Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 501 - 550 of 593
Alternative Fuel Transportation Program; Replacement Fuel Goal Modification
DOE is publishing this final rule pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992). DOE is extending the EPAct 1992 goal of achieving a production capacity for replacement fuels sufficient to replace 30 percent of the projected U.S. motor fuel consumption (Replacement Fuel Goal) to 2030. DOE determined through its analysis that the 30 percent Replacement Fuel Goal cannot be met by 2010, as established in section 502(b)(2)(B). DOE has determined that the 30 percent goal can be achieved by 2030.
Energy Efficiency Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Efficiency Standards for Commercial Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Water-Heating Equipment
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (EPCA), establishes energy conservation standards for various commercial and industrial equipment. EPCA further provides with respect to certain equipment covered by this rule, that if the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) amend ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard 90.1 as in effect on October 24, 1992, then the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish amended national standards at the ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90-1 minimum energy efficiency levels unless DOE determines that evidence supports adoption of higher standard levels or certain other circumstances exist. ASHRAE/IESNA amended ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 on October 29, 1999 (ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999), and DOE initiated this rulemaking to consider amendments to the national standards. DOE has concluded that it lacks authority to pursue higher standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters and large commercial packaged boilers. For small commercial packaged boilers with capacities greater than 300,000 Btu/h and less than or equal to 2.5 million British thermal units per hour, DOE is declining to adopt revised efficiency standards contained in the ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 because the revised levels are less stringent than the current national standard. In addition, DOE has decided to conduct a separate rulemaking to consider whether standards at higher levels than those in the ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 are warranted for packaged terminal air conditioners and packaged terminal heat pumps. Finally, DOE has concluded it does not have the authority to adopt, as uniform national standards, efficiency standards contained in Addenda f and b, respectively, to ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 for three-phase air conditioners and heat pumps with cooling capacities less than 65,000 British thermal units per hour, and single-package vertical air conditioners and single-package vertical heat pumps with cooling capacities less than 65,000 Btu/h.
State Energy Advisory Board Meeting
This notice announces a meeting of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). 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.
Energy Conservation Program for Commercial Equipment: Distribution Transformers Energy Conservation Standards
The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) for liquid-immersed and medium-voltage, dry-type distribution transformers under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). In response to this notice, stakeholders commented that DOE's standard may prevent or render impractical the replacement of distribution transformers in certain space-constrained (e.g., vault) installations. Some stakeholders suggested that DOE's analysis of the benefits and burdens of the proposed standard should take into consideration the potential impacts of replacing transformers in space- constrained vaults. In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR), DOE factored weight-dependent installation costs in the analysis, but did not specifically address potential costs related to transformers installed in vaults. In today's notice, DOE requests comment on inclusion of potential costs related to size constraints of transformers installed in vaults. DOE also is considering an additional option for the final efficiency levels for liquid-immersed distribution transformers and by this notice invites public comment on this additional option.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Furnaces and Boilers
A notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the current minimum energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and boilers was published in the Federal Register on October 6, 2006. 71 FR 59204. On October 30, 2006, the Department of Energy (DOE) held a public meeting for interested parties to provide comments and discuss relevant issues. At the public meeting, DOE indicated it would respond to two particular questions that stakeholders raised regarding DOE's NOPR estimates for potential energy savings associated with regional standards for non-weatherized gas furnaces in Northern regions, and regarding new installation costs for oil-fired furnaces. This notice both addresses the stakeholders questions and reopens the comment period to provide an opportunity for public review and comment on DOE's response to each question.
Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee
This notice announces an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee under the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law No. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that agencies publish these notices in the Federal Register to allow for public participation. This notice announces the meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Water Heaters, Direct Heating Equipment, and Pool Heaters
The Department of Energy (DOE) has commenced a rulemaking to amend the existing energy conservation standards for residential water heaters, direct heating equipment, and pool heaters. On November 24, 2006, the DOE published in the Federal Register (FR) a notice of public meeting and availability of Framework Document for this rulemaking wherein it indicated that the comment period for this initial phase of the rulemaking closes on January 30, 2007. 71 FR 67825. On January 16, 2007, DOE held an informal public meeting to present its proposed methodologies for conducting the rulemaking, discuss issues relevant to the rulemaking proceeding, and initiate stakeholder interaction and the data collection process. Due to the extensive scope of material and issues raised at the meeting, some stakeholders at the public meeting requested an extension to the comment period. This notice extends the comment period to better provide opportunity for public review and comment on DOE's rulemaking approaches.
Alternative Fuel Transportation Program; Replacement Fuel Goal Modification
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy proposed to amend the Replacement Fuel Goal provided under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992), Public Law 102-486. 71 FR 54771 (September 19, 2006). The purpose of the proposed amendment is to revise the goal to a level which is achievable, in accordance with requirements under section 504 of EPAct 1992. Due to technical difficulties in receiving the electronic comments on the proposed rule for the Replacement Fuel Goal, the comment period, which originally ended on November 3, 2006, is reopened and comments will be accepted until January 31, 2007, to ensure that all comments submitted during the original comment period are entered in the docket. All comments already received by DOE have been posted in the written comments section of the electronic docket at https:// www1.eere.energy.gov/[fxsp0]vehiclesandfuels/epact/[fxsp0]pri vate/plg docket.html. If comments were previously submitted but are not posted in this location, the comments should be resubmitted to DOE prior to the new deadline.
Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Ceiling Fan Light Kits
The Department of Energy (DOE) is publishing this technical amendment in order to place in the Code of Federal Regulations the energy conservation standards for ceiling fan light kits with sockets other than medium screw base or pin-based for fluorescent lamps that Congress prescribed in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies
As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Department of Energy (DOE) will hold a ``scoping workshop'' (i.e., an informal public meeting) to discuss and receive comments on its plans for developing energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power supplies. DOE encourages written comments on these subjects. To inform stakeholders and facilitate this process, DOE has prepared two documents, available at: https://www.eere.energy.gov/ buildings/appliancestandards/residential/batteryexternal.html .
Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products: California Energy Commission Petition for Exemption From Federal Preemption of California's Water Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers
The Department of Energy (hereafter ``DOE'') announces its denial, and the reasons therefore, of the California Energy Commission's Petition for Exemption from Federal Preemption of California's Water Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers (hereafter ``California Petition'').
State Energy Advisory Board
This notice announces a teleconference of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92- 463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these teleconferences be announced in the Federal Register.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC)
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC), established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), Pub. L. 109-190, will hold its next meeting on January 9-10, 2007. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. No. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that agencies publish these notices in the Federal Register to allow for public participation. To attend the meeting and/or to make oral statements regarding any of the items on the agenda, e-mail HTAC.Committee@ ee.doe.gov at least 5 business days before the meeting.
Hydrolysis of Sodium Borohydride for On-Board Hydrogen Storage Go/No-Go Decision
The Department of Energy (the Department or DOE) Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Technologies Program, is requesting position papers or other technical documentation regarding hydrolysis of sodium borohydride for on-board vehicular hydrogen storage applications by April 30, 2007. Information regarding regeneration of the spent fuel resulting from hydrolysis of sodium borohydride may also be submitted. This information will be used as part of DOE's go/no-go process in determining the future of DOE's program for applied research and development of hydrolysis of sodium borohydride for on-board hydrogen storage, including regeneration of the spent fuel.
