Proposed Rule2025-08584

Energy Conservation Program: Proposed Withdrawal of Determination of Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products as a Covered Consumer Product

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

DOE is proposing to withdraw its prior determination that miscellaneous refrigeration products qualify as covered products under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended ("EPCA").

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 94 (Friday, May 16, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 94 (Friday, May 16, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20840-20849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08584]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[EERE-2025-BT-DET-0009]
RIN 1904-AF79


Energy Conservation Program: Proposed Withdrawal of Determination 
of Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products as a Covered Consumer Product

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice of proposed withdrawal of determination; request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: DOE is proposing to withdraw its prior determination that 
miscellaneous refrigeration products qualify as covered products under 
Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and

[[Page 20841]]

Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA'').

DATES: 
    Comments: Comments must be received on or before July 15, 2025.
    Meeting: DOE will hold a meeting via a webinar on Thursday, May 29, 
2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. See section III of this document, 
``Public Participation,'' for webinar registration information, 
participant instructions and information about the capabilities 
available to webinar participants.

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-DET-0009. Follow the instructions for submitting 
comments. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments, 
identified by docket number EERE-2025-BT-DET-0009, by any of the 
following methods:
    (1) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81cce8f2e2d3e4e7f3e8e6e4f3e0f5e8eeefb3b1b3b4c5c4d5b1b1b1b8c1e4e4afe5eee4afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a57736979487f7c68737d7f687b6e737574282a282f5e5f4e2a2a2a235a7f7f347e757f347d756c">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. Include the 
docket number EERE-2025-BT-DET-0009 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. Telephone: 
(202) 287-1445. 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 III of this document.
    Docket: The docket for this proposed rulemaking, which includes 
Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts 
(if one is held), 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-DET-0009">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2025-BT-DET-0009</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 III of this document, 
``Public Participation,'' for further information on how to submit 
comments through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.

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#30747f7577555e5542515c735f455e43555c7058411e545f551e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8cc8c3c9cbe9e2e9feede0cfe3f9e2ffe9e0cce4fda2e8e3e9a2ebe3fa">[email&#160;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#125362627e7b737c71774166737c767360766143677761667b7d7c615277773c767d773c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f2b382829e9b939c9197a186939c9693809681a3879781869b9d9c81b29797dc969d97dc959d84">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. General Discussion
II. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
    B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
    D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
    F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
    G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 1999
    I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 2001
    K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
    L. Review Under the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review
    M. Review Under Additional Executive Orders and Presidential 
Memoranda
III. Public Participation
    A. Participation in the Webinar
    B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for 
Distribution
    C. Conduct of the Webinar
    D. Submission of Comments
    E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comments
IV. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. General Discussion

    Under EPCA, DOE may add consumer products to the list of covered 
products for which energy conservation standards can be established. 
(42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1)) The coverage determination procedures require 
DOE to conclude that classifying products of such type as covered 
products is necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this 
chapter, among other requirements. (Id. at 42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1)(A)) 
Only after coverage is determined, DOE may then adopt standards and 
test procedures regulating such products, pursuant to the requirements 
set out in the statute. (See generally 42 U.S.C. 6293, 6295)
    On November 8, 2011, DOE published in the Federal Register a notice 
of proposed determination (``NOPD'') that proposed to determine 
coverage of consumer refrigeration products without compressors. 76 FR 
69147. On October 31, 2013, DOE published in the Federal Register a 
supplemental notice of proposed determination of coverage (``SNOPD'') 
in which it tentatively determined that miscellaneous refrigeration 
products (``MREFs''), which at the time included wine chillers, non-
compressor refrigeration products, hybrid products (i.e., refrigeration 
products that combine a wine chiller with a refrigerator and/or 
freezer), and consumer ice makers, would likely satisfy the provisions 
of 42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1). 78 FR 65223 (``October 2013 SNOPD''). On April 
1, 2015, DOE published a notice of intent to establish a MREF Working 
Group under the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory 
Committee that would use the negotiated rulemaking process to discuss 
and, if possible, reach consensus recommendations on the scope of 
coverage, definitions, test procedures, and energy conservation 
standards for MREFs. 80 FR 17355. On March 4, 2016, DOE published a 
SNOPD proposing a scope of coverage and definitions for MREFs 
consistent with the recommendations of the MREF Working Group. See 81 
FR 11454 (``March 2016 SNOPD''). After considering public comments, 
data, and information from interested parties submitted in response to 
the October 2013 SNOPD and the March 2016 SNOPD, DOE finalized the 
coverage determination for MREFs. 81 FR 46768 (July 18, 2016) (``July 
2016 Determination''). As part of the July 2016 Determination, DOE 
adopted definitions, test procedures, and certification requirements 
for MREFs. Id. at 81 FR 46789-46805.
    DOE has reevaluated whether including MREFs as a covered product is 
necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA. Based on 
that evaluation, DOE has tentatively determined that, at this time, it 
is not necessary or appropriate to classify MREFs as a covered product 
to carry out

