilitate voluntary compliance with and enforcement of the energy and water conservation standards established for refrigerators, refrigerator/freezers, freezers, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, central air-conditioning heat pumps, water heaters, furnaces, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, direct heating equipment, kitchen ranges and ovens, pool heaters, fluorescent lamp ballasts, general service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps, and plumbing products. Today's notice and information collection request pertains:
(1)*OMB No.:* 1910-1400.
(2)*Collection Title:* Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations Part 430—Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Appendix A to Subpart F of Part 430—Compliance Statement and Certification Report (Energy and Water Conservation Standards for Appliances).
(3)*Type of Review:* Renewal.
(4)*Purpose:* Regulations that, in part,
(1)require the manufacturer of private labeler of any consumer appliance subject to energy or water conservation standards prescribed under section 325 of EPCA to establish, maintain, and retain records of its test data and subsequent verification of any alternative efficiency determination method used under Part 430, and
(2)preclude distribution in commerce of any basic model of consumer appliance which is subject to an energy or water conservation standard set forth under subpart C of Part 430, unless it has submitted a Compliance Certification to DOE according to the provisions under 10 CFR section 430.62, that the basic model meets the requirements of the applicable standard. This collection of information ensures compliance with the energy conservation requirements for consumer appliances.
(5)*Estimated Number of Respondents:* 150.
(6)*Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 4,507.
(7)*Number of Collections:* The package contains one information and recordkeeping requirement. Comments are invited on:
(a)Whether the information collections are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the DOE, including whether the information has practical utility;
(b)the accuracy of the DOE's estimate of the burden of the information collections, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the information collections on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 430 Administrative practice and procedure, energy conservation, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, compliance and certification, consumer appliance products. Issued in Washington, DC, on May 22, 2007. John Mizroch, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. E7-10510 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Paducah AGENCY: Department of Energy (DOE). ACTION: Notice of open meeting. SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Paducah. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. No. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the **Federal Register** . DATES: Thursday, June 21, 2007, 6 p.m. ADDRESSES: 111 Memorial Drive, Barkley Centre, Paducah, Kentucky 42001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reinhard Knerr, Deputy Designated Federal Officer, Department of Energy Paducah Site Office, Post Office Box 1410, MS-103, Paducah, Kentucky 42001,
(270)441-6825. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Purpose of the Board:* The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management and related activities. *Tentative Agenda:* 6 p.m. Call to Order, Introductions, Review of Agenda, and Approval of April Minutes 6:15 p.m. Deputy Designated Federal Officer's Comments 6:30 p.m. Federal Coordinator's Comments 6:35 p.m. Liaisons' Comments 6:45 p.m. Review of Action Items 6:50 p.m. Public Comments and Questions 7 p.m. Subcommittee Reports • Water Disposition/Water Quality Subcommittee • Community Outreach Subcommittee • Long Range Strategy/Stewardship Subcommittee • Executive Committee 7:30 p.m. Public Comments and Questions 7:40 p.m. Administrative Issues: Motions, Review of Work Plan, and Review of Next Agenda 7:55 p.m. Final Comments 8 p.m. Adjourn Breaks Taken As Appropriate *Public Participation:* The meeting is open to the public. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements pertaining to agenda items should contact Reinhard Knerr at the address or telephone number listed above. Requests must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comment will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments. *Minutes:* The minutes of this meeting will be available for public review and copying at the U.S. Department of Energy's Freedom of Information Public Reading Room, 1E-190, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, except Federal holidays. Minutes will also be available at the Department of Energy's Environmental Information Center and Reading Room at 115 Memorial Drive, Barkley Centre, Paducah, Kentucky between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday or by writing to Reinhard Knerr, Department of Energy, Paducah Site Office, Post Office Box 1410, MS-103, Paducah, Kentucky 42001 or by calling him at
(270)441-6825. Issued at Washington, DC on May 25, 2007. Rachel M. Samuel, Deputy Advisory Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E7-10465 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY International Energy Agency Meeting AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of meetings. SUMMARY: The Industry Advisory Board
(IAB)to the International Energy Agency
(IEA)will meet on June 11 and 12, 2007, at the headquarters of the IEA in Paris, France, in connection with a meeting of the IEA's Standing Group on Emergency Questions
(SEQ)and a Workshop on Emergency Data Reporting. DATES: June 11-12, 2007. ADDRESSES: 9, rue de la Fédération, Paris, France. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana D. Clark, Acting Assistant General for International and National Security Programs, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585, 202-586-3417. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with section 252(c)(1)(A)(i) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6272(c)(1)(A)(i)) (EPCA), the following notice of meeting is provided: Meetings of the Industry Advisory Board
(IAB)to the International Energy Agency
(IEA)will be held at the headquarters of the IEA, 9, rue de la Fédération, Paris, France, on June 11, 2007, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and on June 12. The purpose of this notice is to permit attendance by representatives of U.S. company members of the IAB at
(1)a meeting of the IEA's Standing Group on Emergency Questions
(SEQ)on June 11 beginning at 9:30 a.m., and
(2)at a Workshop on Data Reporting organized by the SEQ as part of its Emergency Response Exercise 4
(ERA4)to be held at the headquarters of the IEA on June 12 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The IAB will hold a preparatory encounter among company representatives on June 11 from 8:30 to approximately 9 a.m. The agenda for this preparatory encounter is a review of the agenda for the SEQ meeting on June 11 and a review of the agenda for an SEQ session on ERE4 to be held on June 12. The agenda of the SEQ meeting on June 11 is under the control of the SEQ. It is expected that the SEQ will adopt the following agenda: 1. Adoption of the Agenda. 2. Approval of the Summary Record of the 119th Meeting. 3. Status of Compliance with IEP Stockholding Commitments. —Reports by Non-Complying Member Countries. 4. Program of Work. —Report on the Governing Board Meeting at Ministerial Level. —Plans for Committee Week in December. 5. The Current Oil Market Situation. 6. Emergency Response Review Program. —Emergency Response Review of Poland. 7. Report on Current Activities of the Industry Advisory Board. 8. Follow-up to Katrina Collective Action. 9. Emergency Response Exercise 4. 10. Policy and Other Developments in Member Countries. 11. Highlights from the Gas Market Review. 12. Other Emergency Response Activities. 13. Activities with International Organizations and Non-Member Countries. —Activities with the European Commission. —Office of Global Dialogue Activities. —In-Depth Review of Indonesia. —ASEAN Workshop on Oil Stockholding. —Summary of Recent Work on Russia. 14. Documents for Information. —Emergency Reserve Situation of IEA Member Countries on April 1, 2007. —Emergency Reserve Situation of Candidate Countries on April 1, 2007. —Base Period Final Consumption: 2Q2006-1Q2007. —Monthly Oil Statistics: March 2007. —Update of Emergency Contacts List. —Nominations for the Settlement Dispute Centre Panel of Arbitrators. 15. Other Business. —Tentative Dates of Next SEQ Meetings. —December 3-4: Joint SEQ/SOM Session and SEQ. —March 17-20, 2008. —June 24-26, 2008. The agenda of the Workshop on June 12 is under the control of the SEQ. It is expected that the SEQ will adopt the following agenda: 1. Opening of the Meeting. 2. Historical Overview of Emergency Data Reporting. 3. Results of the Emergency Data Reporting Survey. 4. What Can Be Done To Improve the Situation? 5. Round Table Discussion. 6. What Are the Next Steps? 7. Closing. As provided in section 252(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6272(c)(1)(A)(ii)), the meetings of the IAB are open to representatives of members of the IAB and their counsel; representatives of members of the IEA's Standing Group on Emergency Questions; representatives of the Departments of Energy, Justice, and State, the Federal Trade Commission, the General Accounting Office, Committees of Congress, the IEA, and the European Commission; and invitees of the IAB, the SEQ, or the IEA. Issued in Washington, DC, May 24, 2007. Diana D. Clark, Acting Assistant General Counsel for International and National Security Programs. [FR Doc. E7-10517 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Building America Energy Efficient Housing Partnerships AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Program notice. SUMMARY: The National Energy Technology Laboratory, on behalf of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Building Technologies Program, intends to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement
(FOA)to select and fund multiple Energy Efficient Housing Partnership teams under the Building America program. DATES: This FOA is expected to be issued on or about June 7, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George James, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Program Office EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121,
(202)586-9472, E-mail: *George.James@ee.doe.gov.* C. Edward Christy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, P.O. Box 880, M/S E-02, Morgantown, WV 26507,
(304)285-4604, E-mail: *Eddie.Christy@netl.doe.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Building America program focuses on conducting the systems research required to improve the efficiency of the approximately 1.6 million new homes built each year with the goal of developing cost effective net zero energy homes by 2020. These improvements are accomplished through research, development, field trials, and effective communication of key research results and system-based strategies. Building America implements this approach primarily through a group of teams. These teams typically include architects, engineers, building scientists, builders, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, community planners, mortgage lenders, realtors, and contractor trades. This FOA, “Building America Energy Efficient Housing Partnerships,” will select multiple teams to continue the highly effective research Building America has undertaken since 1995. For more information on the Building America program, go to *http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/.* FedBizOpps and Grants.gov provide e-mail notification services to interested parties who want to receive information about the posting of an acquisition or financial assistance opportunity. Register for funding opportunity notices at *http://www.grants.gov/search/subscribeAdvanced.do.* Issued in Morgantown, WV, on May 22, 2007. C. Edward Christy, Director, Buildings and Industrial Technologies Division. [FR Doc. E7-10489 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP05-422-020; Docket No. RP06-226-003] El Paso Natural Gas Company; Notice of Compliance Filing May 23, 2007. Take notice that on May 18, 2007, El Paso Natural Gas Company
(EPNG)tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, Second Revised Volume No. 1A, the following tariff sheets to become effective June 1, 2007: First Revised Sheet No. 362K First Revised Sheet No. 362L EPNG states that copies of the filing were served on parties on the official service list in the above-captioned proceedings. Any person desiring to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211). Protests to this filing will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Such protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing a protest must serve a copy of that document on all the parties to the proceeding. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10428 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP07-384-000] Georgia-Pacific LLC (Formerly Georgia-Pacific Corporation); Notice of Application May 23, 2007. Take notice that on May 18, 2007, pursuant to section 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act
(NGA)and 18 C.F.R. Part 157 of the regulations of the Commission, Georgia-Pacific LLC
(GP)filed with the Commission an Abbreviated Application of Georgia-Pacific LLC To Amend Its Part 157 Certificate. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m, Eastern Time June 7, 2007. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10429 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP07-456-000] Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.; Notice of Proposed Changes in FERC Gas Tariff May 23, 2007. Take notice that on May 21, 2007, Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream) tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, Original Volume No. 1, a revised Title Page and Second Revised Sheet No. 205 proposed to become effective June 21, 2007. Gulfstream states that copies of its filing have been mailed to all affected customers and interested state commissions. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10427 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP07-451-000] MarkWest New Mexico L.P.; Notice of Proposed Changes in FERC Gas Tariff May 22, 2007. Take notice that on May 16, 2007, MarkWest New Mexico L.P. (MarkWest) tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, First Revised Volume No. 1, the following tariff sheets, to become effective June 1, 2007: First Revised Sheet No. 131 First Revised Sheet No. 132 First Revised Sheet No. 148 Second Revised Sheet No. 149 First Revised Sheet No. 204 MarkWest states that the filing is being made to update contact information in the tariff, specifically, the address to which all communications under the tariff should be directed. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10454 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP07-454-000] Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Tariff Filing May 23, 2007. Take notice that on May 18, 2007, Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern), tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, Fifth Revised Volume No. 1, First Revised Sheet No. 54B, to be effective June 18, 2007. Northern states that the above sheet is being filed to exempt deliveries to Market Area physical receipt points from fuel use charges. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov,* using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10425 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP07-457-000] Questar Pipeline Company; Notice of Proposed Changes in FERC Gas Tariff May 23, 2007. Take notice that on May 21, 2007, Questar Pipeline Company (Questar Pipeline) tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, First Revised Volume No. 1-A, to be effective January 1, 2008. Fifth Revised Sheet No. 41 Seventh Revised Sheet No. 42 Ninth Revised Sheet No. 43 Ninth Revised Sheet No. 44 Eleventh Revised Sheet No. 45 Fifteenth Revised Sheet No. 46 Third Revised Sheet No. 82A Second Revised Sheet No. 83 Original Sheet No. 83A Sixth Revised Sheet No. 84 Original Sheet No. 205 Questar Pipeline states that copies of the filing have been served upon Questar Pipeline's customers and the public service commissions of Utah and Wyoming. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov,* using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,* or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10431 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. DI07-9-000] Charles William Showalter; Notice of Declaration of Intention and Soliciting Comments, Protests, and/or Motions To Intervene May 22, 2007. Take notice that the following application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Application Type:* Declaration of Intention. b. *Docket No:* DI07-9-000. c. *Date Filed:* May 8, 2007. d. *Applicant:* Charles William Showalter. e. *Name of Project:* Showalter Micropower Project. f. *Location:* The proposed Showalter Micropower Project will be located on the Kanawha River, near Glen Ferris and Charlton Heights, in Fayette County, West Virginia. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Section 23(b)(1) of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 817(b). h. *Applicant Contact:* Charles William Showalter, 56 1/2 Halstead Avenue, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901-9546; telephone:
(304)663-1806. i. *FERC Contact:* Any questions on this notice should be addressed to Henry Ecton,
(202)502-8768, or e-mail address: *henry.ecton@ferc.gov.* j. *Deadline for filing comments, protests, and/or motions:* June 22, 2007. *All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with:* Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. Comments, protests, and/or interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. Any questions, please contact the Secretary's Office. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the “e-Filing link. Please include the docket number (DI07-9-000) on any comments, protests, and/or motions filed. k. *Description of Project:* The proposed Showalter Micropower Project will include:
(1)Three barges with a catamaran-style hull, tethered together and moored in line;
(2)Barge One will house the control room, living space, and a grid-isolated power system for the control room;
(3)Barge Two will contain three Kato MTG62 1000-kW generator-heads powered by hydraulic motors from Barge Three;
(4)Barge Three will house the hydraulic pumps, hydraulic reservoir, and rear-and-side-slung water turbines of the Gorlov helical type, with a primary transmission line connected to facilities on shore; and
(6)appurtenant facilities. The project will be connected to an interstate grid, but will not occupy any tribal or Federal lands. When a Declaration of Intention is filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Federal Power Act requires the Commission to investigate and determine if the interests of interstate or foreign commerce would be affected by the project. The Commission also determines whether or not the project:
(1)Would be located on a navigable waterway;
(2)would occupy or affect public lands or reservations of the United States;
(3)would utilize surplus water or water power from a government dam; or
(4)if applicable, has involved or would involve any construction subsequent to 1935 that may have increased or would increase the project's head or generating capacity, or have otherwise significantly modified the project's pre-1935 design or operation. l. *Locations of the Application:* Copies of this filing are on file with the Commission and are available for public inspection. This filing may be viewed on the web at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link, select “Docket#” and follow the instructions. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll-free at
(866)208-3676, or TTY, contact
(202)502-8659. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene—Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. o. Filing and Service of Responsive Documents—Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTESTS”, AND/OR “MOTIONS TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Docket Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. A copy of any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. p. Agency Comments—Federal, State, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10450 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL07-62-000] Southern California Edison Company; Petition for Declaratory Order May 22, 2007. Take notice that on May 18, 2007, Southern California Edison Company
(SCE)tendered for filing a Petition for Declaratory Order for Incentive Rate Treatment for three major transmission projects the SCE is proposing to construct. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. On or before the comment date, it is not necessary to serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 8, 2007. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10453 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP07-339-000] Texas Gas Transmission, LLC; Notice Concerning Omission of Reply Comments May 23, 2007. On May 18, 2007, Texas Gas Transmission, LLC (Texas Gas) filed a motion to omit the filing of reply comments following the technical conference held on April 17, 2007, in this proceeding, and to shorten the period for filing answers to its motion (May 18 Motion). In its May 18 Motion, Texas Gas stated it contacted each of the parties who filed initial comments, as well as the other parties who either commented on Texas Gas's initial proposal or who participated in the technical conference and subsequent conference call. Texas Gas was authorized to state that none of these parties oppose omitting the reply comments stage of this proceeding, or the Commission approving Texas Gas's proposed tariff sheets, as they were amended and clarified following the technical conference. On May 18, 2007, the Commission issued a notice shortening the period for filing answers to Texas Gas's filing. No comments were filed in response to the May 18 Motion. In light of the foregoing, notice is hereby given that as requested by Texas Gas in its May 18 Motion, reply comments need not be filed to the initial comments following the technical conference. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10424 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP07-453-000] Trailblazer Pipeline Company; Notice of Penalty Revenue Crediting Report May 23, 2007. Take notice that on May 18, 2007, Trailblazer Pipeline Company (Trailblazer) tendered for filing its Penalty Revenue Crediting Report. Trailblazer states the purpose of this filing is to inform the Commission that Trailblazer collected no penalty revenues in the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the date as indicated below. Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov.* Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov,* using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,* or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m. Eastern Time May 30, 2007. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10430 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP07-455-000] Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company; Notice of Propsoed Changes in FERC Gas Tariff May 23, 2007. Take notice that on May 18, 2007, Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company (Tuscarora) tendered for filing as part of its FERC Gas Tariff, Original Volume No. 1, the following tariff sheets, to become effective June 18, 2007: Second Revised Sheet No. 0 Third Revised Sheet No. 37D Third Revised Sheet No. 63 Second Revised Sheet No. 104 Second Revised Sheet No. 113 First Revised Sheet No. 117 Second Revised Sheet No. 123 Second Revised Sheet No. 130 Tuscarora states that these sheets are being submitted to update contact information throughout the Tariff consistent with a recent change in ownership of the pipeline. Tuscarora further states that a copy of this filing has been served on Tuscarora's jurisdictional customers and interested state regulatory agencies. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210). Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10426 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL07-63-000] Strategic Transmission, LLC, Complainant v. PJM Interconnection, LLC, Respondent; Notice of Complaint Requesting Fast Track Processing May 22, 2007. Take notice that on May 21, 2007, Strategic Transmission, LLC (Strategic), pursuant to sections 206 and 306 of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 824(e) and 825 (e), and sections 206 and 212 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedures, 18 CFR §§ 385.206 and 385.212, filed a complaint requesting fast track processing against PJM Interconnection, LLC
(PJM)alleging that, in contravention of PJM's Open Access Transmission Tariff and the Federal Power Act, PJM has failed to identify on a timely basis the Incremental Capacity Transfer Rights for merchant transmission project S16 (advancement of the upgrade of the Gilbert-Glen Gardner 230 kv circuit). Strategic certified that a copy of the complaint has been served on PJM. Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. The Respondent's answer and all interventions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. The Respondent's answer, motions to intervene, and protests must be served on the Complainants. The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at *http://www.ferc.gov* . Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. This filing is accessible on-line at *http://www.ferc.gov* , using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , or call
(866)208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
(202)502-8659. *Comment Date:* 5 p.m. Eastern Time on May 29, 2007. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10452 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PF07-7-000] Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment; For the Proposed Iroquois 08/09 Expansion Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings May 22, 2007. The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental assessment
(EA)that will address the environmental impacts of the Iroquois 08/09 Expansion Project proposed by Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. (Iroquois). The Commission will use the EA in its decision-making process to determine whether or not to authorize the project. This notice explains the scoping process the FERC staff will use to gather input from the public and interested agencies on the project. Your input will help us determine the issues that need to be evaluated in the EA. Please note that the scoping period will close on June 29, 2007. Comments may be submitted in written or verbal form. Further details on how to submit written comments are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. In lieu of sending written comments, the FERC staff invite you to attend the public scoping meetings we have scheduled as follows: Date and time Location Monday, June 18, 2007, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
(EST)Milford City Hall Auditorium, 110 River Street, Milford, CT 06460, Telephone:
(203)783-3230. Tuesday, June 19, 2007, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
(EST)Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Road, Brookfield, CT 06804, Telephone:
(203)775-7704. This notice is being sent to affected landowners; Federal, State, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; other interested parties; and local libraries and newspapers. We 1 encourage government representatives to notify their constituents of this planned project and encourage them to comment on their areas of concern. 1 “We,” “us,” and “our” refer to the environmental staff of the FERC's Office of Energy Projects. If you are a landowner receiving this notice, you may be contacted by an Iroquois representative about the acquisition of an easement to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed project facilities. The pipeline company would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. However, if the project is approved by the FERC, that approval conveys with it the right of eminent domain. Therefore, if easement negotiations fail to produce an agreement, the pipeline company could initiate condemnation proceedings in accordance with state law. A fact sheet prepared by the FERC entitled “An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I Need To Know?” is available for viewing on the FERC Internet Web site ( *http://www.ferc.gov* ). This fact sheet addresses a number of typically asked questions, including the use of eminent domain and how to participate in the FERC's proceedings. Summary of the Proposed Project Iroquois proposes to construct the Iroquois 08/09 Expansion Project in three phases which would consist of: Looping its existing pipeline system at three locations in New York and Connecticut by November 1, 2008 (Phase 1); constructing a new compressor station in Milford, Connecticut with 20,620 horsepower of compression by January 1, 2009 (Phase 2); and adding a 10,310 horsepower compressor unit to Iroquois' Brookfield Compressor Station in Brookfield, Connecticut by November 1, 2009 (Phase 3). 2 2 The 7,700 horsepower Brookfield Compressor Station was approved by the Commission on December 21, 2006, as part of Iroquois' MarketAccess Project in Docket No. CP02-31-002. Construction of the Brookfield Compressor Station is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2007 and operation of the station is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2008. The Phase 1 pipeline looping would include construction of 5.8 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline in Boonville, New York; 1.0 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline in Wright, New York; and 1.6 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline in Newtown, Connecticut. The new pipeline looping segments would be located adjacent to Iroquois' existing pipeline and connected to it at both ends. The planned project would expand Iroquois existing system to deliver up to 200,000 dekatherms per day of natural gas transportation service to KeySpan Gas East Corporation at South Commack, Long Island. Iroquois plans to file its certificate application in September 2007 and anticipates receiving a Commission certificate by March 2008. A general location of the proposed project is provided in Appendix 1. 3 3 The appendices referenced in this notice are not being printed in the **Federal Register** . Copies of all appendices, other than Appendix 1 (maps), are available on the Commission's Web site at the “eLibrary” link or from the Commission's Public Reference Room, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426, or call