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Certain Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Technical Amendment to Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) includes amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to provide for new Federal energy efficiency and water conservation test procedures, and related definitions, for certain consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment. The amendments direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish new test procedures for many of these products and certain equipment, in most cases EPACT 2005 requires the new test procedures to be ``based on'' certain identified testing practices generally accepted by industry and other government agencies. Today, DOE adopts test procedures for eleven types of products for which EPACT 2005 identified specific test procedures on which the federally-mandated test procedures are to be based. In addition, DOE adopts test procedures for three other products for which EPACT 2005 did not specify specific test procedures, and for which test procedures have not previously been established. Furthermore, DOE is adopting a new version of the current test procedure for small commercial package air-conditioning and heating equipment, which will not change the existing requirements. DOE is also adopting technical corrections to the October 18, 2005, final rule, 70 FR 60407, which DOE described in detail in the July 25, 2006, notice of proposed rulemaking in this proceeding (July 2006 proposed rule), 71 FR 42178, 42195-96. However, DOE is not finalizing the procedures for sampling during compliance testing, and compliance certification and enforcement that were included in the July 2006 proposed rule. Such procedures will be addressed in a subsequent final rule.
Energy Conservation Standards for New Federal Commercial and Multi-Family High-Rise Residential Buildings and New Federal Low-Rise Residential Buildings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is publishing this interim final rule to implement provisions in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that require DOE to establish revised energy efficiency performance standards for the construction of all new Federal buildings, including both commercial and multi-family high-rise residential buildings and low-rise residential buildings.
State Energy Advisory Board
This notice announces a teleconference of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92- 463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these teleconferences be announced in the Federal Register.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of the Extension of Interim Waiver of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., from the U.S. Department of Energy Residential and Commercial Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Test Procedures
On March 24, 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published in the Federal Register a Petition for Waiver and notice granting an Application for Interim Waiver to Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA, Inc., (MEUS) from energy efficiency test procedure requirements that are applicable to residential and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps. (71 FR 14858) The date of issuance of the Interim Waiver was March 15, 2006, and it terminated 180 days after issuance on September 11, 2006. In today's action, DOE is extending the Interim Waiver for 180 days, or until March 10, 2007.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Water Heaters, Direct Heating Equipment, and Pool Heaters
The Department of Energy (DOE) is commencing a rulemaking to amend the existing energy conservation standards for residential water heaters, direct heating equipment, and pool heaters. DOE will hold an informal public meeting to present its proposed methodologies for conducting this rulemaking, discuss issues relevant to the rulemaking proceeding, and initiate stakeholder interaction and the data collection process. DOE is also interested in identifying information that will assist it in establishing amended standards for these products. DOE encourages written comments on these subjects. This effort is the result of provisions in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) directing the Secretary of Energy (``Secretary'') to publish rules to determine whether the energy conservation standards for such products should be amended. To inform stakeholders and to facilitate this process, DOE has prepared a Framework Document, a draft of which is available at https:// www.eere.doe.gov/building/appliancestandards.
Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee
This notice announces an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee under the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. No. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that agencies publish these notices in the Federal Register to allow for public participation. This notice announces the meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee. Dates and Times: November 28, 2006 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. November 29, 2006 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC)
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC) held its first meeting on October 2-3, 2006. At that time, it was suggested that a conference call take place on November 17, 2006. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that agencies publish these notices in the Federal Register. This notice fulfills that requirement. The public is permitted to listen in but is not permitted to comment until the end of the call at which time public comments will be taken.
State Energy Advisory Board
This notice announces a teleconference of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92-463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these teleconferences be announced in the Federal Register.
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Distribution Transformers; Correction
The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) published a final rule on April 27, 2006, amending Part 431 to prescribe test procedures and other provisions for distribution transformers, pursuant to sections 323(b)(10) and 346(a) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(10) and 6317(a)) This document corrects three typographical errors in the final rule.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedure for Residential Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps; Correction
A notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), to amend the Department of Energy (DOE) test procedures for residential central air conditioners and heat pumps, was published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2006. The Department has identified two errors in that proposed rulemaking and this notice corrects those errors and reopens the comment period.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Furnaces and Boilers
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA or the Act) prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment, and requires the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) to determine if amendments to increase the stringency of the standards are technologically feasible and economically justified, and if they would save a significant amount of energy. In this notice, the Department is proposing to amend the energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and boilers and is announcing a public meeting.