[[Page 20842]]

the purposes of EPCA. EPCA provides the Secretary discretion in 
classifying a type of consumer product as a covered product because the 
Secretary may classify if certain requirements are met. (See 42 U.S.C. 
6292(b) (emphasis added)). While DOE found in the July 2016 
Determination that classifying MREFs as a covered product was needed to 
set energy conservation standards for MREFs and carry out EPCA's 
purposes to conserve energy supplies and provide for improved energy 
efficiency of other consumer products, DOE has reevaluated that 
determination. See 81 FR 46768, 46773. Using the discretion provided by 
EPCA for classifying additional covered products, DOE has tentatively 
determined that there are other avenues to conserve energy supplies 
than classifying MREFs as a covered product and establishing standards. 
Therefore, DOE has tentatively found that classifying MREFs as a 
covered product is not necessary or appropriate to carry out the 
purposes of EPCA.
    Additionally, if DOE proceeds with issuing a final withdrawal of 
the coverage determination for MREFs, then DOE subsequently lacks the 
authority to prescribe test procedures and energy conservation 
standards for MREFs. (See 42 U.S.C. 6293(b); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A) 
and (o)(3)(B)). For this reason, DOE is also proposing to withdraw the 
applicable test procedures, certification requirements, and energy 
conservations standards for MREFs. See 10 CFR 430, subpart B, appendix 
A; 10 CFR 429.61; 10 CFR 430.32(aa).
    DOE requests comment on all aspects of its proposal to withdraw 
coverage for MREFs.

II. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    Executive Order (``E.O.'') 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review,'' requires agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to (1) 
propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination that 
its benefits justify its costs; (2) tailor regulations to impose the 
least burden on society, consistent with obtaining regulatory 
objectives, taking into account, among other things, and to the extent 
practicable, the costs of cumulative regulations; (3) select, in 
choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, those approaches that 
maximize net benefits; (4) to the extent feasible, specify performance 
objectives, rather than specifying the behavior or manner of compliance 
that regulated entities must adopt; and (5) identify and assess 
available alternatives to direct regulation, including providing 
economic incentives to encourage the desired behavior, such as user 
fees or marketable permits, or providing information upon which choices 
can be made by the public.

