# 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Seismic Safety of New Building Construction; OMB Control No.: 0572-0099
**AGENCY:**
Rural Utilities Service (RUS), USDA.
**ACTION:**
Notice; request for comments.
**SUMMARY:**
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its' intention to request an extension of a currently approved information collection and invites comments on this information collection.
**DATES:**
Comments on this notice must be received by October 20, 2025 to be assured of consideration.
**ADDRESSES:**
Comments may be submitted by the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to *http://www.regulations.gov* and, in the “Search Field” box, labeled “Search for Rules, Proposed Rules, Notices, or Supporting Documents,” enter the following docket number: (RUS-25-ELECTRIC-0168). To submit or view public comments, click the “Search” button, select the “Documents” tab, then select the following document title: (Seismic Safety of New Building Construction) from the “Search Results,” and select the “Comment” button. Before inputting your comments, you may also review the “Commenter's Checklist” (optional). Insert your comments under the “Comment” title, click “Browse” to attach files (if available). Input your email address and select “Submit Comment.”
Information on using *Regulations.gov* , including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's “FAQ” link.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Kimble Brown, Rural Development Innovation Center—Regulations Management Division, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Email *[email protected].*
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) requires that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies the following information collection that RUS is submitting to OMB as extension to an existing collection with Agency adjustment.
*Title:* 7 CFR Part 1792, Subpart C—Seismic Safety of New Building Construction.
*OMB Control Number:* 0572-0099.
*Expiration Date of Approval:* January 31, 2026.
*Type of Request:* Revision of a currently approved information collection.
*Estimate of Burden:* Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.8 hours per response.
*Respondents:* Not-for-profit institutions and other businesses.
*Estimated Number of Respondents:* 10.
*Estimated Annual Number of Responses:* 10.
*Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:* 1.
*Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:* 8.
*Abstract:* The Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 was enacted to reduce risks to life and property through the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is designated as the agency with the primary responsibility to plan and coordinate the NEHRP. This program includes the development and implementation of feasible design and construction methods to make structures earthquake resistant.
Title 7 Part 1792, Subpart C, Seismic Safety of Federally assisted New Building Construction, identifies acceptable seismic standards which must be employed in new building construction funded by loans, grants, or guarantees made by RUS or the Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) or through lien accommodations or subordinations approved by RUS or RTB. This subpart implements and explains the provisions of the loan contract utilized by the RUS for both electric and telecommunications borrowers and by the RTB for its telecommunications borrowers requiring construction certifications affirming compliance with the standards.
*Comments are invited on:*
(a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information 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 collection of information on respondents, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record.
Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Kimble Brown, Rural Development Innovation Center—Regulations Management Division, at Email: *[email protected].*
All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.
Karl Elmshaeuser,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.