Department of Energy June 25, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Energy is proposing to merge two information collections into one more broad collection, one of which is approved and one of which was previously proposed pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The approved collection is being used to develop a scorecard that will assist DOE's Clean Cities coalitions and stakeholders in assessing the level of readiness of their communities for plug-in electric vehicles (PEV). Information collected via the scorecard is intended to allow DOE to provide respondents with an objective assessment of their communities' readiness for PEV adoption and an understanding of their commitment to successful deployment of PEVs, and is needed to ensure appropriate evaluation of progress in deploying PEVs. The other, previously proposed information collection would be used to develop information that will enable DOE to measure the impact and progress of DOE's National Clean Fleets Partnership (Partnership). The Partnership is an initiative through which DOE provides large private-sector fleets with technical assistance and expertise to incorporate alternative fuels and fuel saving measures into their operations successfully. The initiative builds on the established success of DOE's Clean Cities Program. The Partnership was developed with input from fleet managers, industry representatives, Clean Cities program staff, and Clean Cities coordinators. DOE is also proposing to amend the PEV Scorecard information collection request by expanding the number of entities estimated to participate in the voluntary PEV Scorecard information collection.

The Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, intends to reinstate 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; (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) has initiated the process to develop and publish energy 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 suggestions, comments, and information, DOE is publishing this request for information. DOE is interested in receiving information that relates to the relationship between energy efficiency and indoor air quality in manufactured housing, financing measures that may be available for manufactured homes with higher energy efficiencies, and possible enforcement models for the DOE standards. This notice identifies several areas on which DOE is particularly interested in receiving information; however, any input and suggestions considered relevant to DOE's effort are welcome.