B. Review Under Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996; 5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish a notice 
of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make 
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that 
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions).
    DOE reviewed this proposed withdrawal of determination under the 
provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the policies and 
procedures published on February 19, 2003. If this proposal is adopted, 
DOE would no longer have the authority to consider establishing or 
amending teste procedures or energy conservation standards for MREFs. 
Therefore, DOE initially concludes that the impacts of the proposed 
withdrawal of determination would not have a ``significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities,'' and that the 
preparation of an IRFA is not warranted. DOE will transmit this 
certification and supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for review 
under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed withdrawal of determination, which proposes that 
MREFs do not meet the criteria for a covered product for which the 
Secretary may consider prescribing energy conservation standards 
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p), imposes no new information or 
record-keeping requirements. Accordingly, OMB clearance is not required 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act. (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    DOE is analyzing this proposed action in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, (``NEPA'') and 
DOE's NEPA implementing regulations (10 CFR part 1021). DOE's 
regulations include categorical exclusions for certain rulemakings. See 
10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, appendices A and B. DOE is considering the 
categorical exclusions potentially applicable to this proposed rule, 
such as B5.1, and welcomes comment on the potential application of 
categorical exclusion(s). DOE will complete its NEPA review before 
issuing the final rule.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    E.O. 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999), imposes 
certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and implementing 
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism 
implications. The Executive order requires agencies to examine the 
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would 
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess 
the necessity for such actions. The Executive order also requires 
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely 
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory 
policies that have federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE 
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental 
consultation process it will follow in the development of such 
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this proposed withdrawal of 
determination and has tentatively determined that it would not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. EPCA 
governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State regulations as to 
energy conservation for the products that are the subject of this 
proposed withdrawal of determination. States can petition DOE for 
exemption from such preemption to the extent, and based on criteria, 
set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297) Therefore, no further action is 
required by E.O. 13132.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    With respect to the review of existing regulations and the 
promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of E.O. 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' imposes on Federal agencies the general duty to 
adhere to the following requirements: (1) eliminate drafting errors and 
ambiguity, (2) write regulations to minimize litigation, (3) provide a 
clear legal standard for affected conduct rather than a general 
standard, and (4) promote simplification and burden reduction. 61 FR 
4729 (Feb. 7, 1996). Regarding the review required by section 3(a), 
section 3(b) of E.O. 12988

[[Page 20843]]

specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable 
effort to ensure that the regulation (1) clearly specifies the 
preemptive effect, if any, (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation, (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction, 
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any, (5) adequately defines 
key terms, and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity 
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney 
General. Section 3(c) of E.O. 12988 requires Executive agencies to 
review regulations in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and 
section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to 
meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and 
determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this proposed 
withdrawal of determination meets the relevant standards of E.O. 12988.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``UMRA'') 
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the 
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). 
For a regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may cause the 
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year 
(adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a 
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the 
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. 
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers 
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving 
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect them. On March 18, 1997, DOE published 
a statement of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation 
under UMRA. 62 FR 12820. DOE's policy statement is also available at 
<a href="http://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/umra_97.pdf">www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/umra_97.pdf</a>.
    DOE examined this proposed withdrawal of determination according to 
UMRA and its statement of policy and determined that the proposed 
withdrawal of determination does not contain a Federal 
intergovernmental mandate, nor is it expected to require expenditures 
of $100 million or more in any one year by State, local, and Tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector. As a result, 
the analytical requirements of UMRA do not apply.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family 
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. 
This proposed withdrawal of determination would not have any impact on 
the autonomy or integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, 
DOE has concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family 
Policymaking Assessment.

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630

    Pursuant to E.O. 12630, ``Governmental Actions and Interference 
with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights,'' 53 FR 8859 (March 
18, 1988), DOE has determined that this proposed withdrawal of 
determination would not result in any takings that might require 
compensation under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516, note) provides for Federal agencies to 
review most disseminations of information to the public under 
information quality guidelines established by each agency pursuant to 
general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 
FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 
62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). Pursuant to OMB Memorandum M-19-15, Improving 
Implementation of the Information Quality Act (April 24, 2019), DOE 
published updated guidelines which are available at: <a href="https://www.energy.gov/cio/department-energy-information-quality-guidelines">https://www.energy.gov/cio/department-energy-information-quality-guidelines</a>. 
DOE has reviewed this proposed withdrawal of determination under the 
OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is consistent with 
applicable policies in those guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

    E.O. 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly 
Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 
2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OIRA at OMB, 
a Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy action. A 
``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency 
that promulgates or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final 
rule, and that: (1) is a significant regulatory action under Executive 
Order 12866, or any successor order and is likely to have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy; or (2) is 
designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a significant energy action. 
For any significant energy action, the agency must give a detailed 
statement of any adverse effects on energy supply, distribution, or use 
should the proposal be implemented, and of reasonable alternatives to 
the action and their expected benefits on energy supply, distribution, 
and use.
    DOE has tentatively determined that this rule would not have a 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy 
Effects. DOE may prepare such a statement for the final rule and seeks 
all comments.