(202)502-8371. For instructions on connecting to eLibrary refer to the Public Participation section of this notice. Copies of the appendices were sent to all those receiving this notice in the mail. Requests for detailed maps of the proposed facilities should be made directly to Iroquois. Land Requirements for Construction The Iroquois 08/09 Expansion Project is in the preliminary planning stage. The precise facility design, pipeline route, rights-of-way, and other details have not yet been finalized. The proposed pipeline loops are being planned for routes adjacent to existing rights-of-way. Specific information on the proposed project location and the land used by it will be made available to the public when it is finalized. Construction of the proposed pipeline loop segments would require about 176.1 acres of land for construction. Following construction, about 90.4 acres would be maintained for Iroquois' ongoing pipeline operation. The remaining 85.7 acres of land would be restored and allowed to revert to its former use. Construction of the proposed Milford Compressor Station would require use of about 4.8 acres of land, and operation of the station would require maintaining 4.6 acres of the affected land. The proposed modifications to the Brookfield Compressor Station would increase the compressor station yard area from 1.4 acres to 1.8 acres. All of the land required for the proposed Milford Compressor Station and the Brookfield Compressor Station modifications is currently owned by Iroquois. The EA Process The National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)requires the Commission to take into account the environmental impacts that could result from an action when it considers whether or not an interstate natural gas pipeline should be approved. The FERC will use the EA to consider the environmental impact that could result if the Iroquois 08/09 Expansion Project is authorized under Section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. NEPA also requires us to discover and address concerns the public may have about proposals to be considered by the Commission. This process is referred to as “scoping.” The main goal of the scoping process is to focus the analysis in the EA on the important environmental issues. With this Notice of Intent, the Commission staff is requesting public comments on the scope of the issues to be addressed in the EA. All comments received will be considered during preparation of the EA. Our independent analysis of the issues will be included in the EA. We will also evaluate possible alternatives to the proposed project or portions of the project, and make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on affected resources. The EA will be mailed to Federal, State, and local government agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; affected landowners; commentors; other interested parties; local libraries and newspapers; and the FERC's official service list for this proceeding. A 30-day comment period will be allotted for review of the EA. We will consider all comments on the EA before we make our recommendations to the Commission. To ensure that your comments are considered, please follow the instructions in the Public Participation section of this notice. Although no formal application has been filed, the FERC staff has already initiated its NEPA review under its Pre-filing Process. The purpose of the Pre-filing Process is to encourage the early involvement of interested stakeholders and to identify and resolve issues before an application is filed with the FERC. With this notice, we are asking Federal, State, and local governmental agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues, to express their interest in becoming cooperating agencies for the preparation of the EA. These agencies may choose to participate once they have evaluated the proposal relative to their responsibilities. Agencies that would like to request cooperating status should follow the instructions for filing comments provided below (see *Public Participation* ). Currently Identified Environmental Issues The EA will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed project. We have already identified several issues that we think deserve attention based on a preliminary review of the project site and the facility information provided by Iroquois. This preliminary list of issues may be changed based on your comments and our analysis. • Potential impacts on perennial and intermittent streams and waterbodies. • Evaluation of temporary and permanent impacts on wetlands and development of appropriate mitigation. • Potential effect on federally and state-listed species. • Potential impacts on existing land uses, including managed forested lands. • Potential visual effects of the aboveground facilities on surrounding areas. • Potential impacts to local air and noise quality associated with construction and operation. • Public safety and potential hazards associated with the transport of natural gas and the proposed compressor facilities. Public Participation You can make a difference by providing us with your specific comments or concerns about the proposed project. By becoming a commentor, your concerns will be addressed in the EA and considered by the Commission. Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives (including alternative facility sites and pipeline routes), and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impact. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please carefully follow these instructions: • Send an original and two copies of your letter to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. • Label one copy of your comments for the attention of Gas Branch 1, DG2E. • Reference Docket No. PF07-7-000 on the original and both copies. • Mail your comments so that they will be received in Washington, DC on or before June 29, 2007. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing of any comments in response to this Notice of Intent. For information on electronically filing comments, please see the instructions on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the “e-Filing” link and the link to the User's Guide, as well as information in 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii). Before you can submit comments, you will need to create a free account, which can be created on-line. The public scoping meetings (dates, times, and locations are listed above) are designed to provide another opportunity to offer comments on the proposed project. Interested groups and individuals are encouraged to attend the meetings and to present comments on the environmental issues they believe should be addressed in the EA. A transcript of each meeting will be generated so that your comments will be accurately recorded. Once Iroquois formally files its application with the Commission, you may want to become an official party to the proceeding known as an “intervenor.” Intervenors play a more formal role in the process and are able to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be heard by the courts if they choose to appeal the Commission's final ruling. An intervenor formally participates in a Commission proceeding by filing a request to intervene. Instructions for becoming an intervenor are included in the User's Guide under the “e-filing” link on the Commission's web site. Please note that you may not request intervenor status at this time. You must wait until a formal application is filed with the Commission. Environmental Mailing List An effort is being made to send this notice to all individuals, organizations, and government entities interested in and/or potentially affected by the proposed project. This includes all landowners who are potential right-of-way grantors, whose property may be used temporarily for project purposes, or who own homes within distances defined in the Commission's regulations of certain aboveground facilities. If you received this notice, you are currently on the environmental mailing list for this project. If you want to remain on our mailing list, please return the attached Information Request (Appendix 2). All individuals who provide written comments, attend the scoping meetings, or return the Information Request will remain on our environmental mailing list for this project. Additional Information Additional information about the project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at 1-866-208-FERC
(3372)or on the FERC Internet Web site ( *http://www.ferc.gov* ) using the “eLibrary link.” Click on the eLibrary link, select “General Search” and enter the project docket number excluding the last three digits (i.e., PF07-7) in the “Docket Number” field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or TTY, contact
(202)502-8659. The eLibrary link on the FERC Internet website also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rule makings. In addition, the FERC now offers a free service called eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. To register for this service, go to *http://www.ferc.gov/esubscribenow.htm.* Public meetings or site visits will be posted on the Commission's calendar located at *http://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx* along with other related information. Finally, Iroquois has established an Internet website for this project at *http://08-09.iroquois.com.* The Web site includes a description of the project, maps of the proposed pipeline facilities, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also request additional information or provide comments directly to Iroquois by phone at 1-800-253-5152, or by mail at the following address: Ruth Parkins, Public Affairs Manager, Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company, One Corporate Drive, Suite 600, Shelton, CT 06484. E-mail: *ruth_parkins@iroquois.com.* Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10449 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 618-139] Alabama Power Company; Notice of Application for Amendment of License and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests May 23, 2007. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Type of Application:* Request for Temporary Variance of Minimum Flow Requirement. b. *Project No.:* 618-139. c. *Date Filed:* May 21, 2007. d. *Applicant:* Alabama Power Company. e. *Name of Project:* Jordan Dam. f. *Location:* On the Coosa River, in Elmore, Chilton, and Coosa Counties, Alabama. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791a-825r. h. *Applicant Contact:* Alan L. Peeples, Alabama Power Company, 600 N. 18th Street, P.O. Box 2641, Birmingham, AL 35291,
(205)257-1401. i. *FERC Contact:* Peter Yarrington, *peter.yarrington@ferc.gov,*
(202)502-6129. j. *Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene and protests:* June 6, 2007. All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person whose name appears on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. A copy of any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. k. *Description of Request:* The Alabama Power Company
(APC)is requesting a temporary variance of the minimum flow requirement of the Jordan Dam Project license. Because of persistent and worsening drought conditions in the project area and the need to conserve water, APC requests that it be allowed to begin downramping from 3,000 cubic feet per second
(cfs)to 2,000 cfs beginning on or about May 22, 2007, rather than beginning this downramping June 16 as required in the license. Once flows are downramped to 2000 cfs this flow release would be maintained until the following April 1 as required in the license. Included in APC's request were concurrences received from the state and federal resource agencies. The Commission's order issued March 30, 2007, authorized among other things the APC to increase minimum flows from 2,000 cfs to 3,000 cfs rather than to 4,000 cfs beginning April 1, 2007. l. *Location of the Application:* The filing is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street, NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426 or by calling
(202)502-8371, or by calling
(202)502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. You may also register online at *http://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/esubscription.asp* to be notified vial e-mail or new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,* for TTY, call
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item
(h)above. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. *Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene:* Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. o. Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. p. *Agency Comments:* Federal, state, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. q. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(I)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the “e-Filing” link. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10432 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 1962-153] Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Notice of Application for Amendment of License and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests May 22, 2007. Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. *Application Type:* Amendment of License to modify condition 10 and article 404 related to certain fishery habitat improvements. b. *Project No:* 1962-153. c. *Date Filed:* April 25, 2007. d. *Applicant:* Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). e. *Name of Project:* Rock Creek-Cresta Project. f. *Location:* The project is located partly within the Plumas National Forest on the North Fork Feather River in Butte and Plumas Counties, California. g. *Filed Pursuant to:* Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791a—825r. h. *Applicant Contact:* Bill Zemke, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Mail Code N11C, P.O. Box 770000, San Francisco, CA 94177. i. *FERC Contact:* Diana Shannon, Telephone
(202)502-8887, and e-mail: *DianaShannon@ferc.gov* . j. *Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protest:* June 22, 2007. All documents (original and eight copies) should be filed with: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all interveners filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person whose name appears on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervener files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. A copy of any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of the Applicant specified in the particular application. k. *Description of Request:* PG&E requests that Condition 10 of the license be modified to accommodate changes agreed to by the Ecological Resources Committee in September 2006. Proposed modifications include:
(1)Specify in Condition 10(A) that monitoring of gravel in Granite Creek be performed annually with supplemental gravel placement being made no more frequently than once every three years for the life of the license;
(2)specify in Condition 10(C) to add and maintain spawning gravel in Opapee Creek, rather than construct a spawning channel at that location; and
(3)specify in Condition 10(D) the actual size (width and length) of the completed spawning channel in Milk Ranch Creek. l. *Locations of the Application:* A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street, NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling
(202)502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. You may also register online at *http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp* to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail *FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov* , for TTY, call
(202)502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item
(h)above. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. *Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene:* Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. o. Any filings must bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, as applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to which the filing refers. p. *Agency Comments:* Federal, state, and local agencies are invited to file comments on the described application. A copy of the application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives. q. Comments, protests and interventions may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site at *http://www.ferc.gov* under the “e-Filing” link. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10451 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration Loveland Area Projects—Rate Order No. WAPA-134 AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE. ACTION: Notice of proposed power rates. SUMMARY: The Western Area Power Administration (Western) is proposing revised rates for Loveland Area Projects
