Department of Energy February 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Oak Ridge Reservation. 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 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) proposes to revise its regulations to foster competition in the sale of primary frequency response service. Specifically, the Commission proposes to amend its regulations to revise the regulations governing market-based rates for public utilities pursuant to the Federal Power Act (FPA) to permit the sale of primary frequency response service at market-based rates by sellers with market-based rate authority for energy and capacity.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to establish test procedures for portable air conditioners (ACs) in accordance with the guidance and requirements set forth by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish technologically feasible, economically justified energy conservation standards for products identified by specific criteria to provide national energy savings through improved energy efficiency. The proposed test procedures are based upon industry methods to determine energy consumption in active modes, off-cycle mode, standby modes, and off mode, with certain modifications to ensure the test procedures are repeatable and representative. The proposed test procedure would create a new appendix CC, which would be used to determine capacities and energy efficiency metrics that could be the basis for any future energy conservation standards for portable ACs. DOE also proposes adding a sampling plan and rounding requirements for portable ACs, necessary when certifying capacity and efficiency of a basic model.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, prescribes that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) make a determination on the impact, if any, on the lessening of competition likely to result from a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed rule for energy conservation standards and that DOE publish the determination in the Federal Register. DOE published its final rule for energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers on June 3, 2014, and is today publishing DOJ's determination on such proposed rule.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) which is proposing energy conservation standards for residential dishwashers. The comment period for the NOPR pertaining to the energy conservation standards for residential dishwasher products ended February 17, 2015. DOE is reopening the comment period for comments related to the analysis that estimates the potential economic impacts and energy savings that could result from an energy conservation standard for residential dishwashers. Comments will be accepted until March 25, 2015.

Pursuant to section 14(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), and in accordance with title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, section 102-3.65(a), and following consultation with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, notice is hereby given that the Defense Programs Advisory Committee (DPAC) will be renewed for a two-year period beginning on February 12, 2015. The DPAC will provide advice and recommendations to the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs on the stewardship and maintenance of the Nation's nuclear deterrent. Additionally, the renewal of the Committee 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 Committee 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.

This notice announces a meeting of the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these meetings be announced in the Federal Register.