L. Review Under the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review

    On December 16, 2004, OMB, in consultation with the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy (``OSTP''), issued its Final Information 
Quality Bulletin for Peer Review (``the Bulletin''). 70 FR 2664 (Jan. 
14, 2005). The Bulletin establishes that certain scientific information 
shall be peer reviewed by qualified specialists before it is 
disseminated by the Federal Government, including influential 
scientific information related to agency regulatory actions. The 
purpose of the Bulletin is to enhance the quality and credibility of 
the Government's scientific information. Under the Bulletin, the energy 
conservation standards rulemaking analyses are ``influential scientific 
information,'' which the Bulletin defines as ``scientific information 
the agency reasonably can determine will have, or does have, a clear 
and substantial impact on important public policies or private sector 
decisions.'' 70 FR 2664, 2667.
    In response to OMB's Bulletin, DOE conducted formal peer reviews of 
the energy conservation standards development process and the analyses 
that are typically used and prepared a report describing that peer 
review.\1\

[[Page 20844]]

Generation of this report involved a rigorous, formal, and documented 
evaluation using objective criteria and qualified and independent 
reviewers to make a judgment as to the technical/scientific/business 
merit, the actual or anticipated results, and the productivity and 
management effectiveness of programs and/or projects. Because available 
data, models, and technological understanding have changed since 2007, 
DOE has engaged with the National Academy of Sciences to review DOE's 
analytical methodologies to ascertain whether modifications are needed 
to improve the Department's analyses. DOE is in the process of 
evaluating the resulting report.\2\
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    \1\ The 2007 ``Energy Conservation Standards Rulemaking Peer 
Review Report'' is available at the following website: 
<a href="http://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/downloads/energy-conservation-standards-rulemaking-peer-review-report-0">www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/downloads/energy-conservation-standards-rulemaking-peer-review-report-0</a> (last accessed July 1, 
2022).
    \2\ The report is available at <a href="http://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/review-of-methods-for-setting-building-and-equipment-performance-standards">www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/review-of-methods-for-setting-building-and-equipment-performance-standards</a>.
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M. Review Under Additional Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda

    DOE has examined this proposed withdrawal of determination and has 
tentatively determined that it is consistent with the policies and 
directives outlined in E.O. 14154 ``Unleashing American Energy,'' E.O. 
14192, ``Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,'' and Presidential 
Memorandum, ``Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families 
and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis.'' This proposed withdrawal of 
determination, if finalized as proposed, is expected to be an E.O. 
14192 deregulatory action.

III. Public Participation

A. Participation in the Webinar

    The time, date, and location of the webinar listed in the DATES and 
ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this document.
    Webinar registration information, participant instructions, and 
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants 
will be published on DOE's website: <a href="http://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines">www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines</a>. Participants are responsible for 
ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar software.

B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for 
Distribution

    Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this 
NOPR, or who is a representative of a group or class of persons that 
has an interest in these issues, may request an opportunity to make an 
oral presentation at the webinar. Such persons may submit requests, 
along with an advance electronic copy of their statement in PDF 
(preferred), Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file 
format, to the appropriate address shown in the ADDRESSES section at 
the beginning of this document. The request and advance copy of 
statements must be received at least one week before the webinar and 
are to be emailed. Please include a telephone number to enable DOE 
staff to make follow-up contact, if needed.

C. Conduct of the Webinar

    DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the webinar and may 
also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will 
not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but DOE will 
conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6306). A 
court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and prepare a 
transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of 
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of 
the public meeting. There shall not be discussion of proprietary 
information, costs or prices, market share, or other commercial matters 
regulated by U.S. anti-trust laws. After the public meeting, interested 
parties may submit further comments on the proceedings, as well as on 
any aspect of the proposed withdrawal of coverage, until the end of the 
comment period.
    The webinar will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE 
will present a general overview of the topics addressed in this 
proposed rulemaking, allow time for prepared general statements by 
participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views 
on issues affecting this proposed rulemaking. Each participant will be 
allowed to make a general statement (within time limits determined by 
DOE), before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will allow, as time 
permits, other participants to comment briefly on any general 
statements.
    At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit 
participants to clarify their statements briefly. Participants should 
be prepared to answer questions by DOE and by other participants 
concerning these issues. DOE representatives may also ask questions of 
participants concerning other matters relevant to this proposed 
rulemaking. The official conducting the public meeting will accept 
additional comments or questions from those attending, as time permits. 
The presiding official will announce any further procedural rules or 
modification of the previous procedures that may be needed for the 
proper conduct of the webinar.
    A transcript of the public meeting will be included in the docket, 
which can be viewed as described in the Docket section at the beginning 
of this document and will be accessible on the DOE website. In 
addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript from the 
transcribing reporter.