(LAP)firm electric service. LAP consists of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project (Fry-Ark) and the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program (Pick-Sloan)—Western Division, which were integrated for marketing and rate-making purposes in 1989. The current rates, under Rate Schedule L-F6, expire on December 31, 2010, but are not sufficient to meet the LAP revenue requirements. The proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue to pay all annual costs, including interest expense, and repay required investment within the allowable period. Western will prepare a brochure that provides detailed information on the proposed rates. The proposed rates, under Rate Schedule L-F7, are scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2012. Publication of this **Federal Register** notice begins the formal process for the proposed rate adjustment. DATES: The consultation and comment period begins today and will end August 29, 2007. Western will present a detailed explanation of the proposed rates at a public information forum on June 18, 2007, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. MDT, in Denver, Colorado. Western will accept oral and written comments at a public comment forum on July 23, 2007, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. MDT, in Denver, Colorado. Western will accept written comments any time during the consultation and comment period. ADDRESSES: The public information forum and the public comment forum will both be held at the Radisson Stapleton Plaza Hotel, 3333 Quebec Street in Denver, Colorado, on the dates cited above. Written comments and/or requests to be informed of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) actions concerning the rates submitted by Western to the Commission for approval should be sent to James D. Keselburg, Regional Manager, Rocky Mountain Region, Western Area Power Administration, 5555 East Crossroads Boulevard, Loveland, CO 80538-8986, e-mail *lapfirmadj@wapa.gov.* Western will post information about the rate process on its Web site under the “Rate Adjustments” section at *http://www.wapa.gov/rm/ratesRM/2008RatesAdjustment--FirmPower.htm.* Western will post comments received via letter and e-mail to its Web site after the close of the comment period. Written comments must be received by the end of the consultation and comment period to be considered by Western in its decision process. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Sheila D. Cook, Rates Manager, Rocky Mountain Region, Western Area Power Administration, 5555 East Crossroads Boulevard, Loveland, CO 80538-8986, telephone
(970)461-7211, e-mail *lapfirmadj@wapa.gov* or *scook@wapa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed rates for LAP firm electric service are designed to recover an annual revenue requirement that includes investment repayment, interest, purchase power, operation and maintenance, and other expenses. The projected annual revenue requirement for firm electric service is allocated equally between capacity and energy. Rate Schedule L-F6 for firm electric service, WAPA-125, was approved for a 5-year period beginning January 1, 2006, and ending December 31, 2010. 1 Under the current Rate Schedule L-F6, a two-step method was approved. The composite rate for the second step, effective on January 1, 2007, is 27.36 mills per kilowatthour (mills/kWh), the firm energy rate is 13.68 mills/kWh and the firm capacity rate is $3.59 per kilowattmonth (kW-month). These rates are listed in Table 1. 1 WAPA-125 was approved by the Deputy Secretary of Energy on November 9, 2005 (70 FR ¶ 71273), and confirmed and approved by FERC on a final basis on June 14, 2006, in Docket No. EF06-5181-000 (115 FERC ¶ 62276). During informal discussions prior to the commencement of this rate adjustment process, Western received requests from firm power customers to identify its firm electric service revenue requirement using a Base component
(Base)and Drought Adder component (Drought Adder). The firm power customers noted that by identifying the components of the firm electric service revenue requirement in this manner, Western could identify drought impacts in the regions covered by the LAP and the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program (Pick-Sloan)—Eastern Division (individually called Project and collectively called Projects) and demonstrate a proactive approach to repaying incurred costs related to the drought. In response to these suggestions, Western prepared a proposed rate schedule identifying these two components for LAP firm electric service (L-F7) for consideration and comment during this public process. This proposed rate schedule also reflects rate adjustments based on the Fry-Ark and Pick-Sloan—Western Division revenue requirements derived from the Fiscal Year 2006 Power Repayment Studies (PRS). The PRSs set the LAP revenue requirement for 2008 for firm electric service at $66.1 million, which is an 18.5 percent increase. The proposed rates under L-F7 are listed in Table 1. Table 1.—Proposed Firm Electric Service Revenue Requirement and Rates Firm electric service Existing rate L-F6 Proposed Rate (Jan. 1, 2008) L-F7 Percent change LAP Revenue Requirement $55.8 million $66.1 million 18.5 LAP Composite Rate 27.36 mills/kWh 32.42 mills/kWh 18.5 Firm Energy 13.68 mills/kWh 16.21 mills/kWh 18.5 Firm Capacity $3.59/kW-month $4.25/kW-month 18.4 Through this **Federal Register** notice, as well as through Western's Pick-Sloan—Eastern Division Rate Order No. WAPA-135 process, Western's Rocky Mountain and Upper Great Plains Regions (Regions) are proposing to identify their firm electric service revenue requirements using a Base and a Drought Adder. The Base is a revenue requirement for each Project that includes annual operation and maintenance expenses, investment repayment and associated interest, normal timing power purchases, and transmission costs. Normal timing power purchases are purchases due to operational constraints ( *e.g.* , management of endangered species habitat, water quality, navigation, control area purposes, etc.) and are not associated with the current drought in the Regions. The Drought Adder revenue requirement for each Project is a formula-based revenue requirement that includes costs attributable to the present drought conditions within the Regions. The Drought Adder includes costs associated with future non-timing purchases of additional power to firm obligations not covered with available system generation due to the drought, previously incurred deficits due to purchased power debt that resulted from non-timing power purchases made during this drought, and the interest associated with the previously incurred and future drought debt. The Drought Adder is designed to repay the drought debt within 10 years from the time the debt was incurred, using balloon payment methodology. For example, the drought debt incurred in Pick-Sloan in 2006 will be paid off by 2016. The annual revenue requirement calculation can be summarized by the following formula: Annual Revenue Requirement = Base + Drought Adder. Under this proposal, the LAP annual revenue requirement equals $66.1 million and is comprised of a Base revenue requirement of $48.6 million plus a Drought Adder revenue requirement of $17.5 million. Western's proposal for identifying the firm electric service revenue requirement using a Base and a Drought Adder will allow Western to identify and present the impacts of the drought, demonstrate repayment of those drought related costs in the Fry-Ark PRS and the Pick-Sloan PRS, and allow Western to be more responsive to changes in drought-related expenses. Western will continue to charge and bill its customers firm electric service rates for energy and capacity, which are the sum of the Base and Drought Adder. Western reviews its firm electric service rates annually. Western will review the Base component after the annual PRSs are completed, generally in the first quarter of the calendar year. If an adjustment to the Base is necessary, Western will initiate a public process pursuant to 10 CFR part 903 prior to making an adjustment. Western will review the Drought Adder each September to determine if drought costs differ from those projected in the PRSs. Based upon this review, Western will determine whether an adjustment to the Drought Adder is necessary. For any adjustments attributed to drought costs of less than or equal to the equivalent of 2 mills/kWh to the LAP composite rate, Western will notify customers by letter in October of the planned adjustment and implement the adjustment in the following January billing cycle. For the portion of any planned incremental adjustment greater than the equivalent of 2 mills/kWh to the LAP composite rate, Western will engage in a public process pursuant to 10 CFR part 903 prior to making that portion of the adjustment. Although decremental adjustments to the Drought Adder will occur, the adjustment cannot result in the Drought Adder being a negative number. Western will conduct a preliminary review of the Drought Adder in early summer to give customers advance notice of any adjustment for the following January. Customers will be advised by letter of the estimated change to the Drought Adder with the final Drought Adder adjustment verified with notification in the October letter to the customers. Legal Authority Since the proposed rates constitute a major adjustment as defined by 10 CFR part 903, Western will hold both a public information forum and a public comment forum. After review of public comments and possible amendments or adjustments, Western will recommend that the Deputy Secretary of Energy approve the proposed rates on an interim basis. Western is establishing firm electric service rates for LAP under the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7152); the Reclamation Act of 1902 (ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388), as amended and supplemented by subsequent laws; section 9(c) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)); section 5 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 (16 U.S.C. 825s); and other acts that specifically apply to the projects involved. By Delegation Order No. 00-037.00, effective December 6, 2001, the Secretary of Energy delegated:
(1)The authority to develop power and transmission rates to Western's Administrator;
(2)the authority to confirm, approve, and place such rates into effect on an interim basis to the Deputy Secretary of Energy; and
(3)the authority to confirm, approve, and place into effect on a final basis, to remand, or to disapprove such rates to the Commission. Existing Department of Energy
(DOE)procedures for public participation in power rate adjustments (10 CFR part 903) were published on September 18, 1985. Availability of Information All brochures, studies, comments, letters, memorandums, e-mail, or other documents that Western initiates to develop the proposed rates are available for inspection and copying at the Rocky Mountain Regional Office, located at 5555 East Crossroads Boulevard, Loveland, Colorado. Many of these documents and supporting information are also available on Western's Web site under the “Rate Adjustments” section located at *http://www.wapa.gov/rm/ratesRM/2008RatesAdjustment--FirmPower.htm.* Ratemaking Procedure Requirements Environmental Compliance In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321, *et seq.* ); the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); and DOE NEPA Implementing Procedures and Guidelines (10 CFR part 1021), Western is in the process of determining whether an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement should be prepared or if this action can be categorically excluded from those requirements. Determination Under Executive Order 12866 Western has an exemption from centralized regulatory review under Executive Order 12866; accordingly, no clearance of this notice by the Office of Management and Budget is required. Dated: May 15, 2007. Timothy J. Meeks, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7-10513 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Eastern Division—Rate Order No. WAPA-135 AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, DOE. ACTION: Notice of proposed power rates. SUMMARY: The Western Area Power Administration (Western) is proposing revised rates for Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Eastern Division (P-SMBP—ED) firm electric and firm peaking power service. Current rates, under Rate Schedules P-SED-F8 and P-SED-FP8, extend through December 31, 2010, but are not sufficient to meet the P-SMBP—ED revenue requirements. The proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue to pay all annual costs, including interest expense, and repayment of required investment within the allowable period. Western will prepare a brochure that provides detailed information on the proposed rates. The proposed rates, under Rate Schedules P-SED-F9 and P-SED-FP9, are scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2012. Publication of this **Federal Register** notice begins the formal process for the proposed rate adjustment. DATES: The consultation and comment period begins today and will end August 29, 2007. Western will present a detailed explanation of the proposed rates at public information forums. *Public information forum dates are:* 1. June 18, 2007, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. MDT, Denver, CO. 2. June 19, 2007, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT, Sioux Falls, SD. Western will accept oral and written comments at public comment forums. *Public comment forums will be held on the following dates:* 1. July 23, 2007, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. MDT, Denver, CO. 2. July 24, 2007, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT, Sioux Falls, SD. Western will accept written comments any time during the consultation and comment period. ADDRESSES: Written comments and/or requests to be informed of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) actions concerning the rates submitted by Western to the Commission for approval should be sent to Robert J. Harris, Regional Manager, Upper Great Plains Region, Western Area Power Administration, 2900 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101-1266, or e-mail at *ugpfirmrate@wapa.gov.* Western will post information about the rate process on its Web site at *http://www.wapa.gov/ugp/rates/2008firmrateadjust.* Western will post comments received via letter and e-mail to its Web site after the close of the comment period. Written comments must be received by the end of the consultation and comment period to be considered by Western in its decision process. *Public information forum locations are:* 1. Denver—Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street, Denver, CO. 2. Sioux Falls—Holiday Inn, 100 West 8th Street, Sioux Falls, SD. *Public comment forum locations are:* 1. Denver—Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street, Denver, CO. 2. Sioux Falls—Holiday Inn, 100 West 8th Street, Sioux Falls, SD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jon R. Horst, Rates Manager, Upper Great Plains Region, Western Area Power Administration, 2900 4th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101-1266, telephone
(406)247-7444, e-mail *horst@wapa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed rates for P-SMBP—ED firm electric and firm peaking service are designed to recover an annual revenue requirement that includes investment repayment, interest, purchase power, operation and maintenance, and other expenses. The projected annual revenue requirement for firm electric service is allocated equally between capacity and energy. Rate Schedules P-SED-F8 and P-SED-FP8 for P-SMBP—ED firm electric and firm peaking service, respectively, were approved for a 5-year period beginning on January 1, 2006, and ending December 31, 2010 1 . Under current Rate Schedule P-SED-F8, the composite rate is 19.54 mills per kilowatthour (mills/kWh), the energy rate is 11.29 mills/kWh, and the capacity rate is 4.45 per kilowattmonth (kWmonth). Under current Rate Schedule P-SED-FP8, the firm peaking capacity rate is $4.45 per kWmonth. These rates are set forth in Table 1, below. 1 WAPA-126 was approved by the Deputy Secretary of Energy on November 5, 2005 (70 FR ¶ 71280), and confirmed and approved by FERC on a final basis on April 27, 2006, in Docket No. EF06-5031-000 (115 FERC ¶ 62107). During informal discussions prior to the commencement of this rate adjustment process, Western received requests from firm power customers to identify its firm electric service revenue requirement using a Base component
