Search Results for keywords:"Energy Conservation Standards"

The Department of Energy (DOE) has withdrawn a proposed rule that aimed to change energy conservation standards for consumer boilers, which was originally published on August 14, 2023. This decision follows considerable feedback from various stakeholders and takes into account the upcoming change in administration and the resources required for further review. The DOE still supports the concept of updated energy conservation standards but has chosen to halt this specific rulemaking process for now. They may propose similar standards in the future, ensuring any new rule would still follow public notice and comment requirements.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to update energy conservation standards for battery chargers. Originally published on March 15, 2023, the proposal suggested changes like maximum energy usage limits but was met with mixed feedback. Some supported the energy savings and environmental benefits, while others raised concerns about impacts on manufacturers and the basis for the standards. Due to the volume of feedback, the change in administration, and the resources required, DOE chose not to move forward with this rule for now but may revisit it in the future with updated data and opinions.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule regarding energy conservation standards for fans and blowers. Initially published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2024, the rule aimed to set new standards for air circulating fans and general fans and blowers. The withdrawal follows significant feedback from various stakeholders, and DOE concluded it would not be efficient to finalize these standards at this point. However, DOE may revisit and propose similar standards in the future, considering new data and public input.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. These changes aim to significantly reduce energy consumption, are technologically feasible, and economically justified. Starting March 24, 2025, the new standards will be in effect, requiring compliance by January 22, 2029. The department predicts considerable energy savings and reduced emissions resulting from these updated standards.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed the withdrawal of separate “short-cycle” product classes for dishwashers, residential clothes washers, and consumer clothes dryers. The DOE concluded that such features do not justify different energy conservation standards because they can comply with existing standards using current technologies. This decision follows a Fifth Circuit Court's remand, requiring the DOE to explore other alternatives rather than simply revoking these product classes. The DOE's analysis found that current standards do not prevent manufacturers from designing appliances with short-cycle features that meet energy conservation requirements, ensuring consumers retain desired utility.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking comments to help improve its procedures for setting energy conservation standards for consumer products and certain commercial equipment. This request is part of the implementation of the Executive Order "Unleashing American Energy" and aims to ensure consistency with recent directives while meeting statutory obligations. The DOE is encouraging feedback on various topics, including safeguarding consumer choice, reducing regulatory burdens, promoting market competition, and analyzing the costs and benefits of regulations. Comments are due by June 2, 2025, and can be submitted online, via email, or by mail.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a final interpretive rule regarding energy conservation standards for products like residential furnaces and commercial water heaters. The rule states that non-condensing technology and its associated venting is considered a "feature" that must be preserved under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). This decision comes after public comments and aims to prevent eliminating this technology through energy-saving regulations. This interpretation may limit potential energy savings but allows consumers more choices and prevents unnecessary building modifications. The DOE also withdrew previous proposals on energy conservation standards that were inconsistent with this interpretation.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to withdraw previously proposed energy conservation rules for residential furnaces and commercial water heaters. This decision follows a final interpretive rule stating that non-condensing technology is a key performance feature under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which should not be eliminated. The withdrawal is in response to a petition from several gas industry associations, who argued the proposed rules would make non-condensing products unavailable. Consequently, the DOE is reconsidering its approach in line with the new interpretation.

The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule to fix errors in energy conservation standards and test procedures for various consumer products and industrial equipment. These corrections, which are technical and typographical in nature, do not change the substance of any rules or affect the conclusions previously reached. The document covers various appliances like water heaters, air conditioners, and pumps, and aims to resolve discrepancies that could mislead stakeholders. The effective date for these corrections is January 21, 2025, and they will ensure clarity and consistency in compliance and reporting.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has delayed the start date of a rule that changes energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. Originally set to begin earlier, the new start date for this rule is March 21, 2025. This delay allows for further review of the rule as directed by a presidential memo. The DOE is also inviting public comments on the potential impacts of this delay and any related issues, although the final compliance dates for these standards remain unchanged.