Energy Conservation Program: Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing, 7550-7553 [2015-02842]

Download as PDF 7550 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 28 / Wednesday, February 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changes in the area affect by the FMMO program. Written comments, views, opinions, and other information regarding the FMMO program’s impact on small businesses are invited. Dated: February 6, 2015. Rex A. Barnes, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2015–02902 Filed 2–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 430 [Docket No. EERE–2011–BT–STD–0043] RIN 1904–AC51 Energy Efficiency Program for Residential Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Reopening of public comment period. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a preliminary technical support document (TSD) that analyzes the potential economic impacts and energy savings that could result from potential energy conservation standards for miscellaneous refrigeration products. DOE published this analysis so stakeholders can review the relevant outputs and the underlining assumptions and calculations. After receiving a request for additional time to comment on the TSD, the comment period for the TSD pertaining to the energy conservation standards for miscellaneous refrigeration products is reopened until March 2, 2015. DATES: The comment period for the TSD pertaining to energy conservation standards for miscellaneous refrigeration products is reopened until March 2, 2015. ADDRESSES: Interested persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE–2011–BT–STD–0043 and/or Regulation Identification Number (RIN) 1904–AC51, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Email: WineChillers-2011-STD0043@ee.doe.gov. Include the docket number EERE–2011–BT–STD–0043 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:57 Feb 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 and/or RIN 1904–AC51 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 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, 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/71. 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: Mr. Joseph Hagerman, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585– 0121. Email: refrigerators_and_freezers@ EE.Doe.Gov. In the Office of the General Counsel, contact Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–8145. Email: Michael.Kido@hq.doe.gov. For further information on how to submit a comment and review other public comments and the docket, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586–2945 or by email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE published a notice of public meeting and availability of the preliminary PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 technical support document in the Federal Register to make available and invite comments on its preliminary analysis regarding energy conservation standards for miscellaneous refrigeration products. 79 FR 71705 (December 3, 2014) The notice provided for the written submission of comments by February 2, 2015. Thereafter, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) requested an extension of the public comment period. AHAM stated that additional time is necessary to review the published analysis in order to prepare and submit comments. DOE has determined that reopening the comment period to allow additional time for interested parties to submit comments is appropriate based on the foregoing reason. DOE believes that re-opening the comment period will provide the public with sufficient time to submit comments responding to DOE’s preliminary analysis. Accordingly, DOE will consider any comments received by midnight of March 2, 2015, and deems any comments received by that time to be timely submitted. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 3, 2015. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2015–02843 Filed 2–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 460 [Docket Number EERE–2009–BT–BC–0021] RIN 1904–AC11 Energy Conservation Program: Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Request for information. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated the process to develop and publish energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing, as directed by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). To facilitate this process, enhance the quality of the standards and supporting documentation, and to allow interested parties to provide comments and information, DOE is publishing this request for information (RFI). DOE specifically is interested under this RFI in receiving information that relates to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11FEP1.SGM 11FEP1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 28 / Wednesday, February 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and window fenestration pertaining to manufactured housing for consideration under the proposed rule that currently is in development. DATES: Written comments and information are requested on or before March 13, 2015. ADDRESSES: Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments electronically. However, comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Email: MfgHousing2009BC0021@ ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE–2009–BT–BC–0021 and/or Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) 1904–AC11 in the subject line of the message. All comments should clearly identify the name, address, and, if appropriate, organization of the commenter. • Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–5B, Request for Information for Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing, Docket No. EERE–2009–BT– BC–0021, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Please submit one signed paper original. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Sixth Floor, 950 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed paper original. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this rulemaking. No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. Due to potential delays in DOE’s receipt and processing of mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service, we encourage respondents to submit comments electronically to ensure timely receipt. Docket: This RFI and any comments that DOE receives will be made available on the docket, which is available for review at www.regulations.gov and includes all Federal Register notices, public meeting attendees’ lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials applicable to this rulemaking. 