D. Submission of Comments

    DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
notification of proposed determination 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 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

[[Page 20845]]

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. Comments and documents submitted via 
email 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 comments 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. With this instruction followed, 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. No faxes will be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, 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 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 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 information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comments

    DOE welcomes comments on all aspects of this proposed withdrawal of 
determination. DOE is particularly interested in receiving comments and 
views of interested parties concerning whether withdrawing the coverage 
determination of MREFs as a covered product is consistent with the 
purposes of EPCA.
    DOE is also interested in receiving views concerning other relevant 
issues that participants believe would affect the tentative conclusions 
presented in this document.
    After the expiration of the period for submitting written 
statements, DOE will consider all comments and additional information 
that is obtained from interested parties or through further analyses, 
and it may prepare a final withdrawal of the coverage determination for 
MREFs.

III. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of 
proposed withdrawal of determination; request for comments.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Small businesses.

10 CFR Part 430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, and 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.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, DOE is proposing to 
amend parts 429 and 430 of chapter II, subchapter D, of title 10 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER 
PRODUCTS AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
1. The authority for part 429 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.


Sec.  429.61  [Removed]

0
2. Remove and reserveSec.  429.61.

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

0
3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
4. Amend Sec.  430.2 by:
0
a. Removing the definitions for ``All-refrigerator,'' ``Built-in 
compact cooler,'' ``Built-in cooler,'' ``Combination cooler 
refrigeration product,'' ``Consumer refrigeration product,'' 
``Cooler,'' ``Cooler-all-refrigerator,'' ``Cooler-freezer,'' ``Cooler-
refrigerator,'' ``Cooler-refrigerator-freezer,'' ``Freestanding compact 
cooler,'' ``Freestanding cooler,'' and ``Miscellaneous refrigeration 
product.''
0
b. Revising the definitions for ``Covered product,'' ``Freezer,'' 
``Refrigerator,'' and ``Refrigerator- freezer'';
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  430.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Covered product means a consumer product--
    (1) Of a type specified in section 322 of the Act; or
    (2) That is an air cleaner, battery charger, ceiling fan, ceiling 
fan light kit,

[[Page 20846]]

dehumidifier, external power supply, medium base compact fluorescent 
lamp, portable air conditioner, or torchiere.
* * * * *
    Freezer means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that has a 
source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, alternating current 
electric energy input only and is capable of maintaining compartment 
temperatures of 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) or below as determined 
according to the provisions in Sec.  429.14(d)(2) of this chapter. It 
does not include any refrigerated cabinet that consists solely of an 
automatic ice maker and an ice storage bin arranged so that operation 
of the automatic icemaker fills the bin to its capacity. However, the 
term does not include:
    (1) Any product that does not include a compressor and condenser 
unit as an integral part of the cabinet assembly.
    (2) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    Refrigerator means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that has 
a source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, alternating 
current electric energy input only and is capable of maintaining 
compartment temperatures above 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) and below 39 [deg]F 
(3.9 [deg]C) as determined according to Sec.  429.14(d)(2) of this 
chapter. A refrigerator may include a compartment capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures below 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C), but 
does not provide a separate low temperature compartment capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures below 8 [deg]F (-13.3 [deg]C) as 
determined according to Sec.  429.14(d)(2) of this chapter. However, 
the term does not include:
    (1) Any product that does not include a compressor and condenser 
unit as an integral part of the cabinet assembly; or
    (2) A cooler.
    Refrigerator-freezer means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, 
that has a source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, 
alternating current electric energy input only and consists of two or 
more compartments where at least one of the compartments is capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures above 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) and 
below 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) as determined according to Sec.  
429.14(d)(2) of this chapter, and at least one other compartment is 
capable of maintaining compartment temperatures of 8 [deg]F (-13.3 
[deg]C) and may be adjusted by the user to a temperature of 0 [deg]F (-
17.8 [deg]C) or below as determined according to Sec.  429.14(d)(2) of 
this chapter. However, the term does not include:
    (1) Any product that does not include a compressor and condenser 
unit as an integral part of the cabinet assembly.
    (2) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
5. Appendix A to subpart B of part 430 is revised to read as follows.

Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers

    Note:  Prior to April 11, 2022, any representations of volume 
and energy use of refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers must be 
based on the results of testing pursuant to either this appendix or 
the procedures in appendix A as it appeared at 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart B, appendix A, in the 10 CFR parts 200 to 499 edition 
revised as of January 1, 2019. Any representations of volume and 
energy use must be in accordance with whichever version is selected. 
On or after April 11, 2022, any representations of volume and energy 
use must be based on the results of testing pursuant to this 
appendix.

    For refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, the rounding 
requirements specified in sections 4 and 5 of this appendix are not 
required for use until the compliance date of any amendment of 
energy conservation standards for these products published after 
October 12, 2021.

1. Referenced Materials

    DOE incorporated by reference AHAM HRF-1-2019, Energy and 
Internal Volume of Consumer Refrigeration Products (``HRF-1-2019''), 
and AS/NZS 4474.1:2007, Performance of Household Electrical 
Appliances--Refrigerating Appliances; Part 1: Energy Consumption and 
Performance, Second Edition (``AS/NZS 4474.1:2007''), in their 
entirety in Sec.  430.3; however, only enumerated provisions of 
these documents are applicable to this appendix. If there is any 
conflict between HRF-1-2019 and this appendix or between AS/NZS 
4474.1:2007 and this appendix, follow the language of the test 
procedure in this appendix, disregarding the conflicting industry 
standard language.
    (a) AHAM HRF-1-2019, (``HRF-1-2019''), Energy and Internal 
Volume of Consumer Refrigeration Products:
    (i) Section 3--Definitions, as specified in section 3 of this 
appendix;
    (ii) Section 4--Method for Determining the Refrigerated Volume 
of Consumer Refrigeration Products, as specified in section 4.1 of 
this appendix;
    (iii) Section 5--Method for Determining the Energy Consumption 
of Consumer Refrigeration Products (excluding Table 5-1 and sections 
5.5.6.5, 5.8.2.1.2, 5.8.2.1.3, 5.8.2.1.4, 5.8.2.1.5, and 5.8.2.1.6), 
as specified in section 5 of this appendix; and
    (iv) Section 6--Method for Determining the Adjusted Volume of 
Consumer Refrigeration Products, as specified in section 4.2 of this 
appendix;
    (b) AS/NZS 4474.1:2007, (``AS/NZS 4474.1:2007''), Performance of 
Household Electrical Appliances--Refrigerating Appliances; Part 1: 
Energy Consumption and Performance, Second Edition:
    (i) Appendix M--Method of Interpolation When Two Controls are 
Adjusted, as specified in sections 5.2(b) and 5.3(e) of this 
appendix.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    If there is any conflict between HRF-1-2019 and this appendix or 
between AS/NZS 4474.1:2007 and this appendix, follow the language of 
the test procedure in this appendix, disregarding the conflicting 
industry standard language.

2. Scope

    This appendix provides the test procedure for measuring the 
annual energy use in kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/yr), the total 
refrigerated volume in cubic feet (ft\3\), and the total adjusted 
volume in cubic feet (ft\3\) of refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers.

3. Definitions

    Section 3, Definitions, of HRF-1-2019 applies to this test 
procedure. In case of conflicting terms between HRF-1-2019 and DOE's 
definitions in this appendix or in Sec.  430.2, DOE's definitions 
take priority.
    Through-the-door ice/water dispenser means a device incorporated 
within the cabinet, but outside the boundary of the refrigerated 
space, that delivers to the user on demand ice and may also deliver 
water from within the refrigerated space without opening an exterior 
door. This definition includes dispensers that are capable of 
dispensing ice and water or ice only.

