Department of Energy February 13, 2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces an open meeting of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board (SEAB). The SEAB was reestablished pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. This notice is provided in accordance with the Act.

The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'' or ``the Department'') proposes to update and modernize the Department's current rulemaking methodology titled, ``Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Products'' (``Process Rule''). In overview, in this document, DOE is proposing to clarify that the Process Rule applies to the establishment of new or revised energy conservation standards and test procedures for both consumer products and commercial/industrial equipment. This proposed rule would make the specified rulemaking procedures binding on DOE, and it would also revise language in certain provisions to make it consistent with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (``EPCA''), as amended, and other applicable law. It also proposes to expand early opportunities for public input on the Appliance Program's priority setting and rulemaking activities, to define a significant energy savings threshold for updating energy conservation standards, to commit to publishing final test procedures at least 180 days in advance of a standards proposal, and to delineate procedures for rulemaking under the separate direct final rule and negotiated rulemaking authorities, among other issues. DOE may consider additional changes to the Process Rule in a future proceeding. In addition to requesting written comments on its proposal, DOE will also hold a public meeting at DOE Headquarters to discuss this proposal and obtain additional input.