June ’22 at-a-glance … regulations

Busy regulatory agenda expected through 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has 47 rulings due before the end of 2024, making for an ambitious regulatory agenda. While some of these rulings cover residential equipment, many apply to NAFEM members. “The agency is under pressure from environmental groups to meet its goals, so members should expect aggressive regulatory activity between now and the end of President Biden’s first term,” said Charlie Souhrada, CFSP, vice president of regulatory and technical affairs.

Key senator pushing for tax breaks in competitive bill conference

Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) intends to advocate for a more generous tax break for company R&D investments, as well as tax credits for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Wyden is a member of the Conference Committee negotiating a final bill combining the $300 billion House America COMPETES Act and the $250 billion Senate U.S. Innovation and Competition Act. “Semiconductors and chips are so important to America that we need a full toolkit to make sure we can compete with other global markets,” Wyden said.

Rhode Island considering expansion of product labeling requirement

Proposed regulations in Rhode Island would require manufacturers to confirm via labeling that certain commercial foodservice equipment sold or installed in the state complies with its 2021 law requiring ENERGY STAR certification for commercial dishwashers, fryers, holding cabinets, ovens and steam cookers. Comments are due July 6.

New York advances bill to codify energy-efficiency standards

The New York State Assembly has approved and advanced to the governor NY S 9405 that establishes energy conservation standards for equipment not covered at the federal level to help advance the state’s clean energy and climate agenda. The bill covers commercial dishwashers, fryers, ovens, steam cookers, holding cabinets, commercial pre-rinse spray valves, refrigerators, freezers and refrigerator-freezers.