4. Volume

    Determine the refrigerated volume and adjusted volume for 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers in accordance with the 
following sections of HRF-1-2019, respectively:
    4.1. Section 4, Method for Determining the Refrigerated Volume 
of Consumer Refrigeration Products; and
    4.2. Section 6, Method for Determining the Adjusted Volume of 
Consumer Refrigeration Products.

5. Energy Consumption

    Determine the annual energy use (``AEU'') in kilowatt-hours per 
year (kWh/yr), for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers in 
accordance with section 5, Method for Determining the Energy 
Consumption of Consumer Refrigeration Products, of HRF-1-2019, 
except as follows.

5.1. Test Setup and Test Conditions

    (a) In section 5.3.1 of HRF-1-2019, the top of the unit shall be 
determined by the refrigerated cabinet height, excluding any 
accessories or protruding components on the top of the unit.
    (b) The ambient temperature and vertical ambient temperature 
gradient requirements specified in section 5.3.1 of HRF-1-2019 shall 
be maintained during both the stabilization period and the test 
period.
    (c) The power supply requirements as specified in section 5.5.1 
of HRF-1-2019 shall be maintained based on measurement intervals not 
to exceed one minute.
    (d) The ice storage compartment temperature requirement as 
specified in section 5.5.6.5 in HRF-1-2019 is not required.
    (e) For cases in which setup is not clearly defined by this test 
procedure, manufacturers must submit a petition for a waiver (See 
section 6 of this appendix).
    (f) If the interior arrangements of the unit under test do not 
conform with those shown

[[Page 20847]]

in Figures 5-1 or 5-2 of HRF-1-2019, as appropriate, the unit must 
be tested by relocating the temperature sensors from the locations 
specified in the figures to avoid interference with hardware or 
components within the unit, in which case the specific locations 
used for the temperature sensors shall be noted in the test data 
records maintained by the manufacturer in accordance with 10 CFR 
429.71, and the certification report shall indicate that non-
standard sensor locations were used. If any temperature sensor is 
relocated by any amount from the location prescribed in Figure 5-1 
or 5-2 of HRF-1-2019 in order to maintain a minimum 1-inch air space 
from adjustable shelves or other components that could be relocated 
by the consumer, except in cases in which the Figures prescribe a 
temperature sensor location within 1 inch of a shelf or similar 
feature (e.g., sensor T3 in Figure 5-1), this constitutes a 
relocation of temperature sensors that must be recorded in the test 
data and reported in the certification report as described in this 
paragraph.

5.2. Test Conduct

    (a) Standard Approach
    (i) For the purposes of comparing compartment temperatures with 
standardized temperatures, as described in section 5.6 of HRF-1-
2019, the freezer compartment temperature shall be as specified in 
section 5.8.1.2.5 of HRF-1-2019, the fresh food compartment 
temperature shall be as specified in section 5.8.1.2.4 of HRF-1-
2019, and the cooler compartment temperature shall be as specified 
in section 5.8.1.2.6 of HRF-1-2019.
    (ii) In place of Table 5-1 in HRF-1-2019, refer to Table 1 of 
this section.

                          Table 1--Temperature Settings: General Chart for All Products
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     First test                                     Second test
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Energy calculation
             Setting                    Results             Setting             Results            based on:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid for all Compartments........  All compartments    Warmest for all     All compartments    Second Test Only.
                                   below standard      Compartments.       below standard
                                   reference                               reference
                                   temperature.                            temperature.
                                                                          One or more         First and Second
                                                                           compartments        Test.
                                                                           above standard
                                                                           reference
                                                                           temperature.
                                  One or more         Coldest for all     All compartments    First and Second
                                   compartments        Compartments.       below standard      Test.
                                   above standard                          reference
                                   reference                               temperature.
                                   temperature.
                                                                          One or more         Model may not be
                                                                           compartments        certified as
                                                                           above standard      compliant with
                                                                           reference           energy
                                                                           temperature.        conservation
                                                                                               standards based
                                                                                               on testing of
                                                                                               this unit.
                                                                                               Confirm that unit
                                                                                               meets product
                                                                                               definition. If
                                                                                               so, see section 6
                                                                                               of this appendix.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Three-Point Interpolation Method (Optional Test for Models 
with Two Compartments and User-Operable Controls). As specified in 
section 5.6.3(6) of HRF-1-2019, and as an optional alternative to 
section 5.2(a) of this appendix, perform three tests such that the 
set of tests meets the ``minimum requirements for interpolation'' of 
AS/NZS 4474.1:2007 appendix M, section M3, paragraphs (a) through 
(c) and as illustrated in Figure M1. The target temperatures txA and 
txB defined in section M4(a)(i) of AS/NZ 4474.1:2007 shall be the 
standardized temperatures defined in section 5.6 of HRF-1-2019.