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Refrigerated Beverage Vending Machines and Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers and Refrigerator-Freezers
The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to adopt test procedures for measuring energy efficiency and related definitions for various consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment on July 25, 2006, including refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines and commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator- freezers. For refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines, the Department proposed to adopt the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air- Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Standard 32.1-2004 test procedure for measuring equipment energy consumption and for determining equipment capacity. For commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers, the Department proposed to adopt the ANSI/ Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Standard HRF1-1979 for determining equipment capacity. The Department now proposes an additional method as an alternative means for measuring the capacity of refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines, namely the method to measure refrigerated volume that is set forth in an updated version of ANSI/AHAM HRF1. The Department also proposes to adopt this updated standard for measuring the volume of commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator- freezers. The Department will receive written comments in response to the July 25, 2006 NOPR or to this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR).
State Energy Program
The Department of Energy (DOE) is publishing a final rule that amends the State Energy Program regulations to incorporate certain changes made to the DOE-administered formula grant program by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005).
Federal Energy Management Advisory Committee
This notice announces an open meeting of the Federal Energy Management Advisory Committee (FEMAC). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that these meetings be announced in the Federal Register to allow for public participation. This notice announces the fourteenth FEMAC public meeting, an advisory committee established under Executive Order 13123``Greening the Government through Efficient Energy Management.''
Alternative Fuel Transportation Program; Replacement Fuel Goal Modification
DOE proposes to modify the 2010 goal of 30 percent of U.S. motor fuel production to be supplied by replacement fuels, established in section 502(b)(2) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992), because it is not achievable. The Department has authority to review the goal and to modify it, by rule, if it is not achievable, and in doing so may change the percentage level for the goal and/or the timeframe for achievement of the goal. The Department has determined through its analysis that the 30 percent replacement fuel production goal could potentially be met, not by 2010, but at a later date. The Department consequently is proposing in this notice to keep the replacement fuel goal of 30 percent originally provided in EPAct 1992 (section 502(b)(2)), but extend the date for achieving the goal to 2030.
State Energy Advisory Board
This notice announces a meeting of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). 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.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC); Notice of Open Meeting
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC) was recently established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), P.L. 109-190. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that agencies publish these notices in the Federal Register to allow for public participation. This notice announces the first meeting of HTAC.
State Energy Advisory Board
This notice announces a teleconference of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92-463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these teleconferences be announced in the Federal Register.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of the Petition for Waiver and Denial of the Application for Interim Waiver of LG Electronics From the Department of Energy Clothes Dryer Test Procedures
Today's notice publishes a Petition for Waiver from LG Electronics Inc. (LG). This Petition (hereafter ``LG Petition'') requests a waiver from the Department of Energy (hereafter ``Department'' or ``DOE'') test procedures for residential clothes dryers. In addition, today's notice denies LG an Interim Waiver from the DOE test procedures applicable to residential clothes dryers. Today's notice also includes an alternate test procedure the Department may include in the Decision and Order, should the Department grant LG a waiver. The Department is soliciting comments, data, and information with respect to the LG Petition, LG's Application for Interim Waiver, and the proposed alternate test procedure.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of the Petition for Waiver and Granting of the Application for Interim Waiver of Whirlpool Corporation From the DOE Residential Automatic and Semi-Automatic Clothes Washer Test Procedures
Today's notice publishes a Petition for Waiver from Whirlpool Corporation. This Petition for Waiver (hereafter ``Whirlpool Petition'') requests the Department to modify the clothes washer test procedure for the Whirlpool High Impeller line of clothes washers with basket volumes greater than 3.8 cubic feet and less than 3.9 cubic feet. The Department of Energy (hereafter ``Department'' or ``DOE'') is soliciting comments, data and information with respect to the Whirlpool Petition. Today's notice also grants an Interim Waiver to Whirlpool from the existing DOE automatic and semi-automatic clothes washer test procedure for the company's High Impeller line of clothes washers with basket volumes greater than 3.8 cubic feet and less than 3.9 cubic feet.