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. A link to the docket Web page can be found at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/ buildings/appliance_standards/ VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:57 Feb 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 rulemaking.aspx?ruleid=97. This Web page contains a link to the docket for this notice on the www.regulations.gov Web site. The www.regulations.gov Web page contains simple instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joseph Hagerman, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–4549. Email: Manufactured_Housing@ee.doe.gov. Kavita Vaidyanathan, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–0669. Email: Kavita.Vaidyanathan@hq.doe.gov. For information on how to submit or review public comments, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–2945. Email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction A. Authority B. Background II. Request for Information and Comments A. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Sensitivity Analysis B. Window Fenestration Energy Efficiency Programs for Manufactured Housing III. Submission of Comments I. Introduction A. Authority The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, Pub. L. 110– 140) requires that DOE establish by regulation standards for energy efficiency in manufactured housing. DOE is directed to base the standards on the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and any supplements to that document, except where DOE finds that the IECC is not cost-effective, or where a more stringent standard would be more cost-effective, based on the impact of the IECC on the purchase price of manufactured housing and on total lifecycle construction and operating costs. See 42 U.S.C. 17071(b)(1). B. Background On June 13, 2014, DOE published a notice of intent to establish a PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 7551 manufactured housing working group (MH working group) to discuss and, if possible, achieve consensus on recommendations for a proposed rule. 79 FR 33873. On July 16, 2014, the MH working group was established under the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Negotiated Rulemaking Act. See 79 FR 41456; 5 U.S.C. 561–570, App. 2. The MH working group was to consist of representatives of parties having a defined stake in the outcome of the proposed standards, and the group would consult, as appropriate, with a range of external experts on technical issues. The MH working group consisted of 22 members, including one member from ASRAC and one DOE representative. The MH working group met in-person during six sets of meetings held August 4–5, August 21– 22, September 9–10, September 22–23, October 1–2, and October 23–24. See 79 FR 48097 and 79 FR 59154. On October 31, 2014, the MH working group reached consensus on energy efficiency standards in manufactured housing and assembled its recommendations for DOE into a term sheet that was presented to ASRAC. See EERE–2009–BT–BC–0021–0107. ASRAC approved the term sheet during an open meeting on December 1, 2014. As part of the term sheet, the MH working group recommended that DOE conduct additional analysis to inform the selection of solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) requirements in certain climate zones. See EERE–2009–BT–BC–0021– 0107, p. 3, Recommendation 5. For more information on the MH working group’s recommendations, please refer to the complete term sheet posted in the public docket. See EERE–2009–BT–BC– 0021–0107. II. Request for Information and Comments A. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Sensitivity Analysis The MH working group did not recommend a specific SHGC value for climate zones 1B and 2. See EERE– 2009–BT–BC–0021–0107, p. 2, Recommendation 3.1 for climate zones. Instead, the MH working group requested that DOE complete additional sensitivity analysis and select the SHGC based on that data. Specifically, the MH working group requested that DOE analyze window fenestration SHGC values of 0.25, 0.30, and 0.33. In previous energy simulation analysis, DOE performed a modeling analysis E:\FR\FM\11FEP1.SGM 11FEP1 7552 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 28 / Wednesday, February 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules with windows uniformly distributed on the exterior walls of a manufactured home. While windows are frequently concentrated on one side of typical manufactured homes in practice, a uniform configuration for the energy simulation represented the fact that manufactured homes are sited in a full range of orientations (east, west, north, south, etc.). This configuration effectively calculates a weighted average energy use for homes facing all directions. For the sensitivity analysis, the MH working group requested energy simulation analysis that places all windows on a single side of the home, with windows facing the cardinal direction that would give SHGC the greatest impact on energy use. In response to the MH working group’s request, DOE completed additional energy simulation analysis and lifecycle cost (LCC) analysis. For more information on the MH working group’s recommendations with regard to SHGC, please refer to the complete term sheet posted in the public docket. See EERE– 2009–BT–BC–0021–0107. For simulation of manufactured housing energy use, DOE used the EnergyPlus 5.0 software that was also used for energy simulation analytical support during meetings of the MH working group. EnergyPlus 5.0 is a detailed whole-building energy modeling tool that is useful for simulating the heating, cooling, and ventilation loads in a building. To simulate manufactured home energy use, DOE created a representative manufactured home using typical construction assumptions such as building geometry and framing member size. These assumptions are the same as those used for energy simulation during the MH working group process. To maximize the impact of SHGC on energy use, DOE placed all windows on one side of the representative manufactured home, with that side facing west. DOE then generated energy use values for the three SHGC values in nine cities (four cities in climate zone 1B and five cities in climate zone 2, as recommended by the MH working group) and for two sizes of manufactured homes (single-section and double-section). The LCC analysis calculates the total cost of ownership savings over a specified period of time. The total cost of ownership savings is equal to the total cost of ownership of a reference manufactured home minus the total cost of ownership of a manufactured home constructed in accordance with DOE’s proposed standards. The reference home is modeled to meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Code. See 24 CFR 3280 et seq. The LCC analysis includes both operating costs (primarily energy costs) and purchase cost of the manufactured home. DOE calculated energy costs (using the energy simulation results) and added those to the purchase cost of the manufactured home, accounting for differences in the cost of the three window fenestration types. Regarding the purchase cost of the standardscompliant manufactured home, only the cost of window fenestration varied for each scenario of the SHGC sensitivity analysis. Other building thermal envelope components were modeled (for energy simulation and cost analysis) as specified in the MH working group term sheet. See EERE–2009–BT–BC– 0021–0107. DOE calculated the 10-year