Member DashboardDOE opens Process Rule NOPR for comments
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is calling for comments to update the Process Rule used to establish energy conservation standards for a variety of appliances and equipment. The call covers two items: Process Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) and Analytic Methodologies Request for Information (RFI). NAFEM invites member feedback – contact advocacy@nafem.org – and will submit comments based on that input.
- The Process Rule NOPR would reinstate a “significant energy savings threshold” of at least a 10% reduction over 30 years. Register here for the virtual July 15 public meeting from 1 – 4 p.m. ET. Comments are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
- The Analytical Methodologies RFI seeks input on the methodologies used to develop energy conservation standards for covered products and equipment. Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
- Future analyses are expected to follow federal guidance and exclude environmental emissions from economic justification.
NAFEM has a long history of commenting on behalf of the industry on this issue from 2017 – 2025, which is cited in the proposed Process Rule.
Conversation on the next generation of energy standards begins
NAFEM and the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) submitted joint recommendations to the DOE for the next generation of energy standards for commercial refrigeration equipment (CRE) and walk-in coolers and freezers (WIC/F). The proposals outline what manufacturers need to meet energy-efficiency goals while preserving customer choice and affordability. NAFEM and AHRI look forward to collaborating with DOE on the next iteration of standards and are pursuing follow-up meetings with agency officials. Our thanks to the members who supported and contributed to this process.
NAFEM and others discourage sunsetting of federal energy standards
Executive Order (EO) 14270 – Zero-based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy –directs certain federal energy-related agencies to review existing Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) provisions and add sunset dates, requiring agencies to periodically justify, renew or allow regulations to expire. This includes the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).
NAFEM recently joined other associations representing home appliances, commercial equipment and electronic products in urging DOE not to sunset EPCA-related provisions governing appliance and equipment test procedures; energy conservation standards; and certification, compliance and enforcement.
The associations say sunsetting these rules would conflict with EPCA, weaken federal preemption and expose manufacturers to a patchwork of state, county and municipal standards. Several states already have standards ready to take effect if DOE withdraws or weakens federal requirements, making the risk immediate. As the associations note, federal policy should lower, not raise, the cost of doing business in the U.S.
California wants to hear from you
The California Energy Commission (CEC) is researching and considering energy- and water-efficiency standards for commercial dishwashers, fryers, ovens and dipper wells. CEC has encouraged NAFEM members to participate through the formal comment process or by contacting Alejandro Galdamez in the Appliances Office Efficiency Division. “We welcome the opportunity to hear your perspectives, ideas and questions regarding the potential impact of proposed standards on manufacturers,” CEC said.