(Base)and Drought Adder component (Drought Adder). The firm power customers noted that by identifying the components of the firm electric service revenue requirement in this manner, Western could identify drought impacts in the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program (P-SMBP) and demonstrate a proactive approach to repaying incurred costs related to the drought. Western also received requests from customers to eliminate the tiered rate. The tiered rate charge was implemented in the mid-1970's for loads in excess of 60 percent monthly load factor. Customers believe that continuing the tiered rate charge discourages load management. Moreover, eliminating the tiered rate from the P-SMBP—ED firm electric service schedule is consistent with the administration of firm electric service rates in the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program—Western Division (P-SMBP—WD), which does not assess a tiered rate charge. Western also received customer requests to redesign its revenue recovery methodology for firm peaking service. Western presently provides both firm electric and firm peaking service to customers using a seasonal contract rate of delivery (CROD). Western's firm peaking capacity rate is equal to the firm power capacity rate, which is calculated by dividing one-half of the P-SMBP—ED revenue requirement by the sum of the metered billing units for firm electric service and the seasonal CROD monthly billing units for firm peaking service. During informal discussions, several customers stated that Western's rate design for firm electric capacity and firm peaking capacity should be representative of the different products. Customers recommended that Western use the sum of the total allocated seasonal CRODs for both firm electric capacity and firm peaking capacity and model them as the billing units for calculating the firm peaking capacity rate. It was noted in these discussions that any change to the peaking power capacity revenue requirement methodology also affects the P-SMBP total firm power capacity revenue requirement in the P-SMBP power repayment study
(PRS)which is recovered by both eastern and western divisions of the P-SMBP. In response to these suggestions, Western prepared proposed rate schedules for firm electric service (P-SED-F9) and firm peaking service (P-SED-FP9) for consideration and comment during this public process. The projected annual revenue requirement under these schedules is allocated equally between capacity and energy. These proposed rate schedules also reflect rate adjustments based on the Pick-Sloan revenue requirement derived from the Fiscal Year 2006 Final Power Repayment Study (PRS). The PRS sets the total annual P-SMBP—ED revenue requirement for 2008 for firm electric and firm peaking power service at $235.9 million. Table 1.—Proposed Firm Electric and Firm Peaking Service Revenue Requirement and Rates Firm electric service Existing rates Proposed rates (Jan. 1, 2008) Percent change P-SMBP—ED Firm and Firm Peaking Revenue Requirement $189.9 million $235.9 million 24.2 P-SMBP—ED Composite Rate 19.54 mills/kWh 24.49 mills/kWh 25.3 Firm Capacity $4.45/kWmonth $5.65/kWmonth 27.0 Firm Energy 11.29 mills/kWh 13.99 mills/kWh 23.9 Tiered > 60 Percent Load Factor 5.21 mills/kWh Firm Peaking Capacity $4.45/kWmonth $5.10/kWmonth 14.6 Firm Peaking Energy 1 11.29 mills/kWh 13.99 mills/kWh 23.9 1 Firm peaking energy is normally returned. This will be assessed in the event firm peaking energy is not returned. Under proposed Rate Schedule P-SED-F9, the composite rate will increase 25.3 percent. The firm energy rate will increase to 13.99 mills per kWh, or 23.9 percent, and the firm capacity rate will increase to $5.65/kWmonth, or 27.0 percent. Additionally, under Rate Schedule P-SED-F9, Western is proposing to identify its firm electric service revenue requirement using a Base and a Drought Adder. The Base is a revenue requirement that includes annual operation and maintenance expenses, investment repayment and associated interest, normal timing power purchases, and transmission costs. Western's normal timing power purchases are purchases due to operational constraints ( *e.g.* , management of endangered species habitat, water quality, navigation, etc.) and are not associated with the current drought. The Drought Adder is a formula-based revenue requirement that includes costs attributable to the present drought conditions within the Pick-Sloan Program. The Drought Adder includes costs associated with future non-timing purchases of additional power to firm obligations not covered with available system generation due to the drought, previously incurred deficits due to purchased power debt that resulted from non-timing power purchases made during this drought, and the interest associated with the previously incurred and future drought debt. The Drought Adder is designed to repay Western's drought debt within 10 years from the time the debt was incurred, using balloon payment methodology. For example, the drought debt incurred by Western in 2006 will be paid off by 2016. The annual revenue requirement calculation can be summarized by the following formula: Annual Revenue Requirement = Base + Drought Adder. Under this proposal, the P-SMBP—ED annual revenue requirement equals $245.2 million and is comprised of a Base revenue requirement of $157.2 million plus a Drought Adder revenue requirement of $88.0 million. Both the Base and Drought Adder recover portions of the firm power revenue requirement, firm peaking power, and associated 5 percent discount revenue necessary to equal the P-SMBP—ED annual revenue requirement. Western's proposal for identifying its firm electric service revenue requirement using Base and Drought Adder will help Western present the impacts of the drought within the Pick-Sloan Program, demonstrate repayment of those drought related costs in the PRS, and allow Western to be more responsive to changes in drought related expenses. Western will continue to charge and bill its customers firm electric service rates for energy and capacity, which are the sum of the Base and Drought Adder. Western reviews its firm electric service rates annually. Western will review the Base after the annual PRS is completed, generally in the first quarter of the calendar year. If an adjustment to the Base is necessary, Western will initiate a public process pursuant to 10 CFR part 903 prior to making an adjustment. Western will review the Drought Adder each September to determine if drought costs differ from those projected in the PRS, and, if so, whether an adjustment to the Drought Adder is necessary. For any adjustments attributed to drought costs of less than or equal to the equivalent of 2 mills/kWh to the PRS composite rate, Western will notify customers by letter in October of the planned adjustment and implement the adjustment in the January billing cycle. For the portion of any planned incremental adjustment greater than the equivalent of 2 mills/kWh to the PRS composite rate, Western will engage in a public process pursuant to 10 CFR part 903 prior to making that portion of the adjustment. Although decremental adjustments to the Drought Adder will occur, the adjustment cannot result in the Drought Adder being a negative number. Western will conduct a preliminary review of the Drought Adder in early summer to give customers advanced notice of any adjustment in the following January. Customers will be advised by letter of the estimated change to the Drought Adder with the final Drought Adder adjustment verified with notification in the October letter to the customers. Under Rate Schedule P-SED-F9, Western is also proposing to eliminate the tiered rate in the P-SMBP—ED. Western agrees with customers that continuing a tiered rate charge for loads in excess of 60 percent monthly load factor discourages load management, and eliminating the tiered rate from the P-SMBP—ED firm electric service schedule is consistent with the design of firm electric service rates in the P-SMBP—WD. Western is also proposing to redesign its revenue recovery methodology for firm peaking service. Under proposed Rate Schedule P-SED-FP9, the firm peaking capacity charge will be calculated by dividing one-half of the P-SMBP—ED revenue requirement by the sum of the total allocated seasonal CRODs modeled as monthly billing units for both firm electric and firm peaking service. While Western is proposing to redesign its methodology for calculating the firm peaking capacity rate, it notes that the firm electric capacity and firm peaking capacity rates combined will continue to recover one-half of P-SMBP—ED annual revenue requirement. As set forth in Table 1, above, under proposed Rate Schedule P-SED-FP9, the firm peaking capacity rate will increase to $5.10 per kWmonth, or 14.6 percent. Peaking energy is either returned to Western or paid for in accordance with the terms of the contract between Western and the peaking power customer. The firm peaking energy rate is set forth in Table 1, above. Legal Authority Since the proposed rates constitute a major rate adjustment as defined by 10 CFR part 903, Western will hold both public information forums and public comment forums. After review of public comments, and possible amendments or adjustments, Western will recommend the Deputy Secretary of Energy approve the proposed rates on an interim basis. Western is establishing firm electric service and peaking rates for P-SMBP—ED under the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7152); the Reclamation Act of 1902 (ch. 1093, 32 Stat. 388), as amended and supplemented by subsequent laws, particularly section 9(c) of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (43 U.S.C. 485h(c)); section 5 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 (16 U.S.C. 825s); and other acts that specifically apply to the projects involved. By Delegation Order No. 00-037.00, effective December 6, 2001, the Secretary of Energy delegated:
(1)The authority to develop power and transmission rates to Western's Administrator;
(2)the authority to confirm, approve, and place such rates into effect on an interim basis to the Deputy Secretary of Energy; and
(3)the authority to confirm, approve, and place into effect on a final basis, to remand, or to disapprove such rates to the Commission. Existing Department of Energy
(DOE)procedures for public participation in power rate adjustments (10 CFR part 903) were published on September 18, 1985. Availability of Information Interested parties may review and copy all brochures, studies, comments, letters, memorandums, or other documents that Western initiates or uses to develop the proposed rates. These documents are at the Upper Great Plains Regional Office, located at 2900 4th Avenue North, Billings, Montana. Many of these documents and supporting information are also available on Western's Web site under the “2008 Firm Rate Adjustment” section located at *http://www.wapa.gov/ugp/rates/2008firmrateadjust.* Ratemaking Procedure Requirements Environmental Compliance In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321, *et seq.* ); Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); and DOE NEPA Regulations (10 CFR part 1021), Western is in the process of determining whether an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement should be prepared or if this action can be categorically excluded from those requirements. Determination Under Executive Order 12866 Western has an exemption from centralized regulatory review under Executive Order 12866; accordingly, no clearance of this notice by the Office of Management and Budget is required. Dated: May 18, 2007. Timothy J. Meeks, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7-10514 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OECA-2006-0724; FRL-8320-4] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Boat Manufacturing (Renewal), EPA ICR Number 1966.03, OMB Control Number 2060-0546 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ), this document announces that an Information Collection Request
(ICR)has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR which is abstracted below describes the nature of the collection and the estimated burden and cost. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on or before July 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2006-0724, to
(1)EPA online using *www.regulations.gov* (our preferred method), or by e-mail to *docket.oeca@epa.gov* , or by mail to: EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Environmental Protection Agency, Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center, mail code 2201T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, and
(2)OMB at: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Learia Williams, Compliance Assessment and Media Programs Division, Office of Compliance, Mail Code 2223A, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:
(202)564-4113; fax number:
(202)564-0050; e-mail address: *williams.learia@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On October 5, 2006 (71 *FR* 38853), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OECA-2006-0724, which is available for public viewing online at *http://www.regulations.gov* , or in person viewing at the Enforcement and Compliance Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is
(202)566-1744, and the telephone number for the Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center is
