Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office August 23, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On December 15, 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) published a final rule waiving Federal preemption for energy conservation standards under 42 U.S.C. 6297(c) with respect to any State regulation concerning the water use or water efficiency of faucets, showerheads, water closets and urinals that is: (1) More stringent than Federal regulation concerning the water use or water efficiency for that same type or class of product; and (2) applicable to any sale or installation of all products in that particular type or class. In today's notice, DOE requests information from interested parties regarding: State activity with respect to efficiency standards for these products undertaken as a result of the December 15, 2010 final rule; market data; and any new or emerging water-efficient product designs or technologies for faucets, showerheads, water closets and urinals. DOE also requests information regarding any recent actions taken by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) toward amending its water efficiency standards for these products. Additional input and suggestions relevant to these products are also welcome.