05-13516. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

July 5, 2005.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) 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; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 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 should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Title: Endangered Species Regulations and Forfeiture Procedures.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0076.

Summary of Collection: The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1513 et seq.) directs Federal departments to utilize their authorities under the Act to conserve endangered and threatened species. Section 3 of the Act specifies that the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to promulgate such regulations as may be appropriate to enforce the Act. The regulations contained in 7 CFR part 355 are intended to carry out the provisions of the Act. The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division of USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for implementing these regulations. Specifically, Section 9 (d) of the Act authorizes 7 CFR 355.11, which requires a general permit to engage in the business of importing or exporting terrestrial plants listed in 50 CFR parts 17 and 23. APHIS will collect information using several PPQ forms.

Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information on the applicant's name and address, whether the applicant is affiliated with a business, and the address of all the applicant's business locations in order for the applicant to obtain a general permit. Upon approval of the permit, any endangered species shipped via mail must be sent to an authorized port of entry and must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 1,400.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; reporting: on occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 4,738.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.