Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Gas Compressors, 70797-70799 [2014-28126]

Download as PDF 70797 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 79, No. 229 Friday, November 28, 2014 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 10 CFR Part 430 [Docket No. EERE–2012–BT–STD–0045] RIN 1904–AC87 Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Ceiling Fans: Availability of the Preliminary Technical Support Document Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Extension of public comment period. AGENCY: On September 29, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of public meeting and availability of the preliminary technical support document (TSD) for ceiling fans energy conservation standards in the Federal Register. This document announces an extension of the public comment period for submitting comments on the TSD or any other aspect of the rulemaking for ceiling fans. The comment period is extended to December 9, 2014. DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this rulemaking received no later than December 9, 2014. ADDRESSES: Interested persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE–2011–BT–STD–0045 and/or Regulation Identification Number (RIN) 1904–AC87, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Email: CeilingFan2012STD0045@ ee.doe.gov. Include the docket number EERE–2011–BT–STD–0045 and/or RIN 1904–AC87 in the subject line of the message. • Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. If tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:38 Nov 26, 2014 Jkt 235001 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 and CDs 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 Program, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone (202) 586–2945. If possible, please submit all items on CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov, including Federal Register notices, framework documents, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All documents in the docket are listed in the 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. The rulemaking Web page can be found at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/ buildings/appliance_standards/ rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/65. This Web page contains a link to the docket for this notice on the regulation.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web page contains instructions on how to access all documents in the docket, including public comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202)–287–1604. Email: ceiling_fans@ee.doe.gov. In the Office of the General Counsel, contact Ms. Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202)–287–6111. Email: Jennifer.Tiedeman@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 29, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of public meeting and availability of the preliminary technical support document in the Federal Register to make available and invite PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 comments on the preliminary analysis for ceiling fans energy conservation standards. 79 FR 58290. The notice provided for the written submission of comments by November 28, 2014, and oral comments were also accepted at a public meeting held on November 19, 2014. Various stakeholders have requested an extension of the comment period to consider the preliminary technical support document and public meeting presentation, and to prepare and submit comments accordingly. DOE has determined that an extension of the public comment period is appropriate based on the foregoing reason. DOE will consider any comments received by midnight of December 9, 2014, and deems any comments received by that time to be timely submitted. Issued in Washington, DC, on November 21, 2014. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2014–28127 Filed 11–26–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 431 [Docket No. EERE–2014–BT–STD–0051] RIN 1904–AD40 Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Gas Compressors Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is considering establishing energy conservation standards for commercial and industrial compressors. To date, DOE has considered energy conservation standards only for compressors intended to compress air, rather than natural gas. As a result, DOE’s current efforts have focused on air compressors. However, DOE is also aware that compressors used to compress natural gas may also use a substantial amount of energy. To improve its understanding of both the technology and market of natural gas compressors, DOE will hold SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\28NOP1.SGM 28NOP1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 70798 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 229 / Friday, November 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules a public meeting to discuss and receive further comments and supporting data about the characteristics and energy use of this equipment as described in the request for information (RFI) published by DOE on August 5, 2014 (79 FR 45377). DOE may also opt to publish supplementary information prior to the meeting for stakeholder review. If so, DOE would announce the arrival of that information by publishing a notice of data availability in the Federal Register. DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on December 17, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Washington, DC. In addition, DOE plans to broadcast the public meeting via webinar. You may attend the public meeting either in person or via webinar. Comments: DOE will accept written comments, data, and other related information about the RFI before and after the public meeting, but not later than January 12, 2015. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments electronically. Any person requesting to present an oral statement for the record must notify DOE prior to 4:00 p.m., December 3, 2014, and provide to DOE an electronic copy of the statement with the presenter’s name and, if appropriate, the organization the presenter represents, prior to 4:00 p.m., December 10, 2014. ADDRESSES: A copy of the RFI is available at: https://www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=EERE-2013-BTSTD-0040-0023. The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 4A–104, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Registration information, participant instructions, and also information about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be published in advance on DOE’s Web site at: https:// www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ ruleid/58. Webinar participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar software. Attendance: Whereas the meeting is generally open to the public, please note that foreign nationals participating in the public meeting are subject to advance security screening procedures which require advance notice prior to attendance at the public meeting. If a foreign national wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE of this fact as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Regina Washington at (202) 586–1214 or by email: foreign visit@ee.doe.gov so that the necessary procedures can be completed. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:38 Nov 26, 2014 Jkt 235001 Due to the REAL ID Act implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there have been recent changes regarding ID requirements for individuals wishing to enter Federal buildings from specific states and U.S. territories. Driver’s licenses from the following states or territory will not be accepted for building entry and one of the alternate forms of ID listed below will be required. DHS has determined that regular driver’s licenses (and ID cards) from the following jurisdictions are not acceptable for entry into DOE facilities: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, and Washington. Acceptable alternate forms of Photo-ID include: U.S. Passport or Passport Card; an Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID-Card issued by the states of Minnesota, New York or Washington (Enhanced licenses issued by these states are clearly marked Enhanced or Enhanced Driver’s License); a military ID or other Federal government issued Photo-ID card. Any person bringing a personal computer into DOE spaces is required to obtain a property pass from DOE Security and should allow an extra 45 minutes for entry processing. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Email: GasCompressors 2014STD0051@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE- 2014–BT–STD– 0051 and/or RIN 1904–AD40 in the subject line of the message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, portable document format (PDF), or American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) file format, and avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption. • Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–2945. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 6th 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 or RIN for this PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 document. 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, 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–0051 on the regulations.gov Web site. All documents in the docket are listed in the 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Raba, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–8654. Email: compressors@ee.doe.gov. Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 586–8145. Email: Michael.Kido@ hq.doe.gov. Ms. Johanna Hariharan, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 287–6307. Email: Johanna. Hariharan@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 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, 42 U.S.C. 6291, et seq., (EPCA) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve the energy efficiency of products and commercial equipment. (All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act (AEMTCA 2012), Pub. L. 112–210 (December 18, 2012)). Part C of Title III (42 U.S.C. E:\FR\FM\28NOP1.SGM 28NOP1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 229 / Friday, November 28, 2014 / Proposed Rules 6311–6317), which was subsequently redesignated as Part A–1 for editorial reasons, established an energy conservation program for certain industrial equipment, including compressors, the subject of today’s notice. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(i)) Unlike some other types of equipment included in EPCA, the term ‘‘compressors’’ is undefined. Section 341 of EPCA, 42 U.S.C. 6312, provides a general statement of purpose to improve the efficiency of a variety of industrial equipment to conserve the energy resources of the Nation and permits the Secretary of Energy to classify certain equipment as covered equipment if a determination is made by rulemaking that doing so is necessary to carry out the purposes of Part A–1 of EPCA. Consistent with this process, DOE is currently considering whether to regulate the efficiency of a specific group of compressors—commercial and industrial compressors. 