Department of Energy January 19, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, intends to extend for three years, an information collection request with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the extended collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Pursuant to Section 14(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and (Pub. L. 92-463), and in accordance with Title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 102.365(a), and following consultation with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, notice is hereby given that the National Petroleum Council has been renewed for a two-year period, beginning January 12, 2012. The Council will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on matters relating to oil and natural gas, and the oil and natural gas industries. Additionally, the renewal of the Council has been determined to be essential to the conduct of the Department's business and to be in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed upon the Department of Energy by law and agreement. The Council will continue to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the rules and regulations in implementation of that Act.

The Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, intends to extend for three years, an information collection package with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the extended collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to establish a new test procedure for television sets (TVs). DOE repealed the prior Federal test procedure for TVs on October 20, 2009, due to petitions from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). CEC and CEA petitioned for the repeal in light of the June 13, 2009, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) transition from analog to digital broadcast transmissions for TVs. In their petitions, the CEC requested repeal of the regulatory provisions establishing the test procedure and defining ``television set,'' and the CEA petitioned for DOE's adoption of the International Electrochemical Commission's (IEC's) test procedure IEC Standard 62087- 2008, ``Methods of measurement for the power consumption of audio, video and related equipment.'' DOE is proposing a new test procedure for TVs that was developed from existing industry test procedures including those by IEC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and CEA. Additionally, DOE will hold a public meeting to receive and discuss comments on the proposal.