Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Air-Cooled Commercial Package Air Conditioning and Heating Equipment and Commercial Warm Air Furnaces, 36517-36518 [2020-12934]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 117 / Wednesday, June 17, 2020 / Proposed Rules Interested parties may submit comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice. Submitting comments via https:// www.regulations.gov. The https:// www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment. However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you include it in the comment itself or in any documents attached to your comment. Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your comment. Otherwise, persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any documents submitted with the comments. Do not submit to https:// www.regulations.gov information for which disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through https:// www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received through the website will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business Information section. 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The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any comments. Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via postal mail or hand delivery/ courier, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies. No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that are not secured, that are written in English, and that are free of any defects or viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature of the author. Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters’ names compiled into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting time. Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies: One copy of the document marked ‘‘confidential’’ including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked ‘‘non-confidential’’ with the information believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email to RoomAC2014STD0059@ee.doe.gov or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential status of the information and treat it according to its determination. It is DOE’s policy that all comments may be included in the public docket, without change and as received, including any personal information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be exempt from public disclosure). PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 36517 V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of availability. Signing Authority This document of the Department of Energy was signed on June 5, 2020, by Alexander N. Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. Signed in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2020. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. 2020–12935 Filed 6–16–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 431 [EERE–2019–BT–STD–0042] RIN 1904–AE59 Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Air-Cooled Commercial Package Air Conditioning and Heating Equipment and Commercial Warm Air Furnaces Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Request for information; reopening of the public comment period. AGENCY: On May 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a request for information (RFI) pertaining to the energy conservation standards for air-cooled commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment (ACUACs and ACUHPs) and commercial warm air furnaces (CWAFs). The RFI provided an opportunity for submission of written comments, data, and information to the Department by June 11, 2020. Prior to the end of the comment period for the RFI, DOE SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17JNP1.SGM 17JNP1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 36518 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 117 / Wednesday, June 17, 2020 / Proposed Rules received a request from the AirConditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), as well as from the American Public Gas Association (APGA), seeking additional time to consider the applicability and impact of an updated energy conservation standard for this equipment. In light of these requests, DOE is reopening the comment period for the subject RFI for an additional 14 days. DATES: The comment period for the subject RFI, published in the Federal Register on May 12, 2020, which closed on June 11, 2020, is hereby reopened and extended. Accordingly, DOE will accept written comments, data, and information in response to the RFI submitted no later than July 1, 2020. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE–2019–BT–STD–0042 and/or 1904–AE59, by any of the following methods: 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 2. Email: PkgHVACFurnace2019STD0042@ ee.doe.gov. Include the docket number EERE–2019–BT–STD–0042 and/or RIN 1904–AE59 in the subject line of the message. 3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 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. 4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 287–1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, is available for review at https:// www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed in the https:// www.regulations.gov index. However, some documents listed in the index, such as those containing information VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jun 16, 2020 Jkt 250001 that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly available. The docket web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042. The docket web page contains instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Stephanie Johnson and Ms. Catherine Rivest, 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– 7335. Email: ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ ee.doe.gov. Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–5827. Email: Eric.Stas@hq.doe.gov. For further information on how to submit a comment, or review other public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 586– 6636 or by email: ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ ee.doe.gov. public comment period for the RFI that DOE previously published in the Federal Register on May 12, 2020, for similar reasons to those expressed in the AHRI request.2 On May 27, 2020, AHRI reiterated their request for a comment extension for the RFI. In its request for extension, AHRI noted that DOE has released numerous requests for information since April 12, 2020, which include requests for AHRI and its members to provide data and information to DOE. AHRI’s extension request also reiterated the challenges in complying with such requests associated with COVID–19related company furloughs.3 After carefully considering these requests, DOE has determined that reopening the comment period for an additional 14 days to allow additional time for interested parties to submit comments is sufficient. Therefore, DOE is reopening the comment period for the RFI pertaining to the energy conservation standards for ACUACs, ACHPs, and CWAFs, and will accept comments received on and before July 1, 2020, in order to provide interested parties additional time to prepare and submit comments. Accordingly, DOE will consider any comments received by this date to be timely submitted. DOE published a Request for Information (RFI) pertaining to the energy conservation standards for ACUACs, ACHPs, and CWAFs in the Federal Register on May 12, 2020. 85 FR 27941. The RFI initiated a data collection process and seeks input from the public to assist DOE in determining whether amended standards for ACUACs, ACUHPs, and CWAFs, would result in significant additional energy savings and would be technologically feasible and economically justified. In that RFI, DOE requested submission of written comment, data, and information by June 11, 2020. On May 15, 2020, AHRI, an interested party in the matter, requested a 30-day extension of the public comment period for the RFI that DOE previously published in the Federal Register on May 12, 2020.1 More specifically, AHRI sought additional time to consider the many technical issues raised in the RFI, noting that many of its member manufactures have closed facilities and furloughed staff in response to the COVID–19 crisis. On May 19, 2020, APGA, also requested a 30-day extension of the Signing Authority SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1 Available at https://www.regulations.gov/ document?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042-0003. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 This document of the Department of Energy was signed on June 9, 2020, by Alexander N. Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. Signed in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2020. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. 2020–12934 Filed 6–16–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P 2 Available at https://www.regulations.gov/ document?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042-0004. 3 Available at https://www.regulations.gov/ document?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042-0005. E:\FR\FM\17JNP1.SGM 17JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 117 (Wednesday, June 17, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36517-36518]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12934]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042]
RIN 1904-AE59


Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for 
Air-Cooled Commercial Package Air Conditioning and Heating Equipment 
and Commercial Warm Air Furnaces

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

ACTION: Request for information; reopening of the public comment 
period.

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

SUMMARY: On May 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published 
a request for information (RFI) pertaining to the energy conservation 
standards for air-cooled commercial package air conditioning and 
heating equipment (ACUACs and ACUHPs) and commercial warm air furnaces 
(CWAFs). The RFI provided an opportunity for submission of written 
comments, data, and information to the Department by June 11, 2020. 
Prior to the end of the comment period for the RFI, DOE

[[Page 36518]]

received a request from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration 
Institute (AHRI), as well as from the American Public Gas Association 
(APGA), seeking additional time to consider the applicability and 
impact of an updated energy conservation standard for this equipment. 
In light of these requests, DOE is reopening the comment period for the 
subject RFI for an additional 14 days.

DATES: The comment period for the subject RFI, published in the Federal 
Register on May 12, 2020, which closed on June 11, 2020, is hereby 
reopened and extended. Accordingly, DOE will accept written comments, 
data, and information in response to the RFI submitted no later than 
July 1, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2019-BT-
STD-0042 and/or 1904-AE59, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: PkgHVACFurnace2019STD004[email protected]. Include the docket 
number EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042 and/or RIN 1904-AE59 in the subject line 
of the message.
    3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 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.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov. All documents in 
the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. However, 
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing 
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly 
available.
    The docket web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042. The docket web page contains 
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Dr. Stephanie Johnson and Ms. Catherine Rivest, 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) 586-7335. Email: 
[email protected].
    Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-5827. Email: [email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment, or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 586-6636 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  DOE published a Request for Information 
(RFI) pertaining to the energy conservation standards for ACUACs, 
ACHPs, and CWAFs in the Federal Register on May 12, 2020. 85 FR 27941. 
The RFI initiated a data collection process and seeks input from the 
public to assist DOE in determining whether amended standards for 
ACUACs, ACUHPs, and CWAFs, would result in significant additional 
energy savings and would be technologically feasible and economically 
justified. In that RFI, DOE requested submission of written comment, 
data, and information by June 11, 2020.
    On May 15, 2020, AHRI, an interested party in the matter, requested 
a 30-day extension of the public comment period for the RFI that DOE 
previously published in the Federal Register on May 12, 2020.\1\ More 
specifically, AHRI sought additional time to consider the many 
technical issues raised in the RFI, noting that many of its member 
manufactures have closed facilities and furloughed staff in response to 
the COVID-19 crisis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042-0003.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 19, 2020, APGA, also requested a 30-day extension of the 
public comment period for the RFI that DOE previously published in the 
Federal Register on May 12, 2020, for similar reasons to those 
expressed in the AHRI request.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042-0004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 27, 2020, AHRI reiterated their request for a comment 
extension for the RFI. In its request for extension, AHRI noted that 
DOE has released numerous requests for information since April 12, 
2020, which include requests for AHRI and its members to provide data 
and information to DOE. AHRI's extension request also reiterated the 
challenges in complying with such requests associated with COVID-19-
related company furloughs.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0042-0005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After carefully considering these requests, DOE has determined that 
reopening the comment period for an additional 14 days to allow 
additional time for interested parties to submit comments is 
sufficient. Therefore, DOE is reopening the comment period for the RFI 
pertaining to the energy conservation standards for ACUACs, ACHPs, and 
CWAFs, and will accept comments received on and before July 1, 2020, in 
order to provide interested parties additional time to prepare and 
submit comments. Accordingly, DOE will consider any comments received 
by this date to be timely submitted.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on June 9, 
2020, by Alexander N. Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Energy Efficiency, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary 
of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is 
maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance 
with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the 
undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to 
sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as 
an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative 
process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon 
publication in the Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2020.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2020-12934 Filed 6-16-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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