77 FR 76972 (December 31, 2012). DOE received comments from interested parties, which are available in docket number EERE–2013–BT–STD–0040. The comments were considered in developing a Framework Document to explain the relevant issues, analyses, and processes it anticipates using when considering new energy conservation standards for commercial and industrial compressors. DOE issued that document and conducted a public meeting to discuss its contents earlier this year. 79 FR 6839 (February 5, 2014). For more information, see https:// www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ ruleid/58. Because the term ‘‘compressors’’ is undefined by EPCA, DOE considered a variety of definitions for this term to help ensure a reasonable level of clarity with respect to the type of equipment that might be regulated. In its ongoing proceeding, DOE offered for comment the following definition for ‘‘commercial and industrial compressors’’ to clarify the coverage of any potential test procedure or energy conservation standard: Compressor: ‘‘A compressor is an electric-powered device that takes in air or gas at atmospheric pressure and delivers the air or gas at a higher pressure. Compressors typically have a specific ratio, the ratio of delivery pressure to supply pressure, greater than 1.20.’’ After further evaluating this definition and considering the comments it received, DOE revisited this definition and offered a revised version. That version, which is based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:38 Nov 26, 2014 Jkt 235001 Technical Report (TR) 12942, provides a different definition of the term ‘‘compressor’’ from DOE’s initial approach. (ISO TR 12942 provides a means to classify modern compressor types along with definitions and related terms that can be utilized in technical and contractual specifications such as a manufacturer’s literature and industrial statistics.) DOE offered the following revised definition for public comment: Compressor: a machine or apparatus converting different types of energy into the potential energy of gas pressure for displacement and compression of gaseous media to any higher pressure values above atmospheric pressure with pressure-increase ratios exceeding 1.1.1 DOE is continuing to consider revisions to this definition, however, due at least in part to submitted comments in which some parties commented that the specified ratio should be different to avoid overlapping with what the compressor industry generally treats as ‘‘blowers,’’ equipment for which DOE may also establish standards. See 78 FR 7306 (February 1, 2013) (announcing DOE’s issuance of a framework document related to the potential setting of energy conservation standards for industrial fans and blowers). Also see https:// www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ ruleid/25. While DOE’s focus has centered primarily on those compressors that are intended to compress air, compressors are used in a wide variety of applications and may be used to compress different types of gases. DOE is aware that compressors intended to compress other gases such as natural gas (i.e., gas compressors) may, both collectively and individually, use a substantial amount of energy, as such compressors are often very large. An important application of gas compressors is the pipeline transport of natural gas. The drivers for such compressors can be natural gas turbines (particularly since gas is an easily accessible fuel out in the field), steam turbines, internal combustion engines, or electric motors. Recent data provided by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicate that the annual amount of natural gas used to transport natural gas through the pipeline system was about 0.7 quadrillion Btu. In addition to the pipeline transport of natural gas, compressors are used in the production 1 International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 12942, Compressors—Classification— Complementary information to ISO 5390, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 2012. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 70799 and processing of natural gas, which is accounted for in the 1.4 quadrillion Btus of natural gas reported by EIA as ‘‘lease and plant fuel.’’ 2 As such, DOE is now considering the possibility of setting energy efficiency standards for natural gas compressors, in addition to efficiency standards for commercial and industrial air compressors. To inform its decision making regarding natural gas compressors DOE will hold a public meeting to discuss and receive further comments and supporting data about the characteristics and energy use of this equipment as described in the RFI. (79 FR 45377) Issued in Washington, DC, on November 20, 2014. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2014–28126 Filed 11–26–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0778; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–095–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747–100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747–400, 747– 400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion found on the mating surfaces between certain skin and stringers at circumferential skin splices. This proposed AD would require general visual inspections of the fuselage skin at certain lower circumferential splices for the presence of existing external doublers, repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct compromised fillet seals, which can result in corrosion and skin cracking and consequent loss of capability to support limit loads. SUMMARY: 2 Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 2014, Table 2. E:\FR\FM\28NOP1.SGM 28NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70797-70799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28126]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-STD-0051]
RIN 1904-AD40


Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial 
Equipment: Gas Compressors

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is considering 
establishing energy conservation standards for commercial and 
industrial compressors. To date, DOE has considered energy conservation 
standards only for compressors intended to compress air, rather than 
natural gas. As a result, DOE's current efforts have focused on air 
compressors. However, DOE is also aware that compressors used to 
compress natural gas may also use a substantial amount of energy. To 
improve its understanding of both the technology and market of natural 
gas compressors, DOE will hold

[[Page 70798]]

a public meeting to discuss and receive further comments and supporting 
data about the characteristics and energy use of this equipment as 
described in the request for information (RFI) published by DOE on 
August 5, 2014 (79 FR 45377).
    DOE may also opt to publish supplementary information prior to the 
meeting for stakeholder review. If so, DOE would announce the arrival 
of that information by publishing a notice of data availability in the 
Federal Register.

DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on December 17, 2014, 
from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Washington, DC. In addition, DOE plans 
to broadcast the public meeting via webinar. You may attend the public 
meeting either in person or via webinar.
    Comments: DOE will accept written comments, data, and other related 
information about the RFI before and after the public meeting, but not 
later than January 12, 2015. Interested parties are encouraged to 
submit comments electronically.
    Any person requesting to present an oral statement for the record 
must notify DOE prior to 4:00 p.m., December 3, 2014, and provide to 
DOE an electronic copy of the statement with the presenter's name and, 
if appropriate, the organization the presenter represents, prior to 
4:00 p.m., December 10, 2014.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the RFI is available at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-STD-0040-0023.
    The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, 
Forrestal Building, Room 4A-104, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121.
    Registration information, participant instructions, and also 
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants 
will be published in advance on DOE's Web site at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/58.
    Webinar participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are 
compatible with the webinar software.
    Attendance: Whereas the meeting is generally open to the public, 
please note that foreign nationals participating in the public meeting 
are subject to advance security screening procedures which require 
advance notice prior to attendance at the public meeting. If a foreign 
national wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE 
of this fact as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Regina Washington at 
(202) 586-1214 or by email: foreignvisit@ee.doe.gov so that the 
necessary procedures can be completed.
    Due to the REAL ID Act implemented by the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS), there have been recent changes regarding ID 
requirements for individuals wishing to enter Federal buildings from 
specific states and U.S. territories. Driver's licenses from the 
following states or territory will not be accepted for building entry 
and one of the alternate forms of ID listed below will be required. DHS 
has determined that regular driver's licenses (and ID cards) from the 
following jurisdictions are not acceptable for entry into DOE 
facilities: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Louisiana, Maine, 
Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, and Washington. 
Acceptable alternate forms of Photo-ID include: U.S. Passport or 
Passport Card; an Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID-Card issued 
by the states of Minnesota, New York or Washington (Enhanced licenses 
issued by these states are clearly marked Enhanced or Enhanced Driver's 
License); a military ID or other Federal government issued Photo-ID 
card.
    Any person bringing a personal computer into DOE spaces is required 
to obtain a property pass from DOE Security and should allow an extra 
45 minutes for entry processing.
    Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: GasCompressors2014STD0051@ee.doe.gov. Include 
docket number EERE- 2014-BT-STD-0051 and/or RIN 1904-AD40 in the 
subject line of the message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, 
Microsoft Word, portable document format (PDF), or American Standard 
Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) file format, and avoid the use 
of special characters or any form of encryption.
     Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible, 
please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not 
necessary to include printed copies.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 6th 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 or RIN for this document. 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, 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-0051 on the regulations.gov Web site. All 
documents in the docket are listed in the 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Raba, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-8654. Email: compressors@ee.doe.gov.
    Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585. 
Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: Michael.Kido@hq.doe.gov.
    Ms. Johanna Hariharan, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20585. Telephone: (202) 287-6307. Email: Johanna.Hariharan@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 of the Energy Policy and 
Conservation Act, 42 U.S.C. 6291, et seq., (EPCA) sets forth a variety 
of provisions designed to improve the energy efficiency of products and 
commercial equipment. (All references to EPCA refer to the statute as 
amended through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections 
Act (AEMTCA 2012), Pub. L. 112-210 (December 18, 2012)). Part C of 
Title III (42 U.S.C.

