The Environmental Protection Agency Needs To Better Control Its Growing Paperwork Burden on the Public
GGD-81-40
Published: May 15, 1981. Publicly Released: May 22, 1981.
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Highlights
GAO was requested to examine the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) paperwork management program and policies. Because of recent environmental legislation and program changes, the EPA requirements for information from the public are expected to increase dramatically. Until the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, the Federal Reports Act of 1942 provided the foundation for controlling the federal government's paperwork burden on the public. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must clear the reporting requirements proposed by most agencies including EPA.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Management and Budget | The Director of OMB should revise OMB Circular A-40 to encourage use of pretests, especially for complex reporting requirements. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator of EPA should direct the clearance officer to periodically evaluate the practical utility of EPA reporting requirements. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator of EPA should direct the Office of the Inspector General to make periodic management audits of the efficacy of paperwork controls throughout the agency. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator of EPA should change wastewater discharge permits for minor dischargers so that reporting schedules are consistent with EPA capability to use the information. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator of EPA should change the requirements for the declaration form for imported motor vehicles and engines so that the form would apply only in those cases where the import is not in compliance with the applicable emission requirements, or when a Customs Service inspection reveals a possible violation of the requirements. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator of EPA should provide the support necessary for those responsible for implementing the Paperwork Reduction Act to: (1) maintain centralized control over the reporting requirements imposed by the agency; (2) oversee the preparation and submission of clearance requests for all requirements that meet the clearance criteria; and (3) evaluate the technical quality of all proposed information collection plans and related questionnaires. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
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Topics
Federal records managementNoncompliancePollution controlReporting requirementsPaperwork reductionEnvironmental protectionMotor vehiclesWastewaterData collectionLicenses