Proposed Rule2025-08583
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnace Fans
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 16, 2025
Issuing agencies
Energy Department
Abstract
The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is considering whether to revise its existing regulations regarding the energy conservation standards for consumer furnace fans adopted under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). DOE is initiating this effort through this request for information (RFI) to invite public input on appropriate standard levels that are technologically feasible, economically justified, and result in significant conservation of energy.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 94 (Friday, May 16, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 94 (Friday, May 16, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20873-20876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08583]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[Docket No. EERE-2025-BT-STD-0038]
RIN 1904-AG03
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for
Consumer Furnace Fans
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is
considering whether to revise its existing regulations regarding the
energy conservation standards for consumer furnace fans adopted under
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). DOE is initiating this
effort through this request for information (RFI) to invite public
input on appropriate standard levels that are technologically feasible,
economically justified, and result in significant conservation of
energy.
DATES: Comments: Written comments and information are requested and
will be accepted on or before June 16, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> under docket
number EERE-2025-BT-STD-0038. Follow the instructions for submitting
comments. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments,
identified by docket number EERE-2025-BT-STD-0038 and or regulatory
identification number (RIN) 1904-AG03, by any of the following methods:
(1) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cd8bb8bfa3acaea88baca3befffdfff89e9989fdfdfef58da8a8e3a9a2a8e3aaa2bb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f3b586819d929096b5929d80c1c3c1c6a0a7b7c3c3c0cbb39696dd979c96dd949c85">[email protected]</span></a>. Include the docket
number EERE-2025-BT-STD-0038 and/or RIN 1904-AG03 in the subject line
of the message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft
Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special
characters or any form of encryption.
(2) Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible,
please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not
necessary to include printed copies.
(3) Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 1000
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202)
287- 1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section IV (Public Participation) of this document.
Docket: The docket for this rulemaking, which includes Federal
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents and
materials, is available for review at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. All
documents in the docket are listed in the <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> index.
However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly
available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure.
The docket web page can be found at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2025-BT-STD-0038">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2025-BT-STD-0038</a>. The docket web page contains instructions on how
to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket, as
well as a summary of the rulemaking. See section IV, ``Public
Participation,'' for further information on how to submit comments
through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4), a
summary of this rule may be found at
[[Page 20874]]
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, under the docket number EERE-2025-BT-STD-0038.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Taggart, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC-1, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-5281. Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c2823292b0902091e0d002f0319021f09002c041d42080309420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="40040f0507252e2532212c032f352e33252c0028316e242f256e272f36">[email protected]</span></a>.
For further information on how to submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9bdaebebf7f2faf5f8fec8effaf5fffae9ffe8caeefee8eff2f4f5e8dbfefeb5fff4feb5fcf4ed"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83c2f3f3efeae2ede0e6d0f7e2ede7e2f1e7f0d2f6e6f0f7eaecedf0c3e6e6ade7ece6ade4ecf5">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Authority
II. Background
III. Discussion
IV. Public Participation
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority
Among other things, EPCA, Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317,
as codified), authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a
number of consumer products and certain industrial equipment.\1\ Title
III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles. These products include
consumer furnace fans,\3\ the subject of this document. 42 U.S.C.
6295(f)(4)(D). Specifically, EPCA directed DOE to establish energy
conservation standards for electricity used for the purpose of
circulating air through ductwork. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020), which reflects the last statutory amendments that impact
Parts A and A-1 of EPCA.
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was redesignated Part A.
\3\ The statute directs DOE to prescribe energy conservation
standards or energy use standards for ``electricity used for
purposes of circulating air through duct work.'' DOE colloquially
refers to such products as ``furnace fans.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of
four parts: (1) testing; (2) labeling; (3) the establishment of Federal
energy conservation standards, and (4) certification and enforcement
procedures. Relevant provisions of EPCA specifically include
definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293),
labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), energy conservation standards (42
U.S.C. 6295), and the authority to require information and reports from
manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6296).
Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. 42
U.S.C. 6297(a)-(c). DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal
preemption in limited circumstances for particular State laws or
regulations, in accordance with the procedures and other provisions set
forth under EPCA. 42 U.S.C. 6297(d).
Subject to certain criteria and conditions, DOE is required to
develop test procedures to measure the energy efficiency, energy use,
or estimated annual operating cost of each covered product. 42 U.S.C.
6295(o)(3)(A);42 U.S.C. 6295(r). The DOE test procedures for consumer
furnace fans appear at title 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix AA.
Not later than six years after the issuance of any final rule
establishing or amending a standard, DOE must publish either a notice
of proposed determination (NOPD) that standards for the product do not
need to be amended, or a NOPR including new proposed energy
conservation standards (proceeding to a final rule, as appropriate). 42
U.S.C. 6295(m)(1),(3). EPCA further provides that, not later than three
years the issuance of a final determination not to amend standards, DOE
must publish either a notification of determination that standards for
the product do not need to be amended, or a NOPR including new proposed
energy conservation standards (proceeding to a final rule, as
appropriate). 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(3)(B). DOE must make the analysis on
which a NOPD or NOPR is based publicly available and provide an
opportunity for written comment. 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(2).
II. Background
DOE completed the rulemaking required under 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(D)
by publishing a final rule in the Federal Register on July 3, 2014
(``July 2014 Final Rule''), through which the Department prescribed the
current energy conservation standards for consumer furnace fans
manufactured on and after July 3, 2019. 79 FR 38130. These standards
are set forth in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(y) and are shown in
Table II.1.
