Department of Energy July 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On October 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR'') to establish a test procedure and an accompanying labeling requirement for dedicated purpose pool pump (``DPPP'') motors. This final rule establishes a test procedure for DPPP motors. Specifically, the final rule incorporates by reference an industry standard pertaining to DPPP definitions; and requires the use of an industry testing standard for testing the energy efficiency of DPPP motors. This final rule does not establish a labeling requirement and DOE intends to address any such labeling and/ or energy conservation standards requirement in a separate notification.

This notification announces receipt of and publishes a petition for waiver and interim waiver from Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. (``Goodman'') which seeks a waiver from the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') test procedure used for determining the efficiency of specified central air conditioner (``CAC'') and heat pump (``HP'') basic models. DOE also gives notification of an Interim Waiver Order that requires Goodman to test and rate specified CAC and HP basic models in accordance with the alternate test procedure set forth in the Interim Waiver Order. DOE solicits comments, data, and information concerning Goodman's petition and its suggested alternate test procedure to inform DOE's final decision on Goodman's waiver request.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has reviewed ANSI/ASHRAE/ IES Standard 90.1-2019: Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings and determined the updated edition would improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings subject to the code. DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting Standard 90.1-2019, as compared with buildings meeting the 2016 edition, would result in national site energy savings of 4.7 percent, source energy savings of 4.3 percent, and energy cost savings of approximately 4.3 percent of commercial building energy consumption. Upon publication of this affirmative determination, each State is required to review the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency, and, as necessary, update their codes to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-2019. Additionally, this notice provides guidance on state code review processes and associated certifications.

The Department of Energy (the ``Department'' or ``DOE'') is requesting public comment concerning the need for continuation or modification of the provisions of the Price-Anderson Act (PAA) as administered by DOE. The PAA establishes a system of financial protection that encourages the safe and secure operation of nuclear power and other nuclear activities and assures equitable compensation of victims in the event of a nuclear incident. Comments from the public will assist the Department in the preparation of its report on the PAA to be submitted to Congress by December 31, 2021, as required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (AEA), as amended.

North Star Electric Cooperative has applied for a Presidential permit to construct, operate, maintain, and connect an electric transmission line across the United States border with Canada.