(202)566-1752. Use EPA's electronic docket and comment system at *http://www.regulations.gov* , to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “docket search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov* , as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material (CBI), or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to *www.regulations.gov* . *Title:* NESHAP for Boat Manufacturing. *ICR Numbers:* EPA ICR Number 1966.03, OMB Control Number 2060-0546. *ICR Status:* This ICR is scheduled to expire on July 31, 2007. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. 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 title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the **Federal Register** when approved, are listed in 40 CFR Part 9, and displayed either by publication in the **Federal Register** or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. *Abstract:* The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Boat Manufacturing (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart VVVV) were proposed on July 14, 2000, and promulgated on August 22, 2001. This regulation covers resin and gel coat operations at fiberglass boat manufacturers, paint and coating operations at aluminum boat manufacturers, and carpet and fabric adhesive operations at all boat manufacturers. Owners/operators of boat manufacturing facilities are required to submit initial notification, performance tests, and periodic reports. Respondents are also required to maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. Semiannual reports are also required. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance; and are required, in general, of all sources subject to NESHAP. Any owner or operator subject to the provisions of this part shall maintain a file of these measurements, and retain the file for at least five years following the date of such measurements, maintain reports and records. All reports are sent to the delegated state or local authority. In the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are sent directly to the EPA regional office. This information is being collected to assure compliance with 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart VVVV as authorized in section 112 and 114(a) of the Clean Air Act. The required information consists of emissions data and other information that have been determined to be private. 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 Number for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR Part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15, and are identified on the form and/or instrument, if applicable. *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information are estimated to average 59 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. *Respondents/Affected Entities:* Boat manufacturing facilities. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 144. *Frequency of Response:* Initially, quarterly and semiannually. *Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:* 26,327. *Estimated Total Costs:* Include $0 annualized Capital Startup costs, $800 annualized Operating and Maintenance Costs (O&M), and $2,336,986 annualized Labor Costs. *Changes in the Estimates:* There is an increase of 15,984 hours in the total estimated burden currently identified in the OMB Inventory of Approved ICR Burdens. The adjustment increase in burden from the most recently approved ICR is due to a shift from initial compliance to continuous compliance for the subject sources. There is also an increase of five additional new sources per year over the three years of this ICR. There is also an increase in the labor rates which contributed to an increase in the dollar cost burden. Dated: May 23, 2007. Sara Hisel-McCoy, Acting Director, Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E7-10520 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OECA-2006-0749; FRL-8320-5] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Chromium Emissions from Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing (Renewal); EPA ICR Number 1611.06, OMB Control Number 2060-0327 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ), this document announces that an Information Collection Request
(ICR)has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and approval. This is a request to renew an existing approved collection. The ICR which is abstracted below describes the nature of the collection and the estimated burden and cost. DATES: Additional comments may be submitted on, or before July 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2006-0749, to
(1)EPA online using *www.regulations.gov* (our preferred method), or by e-mail to *docket.oeca@epa.gov* , or by mail to: EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Environmental Protection Agency, Enforcement and Compliance Docket and Information Center, mail code 2201T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, and
(2)OMB at: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: María Malavé, Compliance Assessment and Media Programs Division (Mail Code 2223A), Office of Compliance, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number:
(202)564-7027; fax number:
(202)564-0050; e-mail address: *malave.maria@epa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On October 6, 2006 (71 FR 58853), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice. EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under docket ID number EPA-HQ-OECA-2006-0749, which is available for public viewing online at *http://www.regulations.gov* , in person viewing at the Enforcement and Compliance Docket in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is
(202)566-1744, and the telephone number for the Enforcement and Compliance Docket is
(202)566-1927. Use EPA's electronic docket and comment system at *http://www.regulations.gov* , to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the docket, and to access those documents in the docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select “docket search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Please note that EPA's policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically, or in paper, will be made available for public viewing at *http://www.regulations.gov* , as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose public disclosure is restricted by statute. For further information about the electronic docket, go to *www.regulations.gov* . *Title:* NESHAP for Chromium Emissions From Hard and Decorative Chromium Electroplating and Chromium Anodizing (Renewal). *ICR Numbers:* EPA ICR Number 1611.06, OMB Control Number 2060-0327. *ICR Status:* This ICR is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2007. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct, or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. 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 title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the **Federal Register** when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and displayed either by publication in the **Federal Register** or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9. *Abstract:* The national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) using maximum achievable control technology
(MACT)for control of chromium emissions from hard and decorative chromium electroplating and chromium anodizing tanks were proposed on December 16, 1993 and promulgated on January 25, 1995. In general, all NESHAP standards require initial notifications, performance tests, and periodic reports. Respondents that are not required to conduct an initial performance test (i.e., decorative chromium electroplating, or chromium anodizing operations that use a wetting agent and meet the surface tension limit required by the rule, and decorative chromium electroplating operations that use a trivalent chromium bath) are required to notify the Administrator of the initial compliance status of the source. Owners, or operators also are required to maintain records of a source's operations, including the occurrence and duration of any startup, shutdown, or malfunction in the operation of an affected facility, or any period during which the monitoring system is inoperative. The types of reports required by these standards include initial compliance status reports. Periodic reports required by this standard include annual compliance status reports for area sources and semiannual compliance status reports for major sources, unless an exceedance has occurred which requires sources to submit such reports on a more frequent basis. These notifications, reports, and records are essential in determining compliance, and are required of all sources subject to NESHAP standards. Any owner, or operator subject to the provisions of this part shall maintain a file of these measurements, and retain the file for at least five years following the date of such measurements, maintenance reports, and records. All reports are sent to the delegated state, or local authority. In the event that there is no such delegated authority, the reports are sent directly to the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)regional office. *Burden Statement:* The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 83 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose, or provide information to, or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements which have subsequently changed; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit, or otherwise disclose the information. *Respondents/Affected Entities:* Operators of hard chromium electroplating, decorative chromium electroplating, and chromium anodizing facilities/chromium electroplating, or chromium anodizing tanks. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 5,020. *Frequency of Response:* Initially, quarterly, semiannually, annually. *Total Annual Hour Burden:* 495,774 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $106,662,892, of which $75,300,000 accounts for annual O&M costs and $31,362,892 are labor costs. There are no annualized capital/startup costs associated with this ICR. *Changes in the Estimates:* There is no change in the labor hours or cost in this ICR compared to the previous ICR. This is due to two considerations. First, the regulations have not changed over the past three years and are not anticipated to change over the next three years. Second, the growth rate for the industry is very low, so there is no significant change in the overall burden. Because there are no changes in the regulatory requirements and there is no significant industry growth, the labor hours and cost figures in the previous ICR are used in this ICR to estimate the industry and Federal Government burdens. There is one exception: The burden associated with regulators attending performance tests was deleted because that activity is considered part of the implementation of the enforcement program and cannot be attributed to this rule. Dated: May 23, 2007. Sara Hisel-McCoy, Acting Director; Collection Strategies Division. [FR Doc. E7-10521 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-8319-6] Reissuance of the NPDES General Permit for Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production Facilities Located in State and Federal Waters in Cook Inlet (Permit Number AKG-31-5000) AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability of final NPDES general permit. SUMMARY: The Director, Office of Water and Watersheds, EPA Region 10, is publishing notice of availability of the final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit authorizing discharges from exploration, development, and production platforms and related facilities in Cook Inlet, Alaska, pursuant to the provisions of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. The general permit contains conditions and limitations that conform to the Offshore and Coastal Subcategories of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Effluent Limitations Guidelines, set forth at 40 CFR Part 435, subparts A and D, as well as additional requirements that ensure that the regulated discharges will not cause unreasonable degradation of the marine environment, as required by section 403(c) of the Clean Water Act (i.e., the Ocean Discharge Criteria), 33 U.S.C. 1343(c). New facilities seeking permit coverage must submit a Notice of Intent
(NOI)at least 30 days prior to discharge. The general permit expands the existing coverage area to include the Minerals Management Service Lease Sales Nos. 191 and 199, and the State waters adjoining those lease areas. The general permit also authorizes discharges from oil and gas exploration, development and production facilities, however, new development and production facilities are not authorized to discharge produced water, drilling fluids, or drill cuttings. A fact sheet has also been prepared which sets forth the principle factual, legal, policy, and scientific information considered in the development of the general permit. DATES: The NPDES general permit shall become effective on July 2, 2007. *Public Comment:* On April 1, 2004, the previous NPDES general permit expired. Pursuant to section 402 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1342, EPA proposed to reissue the general permit and solicited comments on the draft general permit in the **Federal Register** on March 1, 2006. Notice of the draft general permit was also published in the Anchorage Daily News, the Homer Tribune, and the Peninsula Clarion. There was an initial 60 day public comment period which EPA extended for an additional 30 days. Thus, the entire public comment period extended 90 days. Public hearings were held in Anchorage, Homer, and Kenai/Soldotna. The comment period ended on May 31, 2006. Changes have been made from the draft permit to the final permit in response to comments received from Tribal representatives, environmental advocacy groups, industry representatives, government agencies, trade organizations, and individual citizens. All comments, along with EPA's responses, are summarized in the Response to Comment document and comment database. ADDRESSES: Copies of the general permit, the Response to Comment document and comment database are available upon request. Written requests may be submitted to EPA Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue OWW-130, Seattle, WA 98101. Electronic requests may be e-mailed to: *washington.audrey@epa.gov or shaw.hanh@epa.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The general permit, Fact Sheet, Response to Comment document and comment database may be found on the Region 10 Web site at: *http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/waterpermits.htm* (under General Permits, Oil and Gas). Telephone requests for copies may be made to Audrey Washington at
(206)553-0523 or to Hanh Shaw at
(206)553-0171. Other Legal Requirements State Water Quality Standards and State Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1341, on May 18, 2007, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
(ADEC)certified that the conditions of the general permit comply with the Alaska State Water Quality Standards (Alaska Administrative Code 18 AAC 15, 18 AAC 70, and 18 AAC 72), including the State's antidegradation policy. State of Alaska Coastal Zone Management Act On May 31, 2006, the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Project Management and Permitting agreed with EPA's consistency determination under the Alaska Coastal Zone Management Act. Endangered Species Act EPA has determined that the issuance of the general permit is not likely to adversely affect any threatened or endangered species, designated critical habitat, or essential fish habitat. The National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS)and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) concurred with EPA's determination. Executive Order 12866 EPA has determined that this general permit is not a “significant regulatory action” under the terms of Executive Order 12866 and is therefore not subject to Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)review. Paperwork Reduction Act The information collection requirements of this general permit were previously approved by the OMB under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and assigned OMB control numbers 2040-0086 (NPDES permit application) and 2040-0004 (discharge monitoring reports). Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires that EPA prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis for rules subject to the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553(b) that have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. However, general NPDES permits are not “rules” subject to the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553(b), and is therefore not subject to the RFA. