Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Computer and Battery Backup Systems, 41656-41658 [2014-16828]

Download as PDF 41656 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 137 / Thursday, July 17, 2014 / Proposed Rules Fever tick. Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus microplus, and any other species of tick determined by the Administrator to be a vector of bovine babesiosis and specified on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/ portal/aphis/ourfocus/importexport. * * * * * § 93.423 [Amended] 3. In § 93.423, paragraph (c) is amended by removing the words ‘‘splenetic, southern, or tick fever’’ and adding the words ‘‘bovine babesiosis’’ in their place. ■ 4. In § 93.427, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows: ■ § 93.427 Mexico. Cattle and other bovines from pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS * * * * * (b)(1) Cattle from regions of Mexico that APHIS has determined to be free from fever ticks. APHIS has evaluated certain regions of Mexico in accordance with § 92.2 of this chapter, and determined that they are free from fever ticks; a list of all such regions is found on the Internet https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ ourfocus/importexport. Copies of the list are also available by contacting APHIS at the following address: Regionalization Evaluation Services, National Import Export Services, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737. Regions may be removed from the list based on a determination by APHIS that fever ticks exist in the region, on the discovery of tick-infested cattle from the region at a port of entry into the United States, or on information provided by a representative of the government of that region that fever ticks exist in the region. Cattle from regions of Mexico that APHIS has determined to be free from fever ticks may be imported into the United States subject to the following conditions: (i) The cattle are accompanied by a certificate issued in accordance with § 93.405 that states that the cattle originate from a region of Mexico that APHIS has determined to be free from fever ticks. (ii) If the cattle will transit to the United States through an area of Mexico that APHIS has not determined to be free from fever ticks, they are moved in a sealed means of conveyance, and that seal remains intact throughout such transit. (iii) The cattle are presented for entry into the United States at a land border port of entry listed in § 93.403(c). (iv) The cattle are segregated at the U.S. port of entry from cattle from VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:57 Jul 16, 2014 Jkt 232001 regions of Mexico that APHIS has not determined to be free from fever ticks. (v) The importer, or his or her agent, executes and delivers to the inspector at the port of entry an application for inspection or supervised dipping. In this application, the importer, or his or her agent, waive all claims against the United States for any loss or damage to the cattle occasioned by or resulting from inspection or dipping or from the fact that the cattle are later found still to be tick infested, and for any loss or damage to any other cattle in the importer’s possession or control that come in contact with the dipped cattle. (vi) The cattle are either inspected by an APHIS inspector at the port of entry for evidence of tick infestation or are treated with a tickicidal dip that is listed in § 72.13 of this chapter under the supervision of an inspector at the port of entry. (vii) If any cattle are determined to be infested with fever ticks, the lot of cattle is refused entry and may only be imported into the United States subject to the requirements in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (2) Cattle from regions of Mexico that APHIS has not determined to be free from fever ticks. Cattle from regions of Mexico that APHIS has not determined to be free from fever ticks may only be imported into the United States subject to the following conditions: (i) The cattle have been inspected by a veterinarian in Mexico and, in the determination of the veterinarian, are free from fever ticks and all evidence of communicable diseases, and have not been exposed to communicable diseases, other than bovine babesiosis, during the 60 days prior to movement to a port of entry into the United States. (ii) The cattle have been treated in Mexico with a tickicidal dip that is listed in § 72.13 of this chapter within 7 to 14 days before being offered for entry into the United States. (iii) The cattle are accompanied by a certificate issued in accordance with § 93.405 that states that this inspection and dipping have occurred. (iv) The cattle are presented for entry into the United States at the port of entry at Santa Teresa, NM, or a port of entry within Texas that is listed in § 93.403(c). (v) The importer, or his or her agent, executes and delivers to the inspector at the port of entry an application for inspection and supervised dipping. In this application, the importer, or his or her agent, agrees to waive all claims against the United States for any loss or damage to the cattle occasioned by or resulting from this dipping or from the fact that the cattle are later found to still PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 be infested with ticks, and for any loss or damage to any other cattle in the importer’s possession or control that come in contact with the dipped cattle. (vi) When offered for entry, the cattle receive an inspection by an inspector. If free from fever ticks, the cattle are treated once with a tickicidal dip that is listed in § 72.13 of this chapter 7 to 14 days after the dipping required in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section. If found to be infested with fever ticks, the cattle are refused entry and may not be inspected again at a port of entry until they are again dipped and 7 to 14 days have elapsed. (vii) The cattle are not imported into an area of Texas that is quarantined in accordance with § 72.5 of this chapter for bovine babesiosis, or for tick infestation. * * * * * Done in Washington, DC, this 11th day of July 2014. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2014–16783 Filed 7–16–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 430 [Docket No. EERE–2014–BT–STD–0025] RIN 1904–AD04 Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Computer and Battery Backup Systems Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of public meeting and availability of the Framework Document. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating this rulemaking and data collection process to consider establishing energy conservation standards for computer and battery backup systems (computer systems). To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has prepared a framework document that details the analytical approach and scope of coverage for the rulemaking, and identifies several issues on which DOE is particularly interested in receiving comments. DOE will hold a public meeting to discuss and receive comments on its planned analytical approach and issues it will address in this rulemaking proceeding. DOE SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17JYP1.SGM 17JYP1 pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 137 / Thursday, July 17, 2014 / Proposed Rules welcomes written comments and relevant data from the public on any subject within the scope of this rulemaking. A copy of the Framework Document is available at: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/product.aspx/ productid/81 DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 31, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Washington, DC. Comments: DOE will accept written comments, data, and information regarding the Framework Document before and after the public meeting, but no later than September 2, 2014. ADDRESSES: Additionally, DOE plans to conduct the public meeting via webinar. You may attend the public meeting via webinar, and registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be published on DOE’s Web site at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/product.aspx/ productid/81. Participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar software. The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E–089, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Please note that foreign nationals planning to participate in the public meeting are subject to advance security screening procedures. If a foreign national wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE of this fact as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945 so that the necessary procedures can be completed. Please note that any person wishing to bring a laptop computer into the Forrestal Building will be required to obtain a property pass. Visitors should avoid bringing laptops, or allow an extra 45 minutes. As noted above, persons may also attend the public meeting via webinar. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments electronically. However, comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Email: ComputerSystems2014STD0025@ ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE–2014–BT–STD–0025 and/or regulatory identification number (RIN) 1904–AD04 in the subject line of the message. All comments should clearly identify the name, address, and, if VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:57 Jul 16, 2014 Jkt 232001 appropriate, organization of the commenter. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption. • Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, Framework Document for Computer and Battery Backup Systems, Docket No. EERE–2014–BT–STD–0025 and/or RIN 1904–AD04, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585– 0121. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. [Please note that comments sent by mail are often delayed and may be damaged by mail screening processes.] • Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Sixth Floor, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586–2945. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number and/or RIN for this rulemaking. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. Docket: The docket is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov, and will include Federal Register notices, framework document, notice of proposed rulemaking, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials throughout the rulemaking process. The regulations.gov Web page contains simple instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. The docket can be accessed by searching for docket number EERE– 2014–BT–STD–0025 on the regulations.gov Web site. All documents in the docket are listed in the https:// www.regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure. For information on how to submit a comment, review other public comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945 or by email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 41657 Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–9870. Email: DOE_computer_standards@ee.doe.gov. Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–6122. Email: Celia.Sher@hq.doe.gov. For information on how to submit or review public comments and on how to participate in the public meeting, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone (202) 586–2945. Email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title III, Part A1 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA or the Act), Public Law 94–163, (42 U.S.C. 6291–6309, as codified) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency and established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, a program covering major household appliances (collectively referred to as ‘‘covered products’’).2 EPCA authorizes DOE to establish technologically feasible, economically justified energy conservation standards for covered products or equipment that would be likely to result in significant national energy savings. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(I)–(VII)) In addition to specifying a list of covered residential and commercial products, EPCA contains provisions that enable the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to classify additional types of consumer products as covered products. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(20)) For a given product to be classified as a covered product, the Secretary must determine that classifying the product as a covered product is necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA, and that the average annual per-household energy use by products of such type is likely to exceed 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. (42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1)) Under this authority, DOE published a notice of proposed determination which tentatively determined that computer systems meet the criteria for a covered product. 79 FR 11345 (Feb. 28, 2014). DOE received several 1 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. code, Part B was re-designated Part A. 2 All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute as amended through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act (AEMTCA), Pub. L. 112–210 (Dec. 18, 2012). E:\FR\FM\17JYP1.SGM 17JYP1 pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 41658 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 137 / Thursday, July 17, 2014 / Proposed Rules stakeholder comments in response to the proposed determination, many of which are addressed in this framework document. DOE will address any remaining stakeholder comments when it issues a final determination of coverage at a later stage in the rulemaking process. If DOE issues a final determination that computer systems are a covered product, it may establish a test procedure and energy conservation standard for computer systems. DOE may prescribe test procedures to assess the energy consumption of covered products. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)) For the Secretary to prescribe an energy conservation standard pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p) for covered products added pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1), he must determine that: (a) The average energy use of the products has exceeded 150 kWh per household for a 12-month period; (b) The aggregate 12-month energy use of the products has exceeded 4.2 billion kilowatt-hours; (c) Substantial improvement in energy efficiency is technologically feasible; and (d) The application of a labeling rule under 42 U.S.C. 6294 is unlikely to be sufficient to induce manufacturers to produce, and consumers and other persons to purchase, covered products of such type (or class) which achieve the maximum energy efficiency which is technologically feasible and economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1)) Today’s framework document is the first step toward initiating this rulemaking process. DOE has prepared the framework document to explain the relevant issues, analyses, and processes it anticipates using when considering a new test procedure and energy conservation standard for computer systems. The focus of the public meeting noted above will be to discuss the information presented and issues identified in the framework document. At the public meeting, DOE will make presentations and invite discussion on the rulemaking process as it applies to computer systems. DOE will also solicit comments, data, and information from participants and other interested parties. DOE is planning to conduct in-depth technical analyses in the following areas: (1) Engineering; (2) energy use; (3) product price; (4) life-cycle cost and payback period; (5) national impacts; (6) manufacturer impacts; (7) emission impacts; (8) utility impacts; (9) employment impacts; and (10) regulatory impacts. DOE will also conduct several other analyses that support those previously listed, VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:57 Jul 16, 2014 Jkt 232001 including the market and technology assessment, the screening analysis (which contributes to the engineering analysis), and the shipments analysis (which contributes to the national impact analysis). DOE encourages those who wish to participate in the public meeting to obtain the framework document and to be prepared to discuss its contents. A copy of the framework document is available at: www1.eere.energy.gov/ buildings/appliance_standards/ product.aspx/productid/81. Public meeting participants need not limit their comments to the issues identified in the framework document. DOE is also interested in comments on other relevant issues that participants believe would affect energy conservation standards for these products, applicable test procedures, or the preliminary determination on the scope of coverage. DOE invites all interested parties, whether or not they participate in the public meeting, to submit in writing by September 2, 2014, comments and information on matters addressed in the framework document and on other matters relevant to DOE’s consideration of coverage of and standards for computer systems. The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, facilitated, conference style. There shall be no discussion of proprietary information, costs or prices, market shares, or other commercial matters regulated by U.S. antitrust laws. A court reporter will record the proceedings of the public meeting, after which a transcript will be available for purchase from the court reporter and placed on the DOE Web site at: https:// www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/product.aspx/ productid/81. After the public meeting and the close of the comment period on the framework document, DOE will collect data, conduct the analyses as discussed in the framework document and at the public meeting, and review the public comments it receives. DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of the process for determining whether to establish energy conservation standards and, if so, in setting those new standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the omment period at each stage of the rulemaking process. Beginning with the framework document, and during each subsequent public meeting and comment period, interactions with and among members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues to assist DOE in the standards rulemaking process. Accordingly, anyone who PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 wishes to participate in the public meeting, receive meeting materials, or be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information about this rulemaking should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945, or via email at Brenda.Edwards@ ee.doe.gov. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2014. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2014–16828 Filed 7–16–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0449; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–259–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes, Model A319 series airplanes, Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes, and Model A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a circumferential crack at the gland retaining-ring groove of certain retraction actuators on the main landing gear (MLG). This proposed AD would require an inspection to identify the part numbers of MLG retraction actuators and replacement of certain MLG retraction actuators. We are proposing this AD to prevent MLG retraction actuator failure that could prevent the full extension and/or down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG collapse during landing or rollout, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 2, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17JYP1.SGM 17JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 137 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41656-41658]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-16828]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-STD-0025]
RIN 1904-AD04


Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products: Energy 
Conservation Standards for Computer and Battery Backup Systems

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and availability of the Framework 
Document.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating this 
rulemaking and data collection process to consider establishing energy 
conservation standards for computer and battery backup systems 
(computer systems). To inform interested parties and to facilitate this 
process, DOE has prepared a framework document that details the 
analytical approach and scope of coverage for the rulemaking, and 
identifies several issues on which DOE is particularly interested in 
receiving comments. DOE will hold a public meeting to discuss and 
receive comments on its planned analytical approach and issues it will 
address in this rulemaking proceeding. DOE

[[Page 41657]]

welcomes written comments and relevant data from the public on any 
subject within the scope of this rulemaking. A copy of the Framework 
Document is available at: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/81

DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 31, 
2014 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Washington, DC.