[[Page 70799]]

6311-6317), which was subsequently re-designated as Part A-1 for 
editorial reasons, established an energy conservation program for 
certain industrial equipment, including compressors, the subject of 
today's notice. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(i)) Unlike some other types of 
equipment included in EPCA, the term ``compressors'' is undefined.
    Section 341 of EPCA, 42 U.S.C. 6312, provides a general statement 
of purpose to improve the efficiency of a variety of industrial 
equipment to conserve the energy resources of the Nation and permits 
the Secretary of Energy to classify certain equipment as covered 
equipment if a determination is made by rulemaking that doing so is 
necessary to carry out the purposes of Part A-1 of EPCA. Consistent 
with this process, DOE is currently considering whether to regulate the 
efficiency of a specific group of compressors--commercial and 
industrial compressors. 77 FR 76972 (December 31, 2012). DOE received 
comments from interested parties, which are available in docket number 
EERE-2013-BT-STD-0040. The comments were considered in developing a 
Framework Document to explain the relevant issues, analyses, and 
processes it anticipates using when considering new energy conservation 
standards for commercial and industrial compressors. DOE issued that 
document and conducted a public meeting to discuss its contents earlier 
this year. 79 FR 6839 (February 5, 2014). For more information, see 
https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/58.
    Because the term ``compressors'' is undefined by EPCA, DOE 
considered a variety of definitions for this term to help ensure a 
reasonable level of clarity with respect to the type of equipment that 
might be regulated. In its ongoing proceeding, DOE offered for comment 
the following definition for ``commercial and industrial compressors'' 
to clarify the coverage of any potential test procedure or energy 
conservation standard:
    Compressor: ``A compressor is an electric-powered device that takes 
in air or gas at atmospheric pressure and delivers the air or gas at a 
higher pressure. Compressors typically have a specific ratio, the ratio 
of delivery pressure to supply pressure, greater than 1.20.''
    After further evaluating this definition and considering the 
comments it received, DOE revisited this definition and offered a 
revised version. That version, which is based on International 
Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Report (TR) 12942, 
provides a different definition of the term ``compressor'' from DOE's 
initial approach. (ISO TR 12942 provides a means to classify modern 
compressor types along with definitions and related terms that can be 
utilized in technical and contractual specifications such as a 
manufacturer's literature and industrial statistics.) DOE offered the 
following revised definition for public comment:
    Compressor: a machine or apparatus converting different types of 
energy into the potential energy of gas pressure for displacement and 
compression of gaseous media to any higher pressure values above 
atmospheric pressure with pressure-increase ratios exceeding 1.1.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 
12942, Compressors--Classification-- Complementary information to 
ISO 5390, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 
2012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE is continuing to consider revisions to this definition, 
however, due at least in part to submitted comments in which some 
parties commented that the specified ratio should be different to avoid 
overlapping with what the compressor industry generally treats as 
``blowers,'' equipment for which DOE may also establish standards. See 
78 FR 7306 (February 1, 2013) (announcing DOE's issuance of a framework 
document related to the potential setting of energy conservation 
standards for industrial fans and blowers). Also see https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/25.
    While DOE's focus has centered primarily on those compressors that 
are intended to compress air, compressors are used in a wide variety of 
applications and may be used to compress different types of gases. DOE 
is aware that compressors intended to compress other gases such as 
natural gas (i.e., gas compressors) may, both collectively and 
individually, use a substantial amount of energy, as such compressors 
are often very large. An important application of gas compressors is 
the pipeline transport of natural gas. The drivers for such compressors 
can be natural gas turbines (particularly since gas is an easily 
accessible fuel out in the field), steam turbines, internal combustion 
engines, or electric motors. Recent data provided by the Energy 
Information Administration (EIA) indicate that the annual amount of 
natural gas used to transport natural gas through the pipeline system 
was about 0.7 quadrillion Btu. In addition to the pipeline transport of 
natural gas, compressors are used in the production and processing of 
natural gas, which is accounted for in the 1.4 quadrillion Btus of 
natural gas reported by EIA as ``lease and plant fuel.'' \2\ As such, 
DOE is now considering the possibility of setting energy efficiency 
standards for natural gas compressors, in addition to efficiency 
standards for commercial and industrial air compressors.
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    \2\ Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 
2014, Table 2.
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    To inform its decision making regarding natural gas compressors DOE 
will hold a public meeting to discuss and receive further comments and 
supporting data about the characteristics and energy use of this 
equipment as described in the RFI. (79 FR 45377)

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 20, 2014.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2014-28126 Filed 11-26-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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