total cost of ownership savings for manufactured housing with window fenestration SHGC of 0.25, 0.30, and 0.33. The 10-year analysis period represents the total cost of ownership for the first owner of the manufactured home and assumes the first owner keeps the manufactured home for 10 years. For more information with regard to DOE’s LCC analysis, please refer to the complete term sheet posted in the public docket. See EERE–2009–BT–BC– 0021–0107. The energy simulation analysis indicated SHGC of 0.25 had the lowest energy use and SHGC of 0.33 had the highest energy use. Based on industry input collected from the MH working group, DOE assigned single-section manufactured home window fenestration prices (retail prices before sales tax) of $1446, $1389, and $1355 for SHGC of 0.25, 0.30, and 0.33, respectively. The LCC analysis, based on the energy simulation results and window fenestration prices, determined that SHGC of 0.30 provided the largest 10year cost of ownership savings in all four cities analyzed in climate zone 1B and in four of the five cities analyzed in climate zone 2. SHGC of 0.33 had the second most 10-year cost-of-ownership savings, and SHGC of 0.25 had the least 10-year cost-of-ownership savings. These 10-year cost-of-ownership savings results are listed in Table II.1. TABLE II.1—10-YEAR COST-OF-OWNERSHIP SAVINGS RESULTS Climate zone Single section 10-year total cost-of-ownership savings City Double section 10-year total cost-of-ownership savings SHGC 0.25 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 1B ...................................... 1B ...................................... 1B ...................................... 1B ...................................... 2 ........................................ 2 ........................................ 2 ........................................ 2 ........................................ 2 ........................................ SHGC 0.33 SHGC 0.25 SHGC 0.30 SHGC 0.33 $1,030 734 928 836 962 828 179 1,240 927 $1,046 746 942 854 974 830 197 1,265 934 $1,036 726 925 842 962 793 195 1,281 920 $2,003 1,479 1,807 1,652 1,736 1,524 504 1,996 1,702 $2,028 1,497 1,830 1,681 1,757 1,528 532 2,037 1,714 $2,007 1,460 1,799 1,658 1,733 1,461 520 2,059 1,682 Atlanta .............................. Charleston ........................ Jackson ............................ Birmingham ...................... Memphis ........................... El Paso ............................. San Francisco .................. Baltimore .......................... Albuquerque ..................... Based on the 10-year cost-ofownership savings results, DOE concluded that an SHGC requirement of 0.30 would lead to the most costeffective manufactured home for both climate zones 1B and 2. DOE requests comment on whether to include an SHGC requirement of 0.30 for climate VerDate Sep<11>2014 SHGC 0.30 19:57 Feb 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 zones 1B and 2 in development of the proposed rule. B. Window Fenestration Energy Efficiency Programs for Manufactured Housing DOE is interested in receiving information that relates to window PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 fenestration manufacturing and programs available to the manufactured housing industry. DOE requests comment on several topics related to window fenestration efficiency and manufactured homes: 1. DOE is interested in receiving additional information on existing E:\FR\FM\11FEP1.SGM 11FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 28 / Wednesday, February 11, 2015 / Proposed Rules window fenestration labeling programs available to the manufactured housing industry that may label the whole window or individual insulated glass units (IGUs). 2. DOE requests comment on the potential challenges related to determining the energy efficiency of IGUs in manufactured homes or insuring the efficiency of IGUs in manufactured homes in connection with voluntary window fenestration labeling programs. 3. DOE requests comment on any other issues related to the regulation of window fenestration in manufactured housing. ACTION: III. Submission of Comments DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by March 13, 2015, comments and information on matters addressed in this RFI. After the close of the comment period, DOE will consider the public comments in development of the proposed rule. DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of the process for developing energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the comment period at each stage of the rulemaking process. Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the rulemaking process. Anyone who wishes to 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. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before March 13, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The telephone number is 202– 366–9329. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these three methods. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or email Petty Officer Ryan Griffin, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, Waterways Management Division; telephone (206) 217–6323, email SectorPugetSoundWWM@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Coast Guard Table of Acronyms 33 CFR Part 165 DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Issued in Washington, DC, on February 3, 2015. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2015–02842 Filed 2–10–15; 8:45 am] tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 6450–01–P [Docket Number USCG–2014–1075] RIN 1625–AA87 Security Zone, U.S. Open Golf Championship, South Puget Sound; University Place, WA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:57 Feb 10, 2015 Jkt 235001 Notice of proposed rulemaking. The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary security zone for the U.S. Open Golf Championship at Chambers Bay Golf Course in South Puget Sound, University Place, WA, from June 14, 2015 through June 22, 2015. This action is necessary to ensure the safety and security of participants, spectators, and event officials at the U.S. Open Golf Championship, and will do so by prohibiting any person or vessel from entering or remaining in the security zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or his Designated Representative. SUMMARY: DATES: A. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 7553 without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online at https:// www.regulations.gov, or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number [USCG–2014–1075] in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ on the line associated with this rulemaking. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments. 2. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number (USCG–2014–1075) in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. E:\FR\FM\11FEP1.SGM 11FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7550-7553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02842]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 460

