Department of Energy September 26, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to revise its regulations governing DOE verification testing of industrial equipment covered by EPCA rated with alternative efficiency determination methods (AEDMs). These regulations arose from a negotiated rulemaking effort on issues regarding certification of commercial heating, ventilating, air- conditioning (HVAC), water heating (WH), and refrigeration equipment.

The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of receipt of an application (Application) filed on February 18, 2014, by Louisiana LNG Energy LLC (LLNG), requesting long- term, multi-contract authorization to export two million metric tons per year (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced from domestic sources, which LLNG states is equivalent to approximately 103.4 billion cubic feet per year (Bcf/yr) of natural gas (0.28 Bcf per day (Bcf/d)). LLNG seeks authorization to export the LNG for a 25-year term from a proposed LNG liquefaction project to be located near mile marker 46 on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, down-river from the Port of New Orleans, in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana (Project). LLNG requests authorization to export this LNG by vessel to any country with which the United States does not have a free trade agreement (FTA) requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas (non-FTA countries), and with which trade is not prohibited by U.S. law or policy. LLNG seeks to export this LNG on its own behalf and as agent for other parties who hold title to the LNG at the time of export. LLNG requests that this authorization commence on the earlier of the date of first export or 10 years from the date the authorization is issued. The Application was filed under section 3(a) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA).

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has 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 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. Upon publication of this affirmative determination, States are 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.