Federal Energy Management Program; Standard for Premium Energy Efficient Electric Motors for Federal Acquisition
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) requires that in the case of electric motors of 1 to 500 horsepower, Federal agencies shall select and purchase only premium efficient motors that meet a specification designated by the Secretary of Energy (Secretary). DOE today designates the specifications developed by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) under Executive Order 13123 as the specification for premium efficient motors for purposes of Federal purchasing. The specifications in today's final standard are identical to those in a temporary standard published for public comment on February 14, 2006. This final standard is consistent with standards recommended by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and other energy efficiency groups.
Renewable Energy Production Incentives
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is publishing amendments to its regulations for the Renewable Energy Production Incentives (REPI) program to incorporate changes made by section 202 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005). The REPI program provides for production incentive payments to owners or operators of qualified renewable energy facilities, subject to the availability of appropriations. The statutory changes in these amendments to part 451 relate to allocation of available funds between owners or operators of two categories of qualified facilities, incorporation of additional ownership categories, extension of the eligibility window and program termination date, and expansion of applicable renewable energy technologies. In addition to the changes specified by EPACT 2005, this final rule modifies the method for accrued energy accounting. Other minor changes are made to update the regulations.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of the Petition for Waiver of Peerless Boilers Heat, LLC From the Department of Energy Residential Furnace and Boiler Test Procedures
Today's notice publishes a Petition for Waiver from Peerless Boilers Heat, LLC (PB). This petition (hereafter ``PB Petition'') request a waiver from the Department of Energy's (hereafter ``Department'' or ``DOE'') test procedures for residential furnaces and boilers. Today's notice also includes an alternate test procedure PB has requested DOE to include in the Decision and Order, should the Department grant PB a waiver. The Department is soliciting comments, data, and information with respect to the PB Petition and the proposed alternate test procedure.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Notice of Correction of Petition for Waiver and Interim Waiver of Mitsubishi Electric From the DOE Residential and Commercial Package Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Test Procedures, and Modification of Interim Waiver
Today's notice corrects five minor errors in the list of model numbers for which Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. (``MEUS'') requested a waiver and interim waiver of the test procedures applicable to residential and commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps.
State Energy Advisory Board
This notice announces a teleconference of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92- 463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these teleconferences be announced in the Federal Register.
State Energy Advisory Board
This notice announces a teleconference of the State Energy Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92- 463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of these teleconferences be announced in the Federal Register.
Energy Conservation Program for Commercial Equipment: Distribution Transformers Energy Conservation Standards
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA or the Act) authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) to establish energy conservation standards for various consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment, including those distribution transformers for which DOE determines that energy conservation standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. In this notice, the Department is proposing energy conservation standards for distribution transformers and is announcing a public meeting.
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Certification, Compliance, and Enforcement Requirements for Consumer Products and for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Technical Amendment to Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) includes amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to provide for new Federal energy efficiency and water conservation test procedures, and related definitions, for certain consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment. The amendments direct the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) to establish new test procedures for many of these products and certain equipment, in most cases based on applicable testing practices generally accepted by industry and other government agencies. Today, DOE proposes test procedures for eleven types of products for which EPACT 2005 identified specific test procedures. In addition, DOE proposes test procedures for three other products for which EPACT 2005 did not specify specific test procedures. Furthermore, the Department is proposing to adopt a new version of the current test procedure for small commercial package air- conditioning and heating equipment, which will not change the existing requirements. The Department is also proposing regulations for sampling during compliance testing, compliance certification, and enforcement to ensure compliance with EPACT's energy conservation standards. Today's proposed rule also includes compliance certification, and enforcement provisions that would also apply to commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning products, as well as commercial water heating products. The Department is also announcing a public meeting to discuss all of the above referenced proposals. Furthermore, the Department is announcing proposed technical corrections to the October 18, 2005 Final Rule, 70 FR 60407, which the Department has described in detail in today's proposed rule and will add to the rule language.