[Docket Number EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021]
RIN 1904-AC11


Energy Conservation Program: Energy Efficiency Standards for 
Manufactured Housing

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

ACTION: Request for information.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated the process 
to develop and publish energy efficiency standards for manufactured 
housing, as directed by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007 (EISA). To facilitate this process, enhance the quality of the 
standards and supporting documentation, and to allow interested parties 
to provide comments and information, DOE is publishing this request for 
information (RFI). DOE specifically is interested under this RFI in 
receiving information that relates to

[[Page 7551]]

solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and window fenestration pertaining 
to manufactured housing for consideration under the proposed rule that 
currently is in development.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested on or before 
March 13, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments 
electronically. However, comments may be submitted by any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: MfgHousing2009BC0021@ee.doe.gov. Include docket 
number EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021 and/or Regulatory Identification Number 
(RIN) 1904-AC11 in the subject line of the message. All comments should 
clearly identify the name, address, and, if appropriate, organization 
of the commenter.
     Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-5B, Request for 
Information for Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing, 
Docket No. EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121. Please submit one signed paper original.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Sixth Floor, 950 L'Enfant 
Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed paper 
original.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number for this rulemaking. No telefacsimiles (faxes) will 
be accepted. Due to potential delays in DOE's receipt and processing of 
mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service, we encourage respondents to 
submit comments electronically to ensure timely receipt.
    Docket: This RFI and any comments that DOE receives will be made 
available on the docket, which is available for review at 
www.regulations.gov and includes all Federal Register notices, public 
meeting attendees' lists and transcripts, comments, and other 
supporting documents/materials applicable to this rulemaking. 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.
    A link to the docket Web page can be found at: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx?ruleid=97. This Web page contains a link to the docket 
for this notice on the www.regulations.gov Web site. The 
www.regulations.gov Web page contains simple instructions on how to 
access all documents, including public comments, in the docket.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Joseph Hagerman, Senior Advisor, 
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC, 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-4549. Email: 
Manufactured_Housing@ee.doe.gov.
    Kavita Vaidyanathan, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-0669. Email: 
Kavita.Vaidyanathan@hq.doe.gov.
    For information on how to submit or review public comments, contact 
Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, 
Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. Email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority
    B. Background
II. Request for Information and Comments
    A. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Sensitivity Analysis
    B. Window Fenestration Energy Efficiency Programs for 
Manufactured Housing
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

A. Authority

    The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, Pub. L. 
110-140) requires that DOE establish by regulation standards for energy 
efficiency in manufactured housing. DOE is directed to base the 
standards on the most recent version of the International Energy 
Conservation Code (IECC) and any supplements to that document, except 
where DOE finds that the IECC is not cost-effective, or where a more 
stringent standard would be more cost-effective, based on the impact of 
the IECC on the purchase price of manufactured housing and on total 
life-cycle construction and operating costs. See 42 U.S.C. 17071(b)(1).

