E9-22134. Division of Coal Mine Workers Compensation; Proposed Extension of the Approval of Information Collection Requirements

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation is soliciting comments concerning its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the Information Collection: Notice of Issuance of Insurance Policy (CM-921). A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this Notice.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addresses section below on or before November 16, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Mr. Steven D. Lawrence, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone [phone], fax [phone], e-mail [e-mail]. Please use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or e-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

I. Background

The Black Lung Benefits Act as amended, and codified at 30 U.S.C. 933, requires that a responsible coal mine operator be insured and outlines the items each contract of insurance must contain. It also enumerates the civil penalties to which a responsible coal mine operator is subject, should these procedures not be followed. In addition, 20 CFR Part V, Subpart C, 726.208-.213 requires that each insurance carrier shall report to Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC) each policy and endorsement issued, cancelled, or renewed with respect to responsible operators. It states that this report will be made in such a manner and on such a form as DCMWC may require. It is also required that if a policy is issued or renewed for more than one operator, a separate report for each operator shall be submitted.

This information collection is currently approved for use through April 30, 2010.

II. Review Focus

The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments that:

* Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

* Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

* Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

* Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

III. Current Actions

The Department of Labor seeks approval for the extension of this information collection in order to insure the responsible coal mine operator be insured and outlines the items each contract of insurance must contain.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation

Title: Notice of Issuance of Insurance Policy (CM-921)

OMB Number: 1215-0059

Affected Public: Private Sector; Survivor Compensation.

Total Respondents: 3,800.

Total Annual responses: 3,800.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 635.

Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.

Frequency: Annually.

Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.

Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $1,976.0

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: September 10, 2009.

Steven D. Lawrence,

Acting Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, Division of Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration and Planning.