This rule is designed to save authorized state, tribe, or territorial NPDES programs considerable resources, make reporting easier for NPDES-regulated entities, streamline permit renewals, ensure full exchange of NPDES data between states and EPA to the public, improve better environmental decision-making, and to protect human health and the environment. This rule changes the mode by which NPDES information is transmitted, by requiring that NPDES-regulated entities electronically submit the following permit and compliance monitoring information instead of using paper reports: Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs); Notices of Intent (NOIs) and similar notices to discharge in compliance with a NPDES general permit; and a variety of currently-required NPDES program reports. Authorized NPDES programs will also electronically submit NPDES program data to EPA to ensure that there is consistent and complete reporting nationwide, and to expedite the collection and processing of the data, thereby making it more accurate and timely. Importantly, while the rule changes the method by which information is provided (i.e., electronic rather than paper-based), it does not change the amount of information required from NPDES regulated entities facilities under existing federal regulations. EPA anticipates that the rule will save significant resources for states, tribes, and territories as well as EPA and NPDES permittees, while resulting in a more complete, accurate, and nationally-consistent set of data about the NPDES program, and improving transparency of the NPDES program.