Department of Energy May 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its test procedures for dehumidifiers, by adding clarifications for equipment setup during testing and correcting the calculations of active mode energy use and an efficiency metric, integrated energy factor (IEF). The proposed amendments would also create a new appendix which would require certain active mode testing at a lower ambient temperature, add a measure of fan-only mode energy consumption in the IEF metric, and include testing methodology and measures of performance for whole-home dehumidifiers. Finally, DOE proposes to add clarifying definitions of covered products, amend the certification requirements, add verification instructions for the capacity measurement, and make certain editorial corrections.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, the U.S. Department of Energy is soliciting nominations for candidates to fill vacancies on the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee (Committee).

This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Hanford. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the Federal Register.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has preliminarily determined that the 2013 edition of the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES \1\ Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings would improve energy efficiency in buildings subject to the code compared to the 2010 edition of Standard 90.1. DOE has preliminarily determined that buildings built to Standard 90.1-2013, as compared with buildings built to Standard 90.1-2010, would result in national source energy savings of approximately 8.5 percent and site energy savings of approximately 7.6 percent of commercial building energy consumption. If this determination is finalized, States would be required to certify that they have reviewed the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency, and, as necessary, updated their codes to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-2013. Additionally, this notice provides guidance to States on certifications and requests for extensions of deadlines for certification statements.

The Department of Energy (DOE) invites public comment on a proposed collection of information that DOE is developing for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 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.

Minnesota Power, an operating division of ALLETE, Inc., has applied for a Presidential permit to construct, operate, maintain, and connect an electric transmission line across the United States border with Canada.