Table II.1--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnace
Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fan energy rating ** (watts/
Furnace fan product class * 1,000 cubic feet per minute
(``cfm''))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Weatherized, Non-Condensing Gas (``NWG- FER = 0.044 * Qmax + 182
NC'')....................................
Non-Weatherized, Condensing Gas (``NWG- FER = 0.044 * Qmax + 195
C'').....................................
Weatherized, Non-Condensing Gas (``WG- FER = 0.044 * Qmax + 199
NC'')....................................
Non-Weatherized, Non-Condensing Oil FER = 0.071 * Qmax + 382
Furnace Fan (``NWO-NC'').................
Non-Weatherized Electric Furnace/Modular FER = 0.044 * Qmax + 165
Blower Fan (``NWEF/NWMB'')...............
Mobile Home Non-Weatherized, Non- FER = 0.071 * Qmax + 222
Condensing Gas Furnace Fan (``MH-NWG-
NC'')....................................
Mobile Home Non-Weatherized, Condensing FER = 0.071 * Qmax + 240
Gas Furnace Fan (``MH-NWG-C'')...........
Mobile Home Electric Furnace/Modular FER = 0.044 * Qmax + 101
Blower Fan (``MH-EF/MB'')................
Mobile Home Non-Weatherized Oil Furnace Reserved
Fan (``MH-NWO'').........................
Mobile Home Weatherized Gas Furnace Fan Reserved
(``MH-WG'')..............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Furnace fans incorporated into hydronic air handlers, small-duct high-
velocity (``SDHV'') modular blowers, SDHV electric furnaces, and
central air conditioners/heat pump indoor units are not subject to the
standards listed in this table. See section IV.A.1 of this document
for further discussion.
** Qmax is the airflow, in cfm, at the maximum airflow-control setting
measured using the final DOE test procedure at 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix AA.
[[Page 20875]]
DOE most recently completed a six-year-lookback review of the
subject consumer furnace fans standards in a final determination
published in the Federal Register on October 18, 2024 (``October 2024
Final Determination''). In that document, DOE determined that the
energy conservation standards for consumer furnace fans (as adopted in
the July 2014 Final Rule) do not need to be amended. 89 FR 83990.
III. Discussion
DOE is considering potential amendments to the energy conservation
standards for consumer furnace fans codified at 10 CFR 430.32(y). The
Secretary's is proposing a new policy to reduce regulatory burden
wherever possible. Unless a regulatory standard is required by statute,
the Secretary proposes eliminating that requirement. In this case, DOE
was directed by Congress to adopt standards for consumer furnace fans,
but the Department is revisiting levels set in the July 2014 Final Rule
to determine whether they continue to be economically justified in
light of DOE's new policy supporting energy and water abundance,
allowing Americans to produce and consume as much energy and water as
they desire.
Consequently, DOE seeks public input as to the prior rule's
consistency with the applicable statutory requirements, the prior
rule's analysis of costs and benefits, and the prior rule's effect on
innovation, development, and private enterprise. DOE also seeks public
input as to alternative standard levels for consumer furnace fans which
would be technologically feasible, economically justified, and result
in significant energy savings, as required by EPCA (please provide any
supporting rationale and data).
DOE may consider standard levels both higher and lower than those
currently set forth in 10 CFR 430.32(y). Although the statute provides
at 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(1) that ``[t]he Secretary may not prescribe any
amended standard which increases the maximum allowable energy use . . .
or decreases the minimum required energy efficiency, of a covered
product'' (colloquially referred to as the ``anti-backsliding
provision''), DOE notes that this provision only applies to ``covered
products.'' ``Covered product'' is defined at 42 U.S.C. 6291(2) as ``a
consumer product of a type specified in section 6292 of this title.''
Consumer furnace fans are not included in 42 U.S.C. 6292, so
accordingly, appear not to be subject to EPCA's anti-backsliding
restriction.
IV. Public Participation
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposed rule no later than the date provided in the DATES section at
the beginning of this document. Interested parties may submit comments,
data, and other information using any of the methods described in the
ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this document.
Submitting comments via <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. The
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment itself or in any documents attached to your
comment. Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable
should not be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to
your comment. Otherwise, persons viewing comments will see only first
and last names, organization names, correspondence containing comments,
and any documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received through
the website will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted.
For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business
Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand delivery/courier, or postal
mail. Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery/
courier, or postal mail also will be posted to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. If
you do not want your personal contact information to be publicly
viewable, do not include it in your comment or any accompanying
documents. Instead, provide your contact information in a cover letter.
Include your first and last names, email address, telephone number, and
optional mailing address. The cover letter will not be publicly
viewable as long as it does not include any comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via postal mail
or hand delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if
feasible, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies.
No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, that are written in English, and that are free of any
defects or viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or
any form of encryption, and, if possible, they should carry the
electronic signature of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies:
one copy of the document marked ``confidential'' including all the
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document
marked ``non-confidential'' with the information believed to be
confidential deleted. DOE will make its own determination about the
confidential status of the information and treat it according to its
determination.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except
[[Page 20876]]
information deemed to be exempt from public disclosure).
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this request
for information.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Small businesses.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on May 9,
2025, by Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy. That document with the
original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative
purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the
Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer
has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic
format for publication, as an official document of the Department of
Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect
of this document upon publication in the Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on May 9, 2025.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2025-08583 Filed 5-12-25; 9:30 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 16, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.