ENERGY STAR^® updates

EPA evaluating state-by-state requirements
Following its Nov. 19 meeting with NAFEM, the EPA Office of Air and Radiation is evaluating individual states’ requirements that certain commercial appliances sold, leased or rented in those states meet or exceed ENERGY STAR and WaterSense requirements. EPA is concerned about preempting states’ abilities to set their own standards. At the same time, they want to protect the voluntary nature of the ENERGY STAR program.

Colorado and Washington have passed bills requiring ENERGY STAR certification for commercial equipment. Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are considering similar legislation. Maine’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources planned to discuss a similar proposal, L.D. 1750, Jan. 16, but the session was postponed due to a winter storm throughout the state. If passed, the proposal, like the other state proposals, would become effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Combined ENERGY STAR® energy/safety audits to expand to ovens, dishwashers
NAFEM expects ENERGY STAR to soon identify initial certifying bodies to take part in an expanded component inspection program combining safety and energy audits for ovens and dishwashers. This expansion follows the similar successful steam cooker project, which became an ENERGY STAR directive last year.

Revised product specifications underway
ENERGY STAR expects to issue the next draft of the Commercial Dishwashers Version 3.0 specification for comments this winter. For more information on activities performed to date in preparation for this revision, visit the product development webpage.The program also anticipates releasing Commercial Ovens Draft 1 Version 3.0 this winter. ENERGY STAR is also scoping induction stovetop technology. Contact commercialovens@energystar.gov for details.

Confirm MESA accounts
ENERGY STAR partners are reminded to check the new My ENERGY STAR Accounts (MESA) platform and confirm the contact information on file is accurate.