    Comments: DOE will accept written comments, data, and information 
regarding the Framework Document before and after the public meeting, 
but no later than September 2, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Additionally, DOE plans to conduct the public meeting via 
webinar. You may attend the public meeting via webinar, and 
registration information, participant instructions, and information 
about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be 
published on DOE's Web site at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/81.
    Participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are 
compatible with the webinar software.
    The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, 
Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121. Please note that foreign nationals planning 
to participate in the public meeting are subject to advance security 
screening procedures. If a foreign national wishes to participate in 
the public meeting, please inform DOE of this fact as soon as possible 
by contacting Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 so that the 
necessary procedures can be completed. Please note that any person 
wishing to bring a laptop computer into the Forrestal Building will be 
required to obtain a property pass. Visitors should avoid bringing 
laptops, or allow an extra 45 minutes. As noted above, persons may also 
attend the public meeting via webinar.
    Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments 
electronically. However, comments may be submitted by any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: ComputerSystems2014STD0025@ee.doe.gov. Include 
docket number EERE-2014-BT-STD-0025 and/or regulatory identification 
number (RIN) 1904-AD04 in the subject line of the message. All comments 
should clearly identify the name, address, and, if appropriate, 
organization of the commenter. Submit electronic comments in 
WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the 
use of special characters or any form of encryption.
     Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, Framework 
Document for Computer and Battery Backup Systems, Docket No. EERE-2014-
BT-STD-0025 and/or RIN 1904-AD04, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a 
compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed 
copies. [Please note that comments sent by mail are often delayed and 
may be damaged by mail screening processes.]
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Sixth Floor, 950 L'Enfant 
Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If 
possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not 
necessary to include printed copies.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number and/or RIN for this rulemaking. No telefacsimilies 
(faxes) will be accepted.
    Docket: The docket is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov, and will include Federal Register notices, 
framework document, notice of proposed rulemaking, public meeting 
attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting 
documents/materials throughout the rulemaking process. The 
regulations.gov Web page contains simple instructions on how to access 
all documents, including public comments, in the docket. The docket can 
be accessed by searching for docket number EERE-2014-BT-STD-0025 on the 
regulations.gov Web site. All documents in the docket are listed in the 
https://www.regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in 
the index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt 
from public disclosure.
    For information on how to submit a comment, review other public 
comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting, contact 
Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email: 
Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9870. Email: DOE_computer_standards@ee.doe.gov.
    Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 287-6122. Email: Celia.Sher@hq.doe.gov.
    For information on how to submit or review public comments and on 
how to participate in the public meeting, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards, 
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone (202) 586-2945. Email: 
Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title III, Part A\1\ of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 
1975 (EPCA or the Act), Public Law 94-163, (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as 
codified) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy 
efficiency and established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 
Products Other Than Automobiles, a program covering major household 
appliances (collectively referred to as ``covered products'').\2\ EPCA 
authorizes DOE to establish technologically feasible, economically 
justified energy conservation standards for covered products or 
equipment that would be likely to result in significant national energy 
savings. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(I)-(VII)) In addition to 
specifying a list of covered residential and commercial products, EPCA 
contains provisions that enable the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to 
classify additional types of consumer products as covered products. (42 
U.S.C. 6292(a)(20)) For a given product to be classified as a covered 
product, the Secretary must determine that classifying the product as a 
covered product is necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes 
of EPCA, and that the average annual per-household energy use by 
products of such type is likely to exceed 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 
year. (42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. code, 
Part B was re-designated Part A.