B. Background

    On June 13, 2014, DOE published a notice of intent to establish a 
manufactured housing working group (MH working group) to discuss and, 
if possible, achieve consensus on recommendations for a proposed rule. 
79 FR 33873. On July 16, 2014, the MH working group was established 
under the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee 
(ASRAC) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the 
Negotiated Rulemaking Act. See 79 FR 41456; 5 U.S.C. 561-570, App. 2. 
The MH working group was to consist of representatives of parties 
having a defined stake in the outcome of the proposed standards, and 
the group would consult, as appropriate, with a range of external 
experts on technical issues.
    The MH working group consisted of 22 members, including one member 
from ASRAC and one DOE representative. The MH working group met in-
person during six sets of meetings held August 4-5, August 21-22, 
September 9-10, September 22-23, October 1-2, and October 23-24. See 79 
FR 48097 and 79 FR 59154.
    On October 31, 2014, the MH working group reached consensus on 
energy efficiency standards in manufactured housing and assembled its 
recommendations for DOE into a term sheet that was presented to ASRAC. 
See EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021-0107. ASRAC approved the term sheet during an 
open meeting on December 1, 2014. As part of the term sheet, the MH 
working group recommended that DOE conduct additional analysis to 
inform the selection of solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) requirements 
in certain climate zones. See EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021-0107, p. 3, 
Recommendation 5. For more information on the MH working group's 
recommendations, please refer to the complete term sheet posted in the 
public docket. See EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021-0107.

II. Request for Information and Comments

A. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Sensitivity Analysis

    The MH working group did not recommend a specific SHGC value for 
climate zones 1B and 2. See EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021-0107, p. 2, 
Recommendation 3.1 for climate zones. Instead, the MH working group 
requested that DOE complete additional sensitivity analysis and select 
the SHGC based on that data. Specifically, the MH working group 
requested that DOE analyze window fenestration SHGC values of 0.25, 
0.30, and 0.33. In previous energy simulation analysis, DOE performed a 
modeling analysis

[[Page 7552]]

with windows uniformly distributed on the exterior walls of a 
manufactured home. While windows are frequently concentrated on one 
side of typical manufactured homes in practice, a uniform configuration 
for the energy simulation represented the fact that manufactured homes 
are sited in a full range of orientations (east, west, north, south, 
etc.). This configuration effectively calculates a weighted average 
energy use for homes facing all directions. For the sensitivity 
analysis, the MH working group requested energy simulation analysis 
that places all windows on a single side of the home, with windows 
facing the cardinal direction that would give SHGC the greatest impact 
on energy use. In response to the MH working group's request, DOE 
completed additional energy simulation analysis and life-cycle cost 
(LCC) analysis. For more information on the MH working group's 
recommendations with regard to SHGC, please refer to the complete term 
sheet posted in the public docket. See EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021-0107.
    For simulation of manufactured housing energy use, DOE used the 
EnergyPlus 5.0 software that was also used for energy simulation 
analytical support during meetings of the MH working group. EnergyPlus 
5.0 is a detailed whole-building energy modeling tool that is useful 
for simulating the heating, cooling, and ventilation loads in a 
building. To simulate manufactured home energy use, DOE created a 
representative manufactured home using typical construction assumptions 
such as building geometry and framing member size. These assumptions 
are the same as those used for energy simulation during the MH working 
group process.
    To maximize the impact of SHGC on energy use, DOE placed all 
windows on one side of the representative manufactured home, with that 
side facing west. DOE then generated energy use values for the three 
SHGC values in nine cities (four cities in climate zone 1B and five 
cities in climate zone 2, as recommended by the MH working group) and 
for two sizes of manufactured homes (single-section and double-
section).
    The LCC analysis calculates the total cost of ownership savings 
over a specified period of time. The total cost of ownership savings is 
equal to the total cost of ownership of a reference manufactured home 
minus the total cost of ownership of a manufactured home constructed in 
accordance with DOE's proposed standards. The reference home is modeled 
to meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements of the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development Code. See 24 CFR 3280 et seq. The LCC 
analysis includes both operating costs (primarily energy costs) and 
purchase cost of the manufactured home. DOE calculated energy costs 
(using the energy simulation results) and added those to the purchase 
cost of the manufactured home, accounting for differences in the cost 
of the three window fenestration types. Regarding the purchase cost of 
the standards-compliant manufactured home, only the cost of window 
fenestration varied for each scenario of the SHGC sensitivity analysis. 
Other building thermal envelope components were modeled (for energy 
simulation and cost analysis) as specified in the MH working group term 
sheet. See EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021-0107. DOE calculated the 10-year total 
cost of ownership savings for manufactured housing with window 
fenestration SHGC of 0.25, 0.30, and 0.33. The 10-year analysis period 
represents the total cost of ownership for the first owner of the 
manufactured home and assumes the first owner keeps the manufactured 
home for 10 years. For more information with regard to DOE's LCC 
analysis, please refer to the complete term sheet posted in the public 
docket. See EERE-2009-BT-BC-0021-0107.
    The energy simulation analysis indicated SHGC of 0.25 had the 
lowest energy use and SHGC of 0.33 had the highest energy use. Based on 
industry input collected from the MH working group, DOE assigned 
single-section manufactured home window fenestration prices (retail 
prices before sales tax) of $1446, $1389, and $1355 for SHGC of 0.25, 
0.30, and 0.33, respectively.
    The LCC analysis, based on the energy simulation results and window 
fenestration prices, determined that SHGC of 0.30 provided the largest 
10-year cost of ownership savings in all four cities analyzed in 
climate zone 1B and in four of the five cities analyzed in climate zone 
2. SHGC of 0.33 had the second most 10-year cost-of-ownership savings, 
and SHGC of 0.25 had the least 10-year cost-of-ownership savings. These 
10-year cost-of-ownership savings results are listed in Table II.1.