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Section 201 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), Public Law 104-4, generally requires federal agencies to assess the effects of their “regulatory actions” (defined to be the same as “rules” subject to the RFA) on tribal, state, and local governments and the private sector. However, the general permit issued today is not a “rule” subject to the RFA, and is therefore not subject to the UMRA. Appeal of Permit Any interested person may appeal the general permit in the Federal Court of Appeals in accordance with section 509(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1369(b)(1). This appeal must be filed within 120 days of the permit effective date. Persons affected by the permit may not challenge the conditions of the permit in further EPA proceedings (see 40 CFR 124.19). Instead, they may either challenge the permit in court or apply for an individual NPDES permit. Signed this 21st day of May, 2007. Michael F. Gearheard, Director, Office of Water and Watersheds, Region 10. [FR Doc. E7-10456 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Notice of Agreements Filed The Commission hereby gives notice of the filing of the following agreements under the Shipping Act of 1984. Interested parties may submit comments on agreements to the Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573, within ten days of the date this notice appears in the **Federal Register** . Copies of agreements are available through the Commission's Office of Agreements (202-523-5793 or *tradeanalysis@fmc.gov* ). *Agreement No.:* 010979-044. *Title:* Caribbean Shipowners Association. *Parties:* Bernuth Lines, Ltd.; CMA CGM, S.A.; Crowley Liner Services, Inc.; Interline Connection, N.V.; Seaboard Marine, Ltd.; Seafreight Line, Ltd.; Tropical Shipping and Construction Co., Ltd.; and Zim Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd. *Filing Party:* Joe Espinosa, Agreement Administrator; Caribbean Shipowners Association; 101 NE Third Avenue, Suite 1500; Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1181. *Synopsis:* The amendment deletes Hapag-Lloyd AG as a party to the agreement. *Agreement No.:* 012000-001. *Title:* CMA CGM/Maruba Amerigo Express Space Charter Agreement. *Parties:* CMA CGM S.A. (“CMA CGM”) and Maruba S.A. (“Maruba”). *Filing Party:* Paul M. Keane, Esq.; Cichanowicz, Callan, Keane, Vengrow & Textor, LLP; 61 Broadway; Suite 3000; New York, NY 10006-2802. *Synopsis:* The amendment alters language to require the consent of CMA CGM prior to Maruba sub-chartering any slots to third parties. *Agreement No.:* 012002. *Title:* Hyundai/ELJSA Interim Slot Exchange Agreement. *Parties:* Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd. and Evergreen Line Joint Service Agreement. *Filing Party:* Paul M. Keane, Esq.; Cichanowicz, Callan, Keane, Vengrow & Textor, LLP; 61 Broadway, Suite 3000; New York, NY 10006-2802. *Synopsis:* The agreement authorizes the parties to exchange container slots in the trade between U.S. East Coast ports and ports in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Panama. By Order of the Federal Maritime Commission. Dated: May 25, 2007. Bryant L. VanBrakle, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10494 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730-01-P FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Revocations The Federal Maritime Commission hereby gives notice that the following Ocean Transportation Intermediary licenses have been revoked pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. Chapter 409) and the regulations of the Commission pertaining to the licensing of Ocean Transportation Intermediaries, 46 CFR part 515, effective on the corresponding date shown below: *License Number:* 004619NF. *Name:* Amad Corporation dba Amad Shipping dba Amad Forwarding. *Address:* 1402 NW. 82nd Ave., Miami, FL 33126. *Date Revoked:* May 13, 2007. *Reason:* Failed to maintain valid bonds. *License Number:* 012686N. *Name:* Gulf American Line, Inc. *Address:* 330 Snyder Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. *Date Revoked:* May 9, 2007. *Reason:* Failed to maintain a valid bond. *License Number:* 018499N. *Name:* Hye Mi Express U.S.A., Inc. *Address:* 3545 McCall Place, Ste. A, Doraville, GA 30340. *Date Revoked:* May 12, 2007. *Reason:* Failed to maintain a valid bond. *License Number:* 017068F. *Name:* Incare Cargo Service, Inc. *Address:* 8402 Osage Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045. *Date Revoked:* May 11, 2007. *Reason:* Failed to maintain a valid bond. *License Number:* 002769F. *Name:* New York Forwarding Services Inc. *Address:* 330 Snyder Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. *Date Revoked:* May 13, 2007. *Reason:* Failed to maintain a valid bond. *License Number:* 019658F. *Name:* Victor C. Chukwuocha dba Chukwuocha Motors. *Address:* 5015 Lark Creek Court, Sugarland, TX 77479. *Date Revoked:* May 9, 2007. *Reason:* Failed to maintain a valid bond. Sandra L. Kusumoto, Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing. [FR Doc. E7-10495 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730-01-P FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Rescission of Order of Revocations Notice is hereby given that the Order revoking the following license is being rescinded by the Federal Maritime Commission pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. chapter 409) and the regulations of the Commission pertaining to the licensing of Ocean Transportation Intermediaries, 46 CFR part 515. *License Number:* 016783N. *Name:* C & A Shipping, Inc. *Address:* 100 Menlo Park, Suite 326, Edison, NJ 08827. *Order Published:* FR: 04/25/07 (Volume 72, No. 79, Pg. 0549). Sandra L. Kusumoto, Director, Bureau of Certification and Licensing. [FR Doc. E7-10518 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730-01-P FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Applicants Notice is hereby given that the following applicants have filed with the Federal Maritime Commission an application for license as a Non-Vessel—Operating Common Carrier and Ocean Freight Forwarder—Ocean Transportation Intermediary pursuant to section 19 of the Shipping Act of 1984 as amended (46 U.S.C. Chapter 409 and 46 CFR part 515). Persons knowing of any reason why the following applicants should not receive a license are requested to contact the Office of Transportation Intermediaries, Federal Maritime Commission, Washington, DC 20573. Non-Vessel—Operating Common Carrier Ocean Transportation Intermediary Applicants Henry's Leads Inc. dba Henry's Ocean Freight, 7102 Drew Hill Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Officers: Qiang Fu, President (Qualifying Individual), Lixin Bai, Vice President. Transworld Logistics, LLC, 1720 S. Norfolk Lane, Anaheim, CA 92802. Officers: Tahnee Kang, President (Qualifying Individual), Myung Hui Huh, Operating Manager. H Shipping, Inc. dba Pumyang Worldwide Shipping, 15934 S. Figueroa Street, Gardena, CA 90248. Officer: Hyun Chul Lee, President (Qualifying Individual). Newport Container Line, Inc., 5250 W. Century Blvd., Suite 602, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Officers: Mohammed Baki, Vice President (Qualifying Individual). Patrick Kwok, President/CEO. Non-Vessel—Operating Common Carrier and Ocean Freight Forwarder Transportation Intermediary Applicants Aegis International, Inc., 23 Serenity Court, Southampton, NJ 08088. Officers: Charles E. Godfrey, President (Qualifying Individual), Sandra C. Shaw, Secretary. Tramex Corporation, 7270 NW 35 Terrace, Suite #202, Miami, FL 33122. Officers: Cesar Lizarzaburu, President (Qualifying Individual), Ana Maria Lizarzaburu, Secretary. Gold Coast Shipping, LLC, 2964 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120. Officer: Micheal A. Wiafe, President (Qualifying Individual). Integrated Freight Solutions, Inc., 851 Hinckley Road, Burlingame, CA 94010. Officers: Mark Taro Yamasaki, Secretary (Qualifying Individual), Henry Lung, President. Ocean Freight Forwarder—Ocean Transportation Intermediary Applicants Seastar International, LLC, 46 Country Club Blvd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. Officer: Ying Zhao, Owner (Qualifying Individual). First Class Exporters, 1147 Willing Ham Drive, East Point, GA 30344. Officers: Frank Obeng, Partner (Qualifying Individual), Elizabeth Lowe, Partner. Dated: May 25, 2007. Bryant L. VanBrakle, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-10498 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730-01-P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies The companies listed in this notice have applied to the Board for approval, pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 *et seq.* ) (BHC Act), Regulation Y (12 CFR Part 225), and all other applicable statutes and regulations to become a bank holding company and/or to acquire the assets or the ownership of, control of, or the power to vote shares of a bank or bank holding company and all of the banks and nonbanking companies owned by the bank holding company, including the companies listed below. The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The application also will be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(c)). If the proposal also involves the acquisition of a nonbanking company, the review also includes whether the acquisition of the nonbanking company complies with the standards in section 4 of the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1843). Unless otherwise noted, nonbanking activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Additional information on all bank holding companies may be obtained from the National Information Center website at *www.ffiec.gov/nic/* . Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than June 25, 2007. **A. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond** (A. Linwood Gill, III, Vice President) 701 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23261-4528: *1. LSB Bancshares, Inc.* , Lexington, North Carolina; to merge with FNB Financial Services Corporation, Greensboro, North Carolina, and thereby indirectly acquire FNB Southeast, Reidsville, North Carolina. **B. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City** (Donna J. Ward, Assistant Vice President) 925 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64198-0001: *1. FSB Bancshares, Inc.* ; to become a bank holding company by acquiring 100 percent of the voting shares of First Security Bank and Trust Company, both in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. **C. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas** (W. Arthur Tribble, Vice President) 2200 North Pearl Street, Dallas, Texas 75201-2272: *1. Providence Bancshares Corporation* ; to become a bank holding company by acquiring 100 percent of the voting shares of Providence Bank of Texas, both of Southlake, Texas (in organization). **D. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco** (Tracy Basinger, Director, Regional and Community Bank Group) 101 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94105-1579: *1. First Community Holdings* ; to become a bank holding company by acquiring 100 percent of the voting shares of First Community Bank, both of Santa Rosa, California. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, May 25, 2007. Jennifer J. Johnson, Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. E7-10423 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies The companies listed in this notice have applied to the Board for approval, pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 *et seq.* ) (BHC Act), Regulation Y (12 CFR Part 225), and all other applicable statutes and regulations to become a bank holding company and/or to acquire the assets or the ownership of, control of, or the power to vote shares of a bank or bank holding company and all of the banks and nonbanking companies owned by the bank holding company, including the companies listed below. The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The application also will be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(c)). If the proposal also involves the acquisition of a nonbanking company, the review also includes whether the acquisition of the nonbanking company complies with the standards in section 4 of the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1843). Unless otherwise noted, nonbanking activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Additional information on all bank holding companies may be obtained from the National Information Center Web site at *www.ffiec.gov/nic/* . Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than June 11, 2007. **A. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City** (Donna J. Ward, Assistant Vice President) 925 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64198-0001: *1. BOK Financial Corporation* , Tulsa, Oklahoma; to acquire 100 percent of the voting shares of United Banks of Colorado, Inc., and thereby indirectly acquire First United Bank National Association, both of Englewood, Colorado. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, May 25, 2007. Jennifer J. Johnson, Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. E7-10437 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-S FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM [Docket No. OP-1288] Home Equity Lending Market; Notice of Hearings AGENCY: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. ACTION: Public hearing; request for comment. SUMMARY: Section 158 of the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA) 1 directs the Board to hold public hearings periodically on the home equity lending market and the adequacy of existing regulatory and legislative provisions (including HOEPA) in protecting the interests of consumers. Consequently, as previously announced, the Board will hold a hearing on the home equity lending market and invites the public to attend and to comment on the issues that will be the focus of the hearing. Additional information about the hearing will be posted to the Board's Web site at *http://www.federalreserve.gov.* 1 Pub. L. 103-325, 108 Stat. 2160. DATES: The date of the hearing is June 14, 2007. *Comments.* Comments from persons unable to attend the hearing or otherwise wishing to submit written views on the issues raised in this notice must be received by August 15, 2007. ADDRESSES: The location of the hearing is: The Federal Reserve Board, 20th and C Streets, NW., Washington, DC 20551, in the Martin Building, Terrace Level, Dining Room E. You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. OP-1288, by any of the following methods: • Agency Web Site: *http://www.federalreserve.gov* . Follow the instructions for submitting comments at *http://www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm* . • Federal eRulemaking Portal: *http://www.regulations.gov* . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: *regs.comments@federalreserve.gov* . Include the docket number in the subject line of the message. • Fax:
(202)452-3819 or
(202)452-3102. • Mail: Address to Jennifer J. Johnson, Secretary, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20551. All public comments will be made available on the Board's Web site at *http://www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/foia/ProposedRegs.cfm* as submitted, unless modified for technical reasons. Accordingly, comments will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact information. Public comments may also be viewed electronically or in paper in Room MP-500 of the Board's Martin Building (20th and C Streets, NW.) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen C. Ryan, Counsel, or Paul Mondor, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, DC 20551, at
(202)452-2412 or
(202)452-3667. For users of Telecommunications Device for the Deaf
(TDD)only, contact
(202)263-4869. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background 1. HOEPA In 1994, the Congress enacted the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) as an amendment to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), in response to testimony about predatory home equity lending practices in underserved markets, where some lenders were making high-rate, high-fee home equity loans to cash-poor homeowners. HOEPA identifies a class of high-cost mortgage loans based on the loans' rates and fees. Loans above HOEPA's price triggers require additional disclosures and are subject to substantive restrictions on loan terms. HOEPA is implemented by the Board's Regulation Z (12 CFR 226.32 and 34). Section 158 of HOEPA also directs the Board to hold public hearings periodically on the home equity lending market and the adequacy of existing regulatory and legislative provisions for protecting the interests of consumers, particularly low-income consumers. Hearings were held in 1997, 2000, and 2006. Following the 2000 hearings and the receipt of public comment, the Board amended the provisions of Regulation Z that implement HOEPA. These revisions included extending HOEPA's coverage to more loans, enhancing disclosures for HOEPA loans, and expanding its substantive restrictions. The revisions took effect in October 2002. In addition to the Board's general grant of rulewriting authority under HOEPA, Section 129(l)(2) of HOEPA also confers regulatory authority on the Board to prohibit acts or practices: • *In connection with mortgage loans* —if the Board finds the practice to be unfair, deceptive, or designed to evade HOEPA; and • *In connection with refinancings of mortgage loans* —if the Board finds that the practice is associated with abusive lending practices or otherwise not in the interest of the borrower. 2. The Board's 2006 Hearings The Board's most recent hearings under HOEPA covered three broad topics:
(1)The impact of the 2002 HOEPA rule changes and state and local predatory lending laws on predatory lending practices;
(2)nontraditional mortgage products and reverse mortgages; and
(3)informed consumer choice in the subprime market. Hearing panelists included mortgage lenders and brokers, credit ratings agencies, realtors, consumer advocates, community development groups, housing counselors, academicians, researchers, and state and Federal Government officials. Consumer advocates and some state officials stated that HOEPA (and state predatory lending laws) are generally effective in preventing loans with abusive terms from being made for loans subject to the HOEPA price triggers. Some advocated that Congress should lower HOEPA's coverage triggers so that more loans are subject to HOEPA. Consumer advocates and state officials urged regulators and Congress to take action to curb abusive practices for loans that do not meet HOEPA's price triggers. Consumer advocates urged the Board to prohibit or restrict certain loan features or terms, such as prepayment penalties, and underwriting practices such as “stated income” or “low documentation” (“low doc”) loans where the borrower's income is not documented or verified. They also expressed concern about aggressive marketing practices that include steering borrowers to higher-cost loans by emphasizing initial low monthly payments based on an introductory rate without adequately explaining that the consumer will have considerably higher monthly payments after the introductory rate expires. Finally, some consumer advocates stated that brokers and lenders should be held to a fiduciary standard such as a duty of good faith and fair dealing or a requirement that they make only loans that are suitable for a particular borrower. Industry panelists and commenters, on the other hand, expressed concern that HOEPA may reduce the availability of credit for some subprime borrowers. They stated that state predatory lending laws may also reduce credit availability. Most industry commenters opposed prohibitions on stated income loans, prepayment penalties, and other loan terms, asserting that these features could benefit some borrowers. They urged the Board and other regulators to focus instead on enforcing existing laws to remove “bad actors” from the market. Some lenders indicated, however, that carefully constructed reasonable restrictions on certain loan features or practices might be appropriate if the conditions were clear and would not unduly reduce credit availability. Fiduciary responsibilities would, in industry's view, create conflicts for lenders, who are responsible to their shareholders. Industry commenters also stated that subjective suitability standards would create uncertainties for brokers and lenders and subject them to litigation risk. II. Information About the Board's 2007 Hearing The June 14th hearing is open to the public to attend. Seating will be limited, however. All visitors must register at least 24 hours in advance for security purposes and may access the Board's online registration service at *https://www.federalreserve.gov/secure/forms/hoeparegistration.cfm.* Further information about the hearing, as it becomes available, will be posted on the Board's Web site at *http://www.federalreserve.gov.* The hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. (EST). The Board will invite persons to participate in panel discussions on the topics discussed below. In addition to the panel discussions, the Board intends to reserve about one hour after the conclusion of the panels, at 3 p.m., to permit interested parties other than those on the panels to make brief statements. To allow as many persons as possible to offer their views during this period, oral statements will be limited to three minutes or less; written statements of any length may be submitted for the record. Interested parties who wish to participate during this “open-mike” period may contact the Board in advance of the hearing date at the telephone numbers provided in this notice, to facilitate planning for this portion of the hearings. III. 2007 Hearing Discussion and Request for Comment This hearing will examine how the Board might use its rulemaking authority under section 129(l)(2) of HOEPA to address concerns about abusive lending practices in the mortgage market, including the subprime mortgage market. The purpose of the hearing is to enable the Board to gather information to evaluate whether it can address issues about predatory lending in a way that preserves incentives for responsible lenders to provide credit to borrowers, particularly subprime borrowers. The Board solicits comment on whether it should use its rulemaking authority to address concerns about the loan terms or practices listed below, and any others that commenters identify. Commenters are requested to discuss whether these terms or practices are associated with unfairness or deception, evasion of HOEPA, abusive lending, or are not otherwise in the interest of borrowers. In addition, commenters are requested to address whether the term or practice should be prohibited or restricted for all mortgage loans, only for loans offered to subprime borrowers, or other subsets of loans such as loans to first-time homebuyers, home purchase loans, or refinancings and home equity loans; only certain products, such as adjustable rate mortgages or nontraditional mortgages. 2 Comment is also requested on the effectiveness of state laws that have prohibited or restricted the practices listed below (and others) and whether the Board should consider adopting similar regulations to curb abuses without restricting access to responsible mortgage lending. 2 Nontraditional mortgage products are mortgage loans that allow borrowers to defer repayment of principal and, sometimes, interest. They include interest-only loans and “payment option” ARMs where a borrower has flexible payment options with the potential for negative amortization. A. *Prepayment penalties.* Consumer advocates state that prepayment penalties deter a consumer from refinancing the loan on more favorable terms and that consumers do not receive any benefit in return. Consumer advocates are also concerned about prepayment penalties that extend beyond the expiration of an introductory or teaser rate on an ARM, which deter consumers from refinancing to avoid payment shock when the rate resets. Consequently, some consumer advocates recommend that penalties be banned or restricted for such loans. According to industry representatives, however, prepayment penalties ensure a minimum return on the transaction if loans are paid off early. Industry representatives also state that consumers receive, in return, a benefit in the form of lower up-front costs or lower interest rates. The Board requests comment on the following questions related to prepayment penalties: • Should prepayment penalties be restricted? For example, should prepayment penalties that extend beyond the first adjustment period on an ARM be prohibited? • Would enhanced disclosure of prepayment penalties help address concerns about abuses? • How would a prohibition or restriction on prepayment penalties affect consumers and the type and terms of credit offered? B. *Escrow for taxes and insurance on subprime loans.* Loans to prime borrowers typically include an escrow for taxes and insurance, while loans to subprime borrowers typically do not include escrows. Consumer advocates are concerned that subprime borrowers are not aware of, and may not be able to budget for, these expenses. They are also concerned that lenders quote monthly payments to subprime borrowers that do not include taxes and insurance, and these borrowers do not realize that they will have to budget separately for these obligations. The Board requests comment on the following questions related to escrows for taxes and insurance: • Should escrows for taxes and insurance be required for subprime mortgage loans? If escrows were to be required, should consumers be permitted to “opt out” of escrows? • Should lenders be required to disclose the absence of escrows to consumers and if so, at what point during a transaction? Should lenders be required to disclose an estimate of the consumer's tax and insurance obligations? • How would escrow requirements affect consumers and the type and terms of credit offered? C. “ *Stated income” or “low doc” loans.* In some cases a lender will make a mortgage loan without documenting or verifying a borrower's income; lenders may charge higher rates for such loans. Lenders state that these loans are appropriate for many borrowers, including those who are self-employed and cannot easily document their income or who choose not to. Consumer advocates state that many borrowers who could document their income are not aware that they are getting a stated income loan with a higher rate. They state that some brokers and lenders use “stated income” or “low doc” loans to perpetrate fraud (e.g., the consumer's income is falsified or “marked up” by a broker or loan officer and is not verified by the lender). Concerns have also been raised about the use of stated income loans with other “risk layering features” such as second-lien loans for all or part of the consumer's downpayment. The Board requests comment on the following questions related to stated income and low doc loans: • Should stated income or low doc loans be prohibited for certain loans, such as loans to subprime borrowers? • Should stated income or low doc loans be prohibited for higher-risk loans, for example, for loans with high loan-to-value ratios? • How would a restriction on stated income or low doc loans affect consumers and the type and terms of credit offered? • Should lenders be required to disclose to the consumer that a stated income loan is being offered and allow the consumer the option to document income? D. *Unaffordable loans.* Consumer advocates state that some lenders extend loans without adequately considering the borrower's ability to repay the loan. For example, lenders may qualify borrowers based on an ARM's introductory rate and not at the fully-indexed rate that will apply once the introductory rate expires. Lenders state that it is appropriate to make such loans in certain circumstances, for example, where the borrower is likely to be able to refinance the loan at a lower rate before the reset date. Other circumstances include those in which borrowers expect to sell their home within a few years, or expect a significant decrease in their monthly obligations or a significant increase in income, such as a borrower who is completing professional training. Because loans are frequently sold to purchasers who generally cannot be held liable for the loan originator's actions, and because the risk of default is spread out among investors in loan pools, some consumer advocates believe that there is insufficient accountability for making loans that consumers cannot repay. Recently the Board and the other banking and thrift regulators issued guidance on underwriting nontraditional mortgage products. The guidance provides that: An institution's analysis of a borrower's repayment capacity should include an evaluation of their ability to repay the debt by final maturity at the fully indexed rate, assuming a fully amortizing repayment schedule. In addition, for products that permit negative amortization, the repayment analysis should be based upon the initial loan amount plus any balance increase that may accrue from the negative amortization provision. 71 FR 58609, 58614 (Oct. 4, 2006) (footnotes omitted). Some have urged that lenders should be required to underwrite *all* mortgage loans based on a fully-indexed rate and a fully amortizing payment. Some have also advocated a rebuttable presumption that a borrower cannot afford to repay a loan if the borrower's debt-to-income ratio exceeds 50 percent and that such loans should be prohibited by regulation. The Board requests comment on the following questions: • Should lenders be required to underwrite all loans based on the fully-indexed rate and fully amortizing payments? • Should there be a rebuttable presumption that a loan is unaffordable if the borrower's debt-to-income ratio exceeds 50 percent (at loan origination)? • Are there specific consumer disclosures that would help address concerns about unaffordable loans? • How would such provisions affect consumers and the type and terms of credit offered? By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, May 24, 2007. Jennifer J. Johnson, Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. E7-10395 Filed 5-30-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210-01-P FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD Employee Thrift Advisory Council Sunshine Act Meeting Time and Date: 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), June 12, 2007. Place: 4th Floor, Conference Room, 1250 H Street, NW., Washington, DC. Status: Open. Matters To Be Considered: 1. Approval of the minutes of the February 7, 2007 meeting. 2. Nomination of Council Chairman and election of Vice Chairman. 3. Report of the Executive Director on Thrift Savings Plan Status. 4. Discussion of three potential FRTIB legislative proposals (automatic enrollment, L Fund default investments, Roth feature). 5. Other proposals. 6. New business. Contact Person For More Information: Thomas K. Emswiler, Committee Management Officer,
(202)942-1660. Dated: May 25, 2007. Thomas K. Emswiler, General Counsel, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. [FR Doc. 07-2703 Filed 5-29-07; 9:44 am]
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Traces to 31 documents
U.S. Code
- Definitions§ 6291
- Requirements of manufacturers§ 6296
- Energy conservation standards§ 6295
- International voluntary agreements§ 6272
- Projects not affecting navigable waters; necessity for Federal license, permit or right-of-way; unauthorized activities§ 817
- Declaration of policy; application of subchapter§ 824
- Short title§ 791a
- Transfers from Department of the Interior§ 7152
- New projects; sale of water and electric power; lease of power privileges§ 485h
- Sale of electric power from reservoir projects; rate schedules; preference in sale; construction of transmission lines; disposition of moneys§ 825s
- Congressional declaration of purpose§ 4321
- Purposes§ 3501
- Congressional declaration of goals and policy§ 1251
- Ocean discharge criteria§ 1343
- National pollutant discharge elimination system§ 1342
- Certification§ 1341
- Definitions§ 601
- Rule making§ 553
- Administrative procedure and judicial review§ 1369
- Definitions§ 1841
- Acquisition of bank shares or assets§ 1842
- Interests in nonbanking organizations§ 1843
statutes-at-large
CFR
register
18 references not yet in our index
- 10 CFR 430
- 10 CFR 430.62
- Pub. L. 92-463
- 18 CFR 157
- 16 USC 791a-825r
- 10 CFR 903
- 10 CFR 1021
- 5 CFR 1320.12
- 5 CFR 1320.8(d)
- 40 CFR 9
- 40 CFR 63
- 40 CFR 435
- Pub. L. 104-4
- 40 CFR 124.19
- 46 CFR 515
- 12 CFR 225
- Pub. L. 103-325
- 108 Stat. 2160
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Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval; public comment request
Cite10 CFR 430
Cite10 CFR 430.62
Pub. L.Pub. L. 92-463
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