The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a final rule to adjust its civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for inflation, following the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 and its 2015 amendments. This adjustment ensures the penalties remain effective deterrents by increasing them to the maximum level prescribed by the law. The updated penalties use a multiplier, based on the Consumer Price Index, to calculate the rise for the year 2025. These changes will apply to violations assessed after the rule's effective date of December 27, 2024.
Simple Explanation
The Department of Energy is making some fines bigger to keep up with money changes over time, like when toys cost more as we get older. These new, adjusted fines will start happening after December 27, 2024, to help make sure people follow the rules.