                                                  Table II.1--10-Year Cost-of-Ownership Savings Results
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Single section 10-year total cost-of-  Double section 10-year total cost-of-
                                                                                      ownership savings                      ownership savings
                Climate zone                              City             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             SHGC 0.25    SHGC 0.30    SHGC 0.33    SHGC 0.25    SHGC 0.30    SHGC 0.33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1B.........................................  Atlanta......................       $1,030       $1,046       $1,036       $2,003       $2,028       $2,007
1B.........................................  Charleston...................          734          746          726        1,479        1,497        1,460
1B.........................................  Jackson......................          928          942          925        1,807        1,830        1,799
1B.........................................  Birmingham...................          836          854          842        1,652        1,681        1,658
2..........................................  Memphis......................          962          974          962        1,736        1,757        1,733
2..........................................  El Paso......................          828          830          793        1,524        1,528        1,461
2..........................................  San Francisco................          179          197          195          504          532          520
2..........................................  Baltimore....................        1,240        1,265        1,281        1,996        2,037        2,059
2..........................................  Albuquerque..................          927          934          920        1,702        1,714        1,682
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on the 10-year cost-of-ownership savings results, DOE 
concluded that an SHGC requirement of 0.30 would lead to the most cost-
effective manufactured home for both climate zones 1B and 2. DOE 
requests comment on whether to include an SHGC requirement of 0.30 for 
climate zones 1B and 2 in development of the proposed rule.

B. Window Fenestration Energy Efficiency Programs for Manufactured 
Housing

    DOE is interested in receiving information that relates to window 
fenestration manufacturing and programs available to the manufactured 
housing industry. DOE requests comment on several topics related to 
window fenestration efficiency and manufactured homes:
    1. DOE is interested in receiving additional information on 
existing

[[Page 7553]]

window fenestration labeling programs available to the manufactured 
housing industry that may label the whole window or individual 
insulated glass units (IGUs).
    2. DOE requests comment on the potential challenges related to 
determining the energy efficiency of IGUs in manufactured homes or 
insuring the efficiency of IGUs in manufactured homes in connection 
with voluntary window fenestration labeling programs.
    3. DOE requests comment on any other issues related to the 
regulation of window fenestration in manufactured housing.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by March 
13, 2015, comments and information on matters addressed in this RFI. 
After the close of the comment period, DOE will consider the public 
comments in development of the proposed rule.
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing energy efficiency standards for manufactured 
housing. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of 
the public during the comment period at each stage of the rulemaking 
process. Interactions with and between members of the public provide a 
balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the rulemaking 
process. Anyone who wishes to 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 February 3, 2015.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2015-02842 Filed 2-10-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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