SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In accordance with the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), all information collections require approval under the PRA. We may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we invite the public and other Federal agencies to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.

We are especially interested in public comments addressing the following:

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

(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) How the agency could minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information (PII) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your PII, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Abstract: This collection enables the BLM to learn the extent and qualities of Federal coal resources; evaluate the environmental impacts of coal leasing and development; determine the qualifications of prospective lessees to acquire and hold Federal coal leases; and ensure lessee compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and lease terms and conditions. OMB Control Number 1004-0073 is currently scheduled to expire on February 28. 2027. The BLM plans to request that OMB extend this OMB control number for an additional three (3) years.

Title of Collection: Coal Management (43 CFR part 3400).

OMB Control Number: 1004-0073.

Form Numbers: 3440-001—Application and License to Mine Coal (Free Use) and Form 3400-012—Coal Lease.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: Applicants for, and holders of, coal exploration licenses; applicants/bidders for, and holders of, coal leases; applicants for, and holders of, licenses to mine coal; and surface owners and State and tribal governments whose lands overlie coal deposits. ( printed page 53892)

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 1,017.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 1,017.

Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 1 to 800 hours.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 19,897.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.

Frequency of Collection: On occasion.

Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: $943,463

The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).