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedure for Residential Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is proposing to amend its test procedure for residential central air conditioners and heat pumps. The proposal implements test procedure changes for small-duct, high-velocity systems, multiple-split systems, two-capacity units, and updates references to the current American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards. The proposal also clarifies issues associated with sampling and rating both tested and untested systems. The Department will hold a public meeting to discuss and receive comments on the proposal.
Federal Energy Management Advisory Committee
This notice announces an open meeting of the Federal Energy Management Advisory Committee (FEMAC). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that these meetings be announced in the Federal Register to allow for public participation. This notice announces the twelfth FEMAC public meeting, an advisory committee established under Executive Order 13123``Greening the Government through Efficient Energy Management.''
Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee
This notice announces an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee under the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that agencies publish these notices in the Federal Register to allow for public participation.
Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment: Determination Concerning the Potential for Energy Conservation Standards for Small Electric Motors
The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) has determined, based on the best information currently available, that energy conservation standards for certain single-phase, capacitor- start, induction-run, small electric motors are technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. This determination initiates the process of establishing, by notice and comment rulemaking, test procedures and energy conservation standards for this equipment.
Energy Conservation Standards for Refrigerated Bottled or Canned Beverage Vending Machines: Public Meeting and Availability of the Framework Document
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or Department) will hold an informal public meeting to present its proposed methodologies for conducting this rulemaking, discuss issues relevant to this rulemaking proceeding, and initiate stakeholder interaction in this rulemaking proceeding. The Department is also interested in information that will assist it in establishing energy conservation standards for refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines. (These types of equipment are referred to collectively hereafter as ``beverage vending machines.'') The Department encourages written comments on these subjects. This effort is the result of the directive in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to DOE to establish energy conservation standards for such equipment by August 8, 2009. To inform stakeholders and facilitate this process, DOE has prepared a Framework Document, a draft of which is available at https:// www.eere. energy.gov/buildings/ appliancestandards.
Renewable Energy Production Incentives
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy today proposes to amend its regulations for the Renewable Energy Production Incentives (REPI) program to incorporate changes made to the enabling statute by section 202 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The REPI program provides for production incentive payments to owners or operators of qualified renewable energy facilities, subject to the availability of appropriations. The statutory changes that DOE is proposing to implement through amendments to Part 451 relate primarily to allocation of available funds between owners or operators of two categories of qualified facilities, incorporation of additional ownership categories, extension of the eligibility window and program termination date, and expansion of applicable renewable energy technologies. In addition to the changes required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), DOE is modifying the method for accrued energy accounting in light of the new law. DOE also is taking this opportunity to make minor changes to update the regulations.
Alternative Fuel Transportation Program; Alternative Compliance
The Department of Energy (DOE) today publishes a proposed rule to implement section 514 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended by section 703 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which allows States and alternative fuel providers to petition for a waiver of the alternative fueled vehicle (AFV) acquisition requirements in 10 CFR part 490. The new law requires a State entity or alternative fuel provider requesting a waiver to show that in lieu of complying with the applicable AFV acquisition requirement for a model year, it will take other actions to reduce its annual petroleum motor fuel consumption by an amount equal to 100 percent alternative fuel use in all of the fleet's AFVs, including AFVs that the State entity or alternative fuel provider would have been required to acquire if there was no waiver.
Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons
The Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing a direct final rule to amend the regulations for the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons to incorporate statutory changes resulting from the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In this direct final rule, DOE defines renewable energy systems eligible for funding in the Weatherization Assistance Program, establishes criteria for performance and quality standards for eligible renewable energy systems, establishes procedures for submission of and action on manufacturer petitions for Secretarial determinations of eligibility of renewable energy technologies and systems, and establishes a ceiling for funding of renewable energy systems in the Weatherization Assistance Program.
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