    \2\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical 
Corrections Act (AEMTCA), Pub. L. 112-210 (Dec. 18, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under this authority, DOE published a notice of proposed 
determination which tentatively determined that computer systems meet 
the criteria for a covered product. 79 FR 11345 (Feb. 28, 2014). DOE 
received several

[[Page 41658]]

stakeholder comments in response to the proposed determination, many of 
which are addressed in this framework document. DOE will address any 
remaining stakeholder comments when it issues a final determination of 
coverage at a later stage in the rulemaking process.
    If DOE issues a final determination that computer systems are a 
covered product, it may establish a test procedure and energy 
conservation standard for computer systems. DOE may prescribe test 
procedures to assess the energy consumption of covered products. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)) For the Secretary to prescribe an energy conservation 
standard pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p) for covered products 
added pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1), he must determine that:
    (a) The average energy use of the products has exceeded 150 kWh per 
household for a 12-month period;
    (b) The aggregate 12-month energy use of the products has exceeded 
4.2 billion kilowatt-hours;
    (c) Substantial improvement in energy efficiency is technologically 
feasible; and
    (d) The application of a labeling rule under 42 U.S.C. 6294 is 
unlikely to be sufficient to induce manufacturers to produce, and 
consumers and other persons to purchase, covered products of such type 
(or class) which achieve the maximum energy efficiency which is 
technologically feasible and economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(l)(1))
    Today's framework document is the first step toward initiating this 
rulemaking process. DOE has prepared the framework document to explain 
the relevant issues, analyses, and processes it anticipates using when 
considering a new test procedure and energy conservation standard for 
computer systems. The focus of the public meeting noted above will be 
to discuss the information presented and issues identified in the 
framework document. At the public meeting, DOE will make presentations 
and invite discussion on the rulemaking process as it applies to 
computer systems. DOE will also solicit comments, data, and information 
from participants and other interested parties.
    DOE is planning to conduct in-depth technical analyses in the 
following areas: (1) Engineering; (2) energy use; (3) product price; 
(4) life-cycle cost and payback period; (5) national impacts; (6) 
manufacturer impacts; (7) emission impacts; (8) utility impacts; (9) 
employment impacts; and (10) regulatory impacts. DOE will also conduct 
several other analyses that support those previously listed, including 
the market and technology assessment, the screening analysis (which 
contributes to the engineering analysis), and the shipments analysis 
(which contributes to the national impact analysis).
    DOE encourages those who wish to participate in the public meeting 
to obtain the framework document and to be prepared to discuss its 
contents. A copy of the framework document is available at: 
www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/81.
    Public meeting participants need not limit their comments to the 
issues identified in the framework document. DOE is also interested in 
comments on other relevant issues that participants believe would 
affect energy conservation standards for these products, applicable 
test procedures, or the preliminary determination on the scope of 
coverage. DOE invites all interested parties, whether or not they 
participate in the public meeting, to submit in writing by September 2, 
2014, comments and information on matters addressed in the framework 
document and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of 
coverage of and standards for computer systems.
    The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, facilitated, 
conference style. There shall be no discussion of proprietary 
information, costs or prices, market shares, or other commercial 
matters regulated by U.S. antitrust laws. A court reporter will record 
the proceedings of the public meeting, after which a transcript will be 
available for purchase from the court reporter and placed on the DOE 
Web site at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/81.
    After the public meeting and the close of the comment period on the 
framework document, DOE will collect data, conduct the analyses as 
discussed in the framework document and at the public meeting, and 
review the public comments it receives.
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for determining whether to establish energy conservation 
standards and, if so, in setting those new standards. DOE actively 
encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the 
omment period at each stage of the rulemaking process. Beginning with 
the framework document, and during each subsequent public meeting and 
comment period, interactions with and among members of the public 
provide a balanced discussion of the issues to assist DOE in the 
standards rulemaking process. Accordingly, anyone who wishes to 
participate in the public meeting, receive meeting materials, or be 
added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information 
about this rulemaking should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-
2945, or via email at Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2014.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2014-16828 Filed 7-16-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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