Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies, 78389-78390 [E6-22437]

Download as PDF 78389 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 71, No. 250 Friday, December 29, 2006 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 10 CFR Part 430 [Docket No. EERE–2006–DET–0136] RIN 1904–AB57 Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of public meeting and availability of two documents relating to DOE’s plans for developing energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power supplies. rmajette on PROD1PC72 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Department of Energy (DOE) will hold a ‘‘scoping workshop’’ (i.e., an informal public meeting) to discuss and receive comments on its plans for developing energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power supplies. DOE encourages written comments on these subjects. To inform stakeholders and facilitate this process, DOE has prepared two documents, available at: https:// www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/residential/ battery_external.html. DATES: DOE will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Washington, DC. Any person requesting to speak at the public meeting should submit a request to speak before 4 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2007. DOE must receive a signed original and an electronic copy of statements to be given at the public meeting before 4 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2007. Written comments are welcome and should be submitted by Friday, February 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:57 Dec 28, 2006 Jkt 211001 Forrestal Building, Room 1E–245, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Stakeholders may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE– 2006–DET–0136 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) 1904–AB57, by any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: BCEPSTP@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE–2006– DET–0136 and/or RIN 1904–AB57 in the subject line of the message. • Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–2J, Framework Document for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies, EERE–2006–DET–0136 and/or RIN 1904–AB57, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585– 0121. Please submit one signed paper original. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Room 1J–018, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585– 0121. Telephone: (202) 586–2945. Please submit one signed paper original. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, a copy of the transcript of the public meeting, or comments received, go to the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1J–018 (Resource Room of the Building Technologies Program), 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121, (202) 586– 9127, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Please call Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at the above telephone number for additional information regarding visiting the Resource Room. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Victor Petrolati, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE–2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121, (202) 586– 4549. E-mail: victor.petrolati@ee.doe.gov. Francine B. Pinto, Esq. or Chris Calamita, Esq., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Counsel, GC–72, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585– 0121, (202) 586–9507. E-mail: Francine.Pinto@hq.doe.gov or Christopher.Calamita@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended established an energy conservation program for major household appliances. (42 U.S.C. 6291– 6309) Section 135(c)(4) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), Pub. L. 109–58, amended section 325 of EPCA in part, by adding a new subsection 325(u). Section 325(u)(1)(E) directs DOE to determine whether energy conservation standards are warranted for battery chargers and external power supplies. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)) As part of that process, EPCA requires that DOE hold a scoping workshop not later than February 8, 2007, to discuss and receive comments on plans for developing energy conservation standards for energy use of battery chargers and external power supplies. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(D)) Section 135(a)(3) of EPACT 2005 amends section 321 of EPCA, by adding subsection 321(32), which defines the term ‘‘battery charger’’ as a ‘‘device that charges batteries for consumer products, including battery chargers embedded in other consumer products.’’ (42 U.S.C. 6291(32)) Similarly, section 135(a)(3) of EPACT 2005 amends section 321 of EPCA, by adding subsection 321(36), which defines the term ‘‘external power supply’’ as ‘‘an external power supply circuit that is used to convert household electric current into DC [direct current] or lower-voltage AC [alternating current] to operate a consumer product.’’ (42 U.S.C. 6291(36)) DOE incorporated these two definitions into 10 CFR part 430 in a final rule published on December 8, 2006. (71 FR 71340) As required by EPCA, DOE has scheduled a scoping workshop to be held on January 24, 2007, to discuss plans for developing energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power supplies. In addition, DOE prepared two documents that constitute supporting material for this scoping workshop. The first is called ‘‘Plans for Developing Energy Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies.’’ This document describes the procedural and analytical approach DOE anticipates using to evaluate whether E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 78390 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 250 / Friday, December 29, 2006 / Proposed Rules energy conservation standards are warranted for battery chargers and external power supplies, and to develop such standards should the DOE make a positive determination. The second is called ‘‘The Current and Projected Future Market for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies.’’ This document presents an initial market and technology assessment for battery chargers and external power supplies. It also discusses potential product classes and criteria DOE is considering in establishing product classes. Copies of both documents are available at: https://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/residential/ battery_external.html. DOE encourages those who wish to participate in the scoping workshop to obtain the two documents and be prepared to discuss their contents. Throughout each document, DOE identifies various issues on which it particularly seeks comments from stakeholders. These issues are summarized in an appendix to each document. As the two documents identify separate issues, one must read both documents in order to identify all of the issues on which DOE seeks comment. During the scoping workshop, DOE will address each item and provide an opportunity for discussion. However, stakeholders should not feel limited to comment on only those items identified by DOE. Stakeholders are welcome to comment on any part of either document. DOE is also interested in receiving viewpoints on all relevant issues that participants believe would affect DOE’s action on energy conservation standards for these products. The scoping workshop will be conducted in an informal, facilitated, conference style. A court reporter will be present to prepare a transcript of the meeting. There shall be no discussion of proprietary information, costs or prices, market shares, or other commercial matters regulated by the U.S. antitrust laws. DOE welcomes all interested parties, whether or not they participate in the scoping workshop, to submit in writing by Friday, February 16, 2007, comments and information on the matters addressed in the two documents and on other matters relevant to consideration of energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power supplies. After the scoping workshop and the expiration of the period for submitting written comments, DOE will review the comments received and continue its work on determining whether energy conservation standards are warranted for battery chargers and external power supplies. Anyone who would like to participate in the scoping workshop, receive meeting materials, or be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information regarding battery chargers and external power supplies should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at (202) 586–2945, or visit DOE’s homepage for battery chargers and external power supplies (https://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/residential/ battery_external.html) and click on the ‘‘Register for E-mail Updates’’ link. Issued in Washington, DC, on December 22, 2006. Alexander A. Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. E6–22437 Filed 12–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Chapter I Notice of Intent to Request Public Comments Federal Trade Commission. Notice of intent to request public comments. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: As part of its ongoing systematic review of all Federal Trade Commission rules and guides, the Commission gives notice that, during 2007, it intends to request public comments on the rules and guides listed below. The Commission will request comments on, among other things, the economic impact of, and the continuing need for, the rules and guides; possible conflict between the rules and guides and state, local, or other federal laws or regulations; and the effect on the rules and guides of any technological, economic, or other industry changes. No Commission determination on the need for or the substance of the rules and guides should be inferred from the notice of intent to publish requests for comments. In addition, the Commission announces a revised 10-year regulatory review schedule. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Further details may be obtained from the contact person listed for the particular rule under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission intends to initiate a review of and solicit public comments on the following rules and guides during 2007: (1) Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products, 16 CFR part 24. Agency Contact: Susan E. Arthur, (214) 979–9370, Federal Trade Commission, Southwest Region, 1999 Bryan St., Suite 2150, Dallas, TX 75201. (2) Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, 16 CFR part 435. Agency Contact: Joel Brewer, (202) 326– 2967, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Enforcement, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20580. (3) Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles, 16 CFR part 259. Agency Contact: Hampton Newsome, (202) 326–2889, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Enforcement, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580. As part of its ongoing program to review all current Commission rules and guides, the Commission also has tentatively scheduled reviews of other rules and guides for 2008 through 2017. A copy of this tentative schedule is appended. The Commission, in its discretion, may modify or reorder the schedule in the future to incorporate new legislative rules, or to respond to external factors (such as changes in the law) or other considerations. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41–58. By direction of the Commission. C. Landis Plummer, Acting Secretary. rmajette on PROD1PC72 with PROPOSALS APPENDIX—REGULATORY REVIEW MODIFIED TEN-YEAR SCHEDULE 16 CFR part 500 501 502 503 306 .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... VerDate Aug<31>2005 Year to review Topic Regulations Under Section 4 of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) ...................................................... Exemptions from Part 500 of the FPLA ................................................................................................................... Regulations Under Section 5(C) of the FPLA .......................................................................................................... Statements of General Policy or Interpretations Under the FPLA .......................................................................... Automotive Fuel Ratings, Certification and Posting Rule ........................................................................................ 13:57 Dec 28, 2006 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 250 (Friday, December 29, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78389-78390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22437]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 250 / Friday, December 29, 2006 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 78389]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

10 CFR Part 430

[Docket No. EERE-2006-DET-0136]
RIN 1904-AB57


Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy 
Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and availability of two documents 
relating to DOE's plans for developing energy conservation standards 
for battery chargers and external power supplies.

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

SUMMARY: As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Department 
of Energy (DOE) will hold a ``scoping workshop'' (i.e., an informal 
public meeting) to discuss and receive comments on its plans for 
developing energy conservation standards for battery chargers and 
external power supplies. DOE encourages written comments on these 
subjects. To inform stakeholders and facilitate this process, DOE has 
prepared two documents, available at: https://www.eere.energy.gov/
buildings/appliance_standards/residential/battery_external.html.

DATES: DOE will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Washington, DC. Any person requesting to speak 
at the public meeting should submit a request to speak before 4 p.m., 
Friday, January 12, 2007. DOE must receive a signed original and an 
electronic copy of statements to be given at the public meeting before 
4 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2007. Written comments are welcome and 
should be submitted by Friday, February 16, 2007.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of 
Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1E-245, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121.
    Stakeholders may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-
2006-DET-0136 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) 1904-AB57, by 
any of the following methods:
     Federal Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: BCEPSTP@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE-
2006-DET-0136 and/or RIN 1904-AB57 in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Framework Document for 
Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies, EERE-2006-DET-0136 and/or 
RIN 1904-AB57, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Please submit one signed paper original.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Room 1J-018, 1000 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 
586-2945. Please submit one signed paper original.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, a 
copy of the transcript of the public meeting, or comments received, go 
to the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1J-018 
(Resource Room of the Building Technologies Program), 1000 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-9127, between 9 a.m. 
and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Please call 
Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at the above telephone number for additional 
information regarding visiting the Resource Room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Victor Petrolati, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20585-0121, (202) 586-4549. E-mail: victor.petrolati@ee.doe.gov. 
Francine B. Pinto, Esq. or Chris Calamita, Esq., U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of General Counsel, GC-72, 1000 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-9507. E-mail: 
Francine.Pinto@hq.doe.gov or Christopher.Calamita@hq.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
(EPCA), as amended established an energy conservation program for major 
household appliances. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) Section 135(c)(4) of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), Pub. L. 109-58, amended section 
325 of EPCA in part, by adding a new subsection 325(u). Section 
325(u)(1)(E) directs DOE to determine whether energy conservation 
standards are warranted for battery chargers and external power 
supplies. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)) As part of that process, EPCA 
requires that DOE hold a scoping workshop not later than February 8, 
2007, to discuss and receive comments on plans for developing energy 
conservation standards for energy use of battery chargers and external 
power supplies. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(D))
    Section 135(a)(3) of EPACT 2005 amends section 321 of EPCA, by 
adding subsection 321(32), which defines the term ``battery charger'' 
as a ``device that charges batteries for consumer products, including 
battery chargers embedded in other consumer products.'' (42 U.S.C. 
6291(32)) Similarly, section 135(a)(3) of EPACT 2005 amends section 321 
of EPCA, by adding subsection 321(36), which defines the term 
``external power supply'' as ``an external power supply circuit that is 
used to convert household electric current into DC [direct current] or 
lower-voltage AC [alternating current] to operate a consumer product.'' 
(42 U.S.C. 6291(36)) DOE incorporated these two definitions into 10 CFR 
part 430 in a final rule published on December 8, 2006. (71 FR 71340)
    As required by EPCA, DOE has scheduled a scoping workshop to be 
held on January 24, 2007, to discuss plans for developing energy 
conservation standards for battery chargers and external power 
supplies. In addition, DOE prepared two documents that constitute 
supporting material for this scoping workshop. The first is called 
``Plans for Developing Energy Conservation Standards for Battery 
Chargers and External Power Supplies.'' This document describes the 
procedural and analytical approach DOE anticipates using to evaluate 
whether

[[Page 78390]]

energy conservation standards are warranted for battery chargers and 
external power supplies, and to develop such standards should the DOE 
make a positive determination. The second is called ``The Current and 
Projected Future Market for Battery Chargers and External Power 
Supplies.'' This document presents an initial market and technology 
assessment for battery chargers and external power supplies. It also 
discusses potential product classes and criteria DOE is considering in 
establishing product classes. Copies of both documents are available 
at:  https://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/
residential/battery_external.html.
    DOE encourages those who wish to participate in the scoping 
workshop to obtain the two documents and be prepared to discuss their 
contents. Throughout each document, DOE identifies various issues on 
which it particularly seeks comments from stakeholders. These issues 
are summarized in an appendix to each document. As the two documents 
identify separate issues, one must read both documents in order to 
identify all of the issues on which DOE seeks comment. During the 
scoping workshop, DOE will address each item and provide an opportunity 
for discussion. However, stakeholders should not feel limited to 
comment on only those items identified by DOE. Stakeholders are welcome 
to comment on any part of either document. DOE is also interested in 
receiving viewpoints on all relevant issues that participants believe 
would affect DOE's action on energy conservation standards for these 
products.
    The scoping workshop will be conducted in an informal, facilitated, 
conference style. A court reporter will be present to prepare a 
transcript of the meeting. There shall be no discussion of proprietary 
information, costs or prices, market shares, or other commercial 
matters regulated by the U.S. antitrust laws.
    DOE welcomes all interested parties, whether or not they 
participate in the scoping workshop, to submit in writing by Friday, 
February 16, 2007, comments and information on the matters addressed in 
the two documents and on other matters relevant to consideration of 
energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power 
supplies.
    After the scoping workshop and the expiration of the period for 
submitting written comments, DOE will review the comments received and 
continue its work on determining whether energy conservation standards 
are warranted for battery chargers and external power supplies.
    Anyone who would like to participate in the scoping workshop, 
receive meeting materials, or be added to the DOE mailing list to 
receive future notices and information regarding battery chargers and 
external power supplies should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at 
(202) 586-2945, or visit DOE's homepage for battery chargers and 
external power supplies (https://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/
appliance_standards/residential/battery_external.html) and click on 
the ``Register for E-mail Updates'' link.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 22, 2006.
Alexander A. Karsner,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. E6-22437 Filed 12-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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