5.3. Test Cycle Energy Calculations

    Section 5.8.2, Energy Consumption, of HRF-1-2019 applies to this 
test procedure, except as follows:
    (a)(i) For refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers: To 
demonstrate compliance with the energy conservation standards at 10 
CFR 430.32(a) applicable to products manufactured on or after 
September 15, 2014, IET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
equals 0.23 for a product with one or more automatic icemakers and 
otherwise equals 0 (zero).
    (c) In place of sections 5.8.2.1.3 and 5.8.2.1.4 of HRF-1-2019, 
use the calculations provided in this section. For units with 
variable defrost control, the test cycle energy shall be calculated 
as set forth in section 5.3(a) of this appendix with the following 
addition:
    CT shall be calculated equivalent to:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16MY25.009
    
Where:

CT<INF>L</INF> = the least or shortest compressor run time between 
defrosts used in the variable defrost control algorithm (greater 
than or equal to 6 but less than or equal to 12 hours), or the 
shortest compressor run time between defrosts observed for the test 
(if it is shorter than the shortest run time used in the control 
algorithm and is greater than 6 hours), or 6 hours (if the shortest 
observed run time is less than 6 hours), in hours rounded to the 
nearest tenth of an hour;
CT<INF>M</INF> = the maximum compressor run time between defrosts in 
hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than 
CT<INF>L</INF> but not more than 96 hours);
For variable defrost models with no values of CT<INF>L</INF> and 
CT<INF>M</INF> in the algorithm, the default values of 6 and 96 
shall be used, respectively.
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least 
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and 
is equal to 0.20.

    (d) In place of section 5.8.2.1.5 of HRF-1-2019, use the 
calculations provided in this section. For multiple-compressor products 
with automatic defrost, the two-part test method in section 5.7.2.1 of 
HRF-1-2019 shall be used, and the test cycle energy shall be calculated 
as:

[[Page 20848]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16MY25.010

Where:

ET, 1440, 12, and K are defined in section 5.3(a) of this appendix;
EP1, and T1 are defined in section 5.3(a) of this appendix;
i = a subscript variable that can equal 1, 2, or more that 
identifies each individual compressor system that has automatic 
defrost;
D = the total number of compressor systems with automatic defrost;
EP2<INF>i</INF> = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the 
second part of the test for compressor system i;
T2<INF>i</INF> = length of time in minutes of the second part of the 
test for compressor system i;
CT<INF>i</INF> = compressor run time between defrosts of compressor 
system i, rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour, for long-time 
automatic defrost control equal to a fixed time in hours, and for 
variable defrost control equal to:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16MY25.011

Where:

CT<INF>L,i</INF> = for compressor system i, the shortest cumulative 
compressor-on time between defrost heater-on events used in the 
variable defrost control algorithm (CT<INF>L</INF> for the 
compressor system with the longest compressor run time between 
defrosts must be greater than or equal to 6 but less than or equal 
to 12 hours), in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour;
CT<INF>M,i</INF> = for compressor system i, the maximum compressor-
on time between defrost heater-on events used in the variable 
defrost control algorithm (greater than CT<INF>L,i</INF> but not 
more than 96 hours), in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an 
hour;
For defrost cycle types with no values of CT<INF>L</INF> and 
CT<INF>M</INF> in the algorithm, the default values of 6 and 96 
shall be used, respectively.
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least 
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and 
is equal to 0.20.

    (e) In place of section 5.8.2.1.6 of HRF-1-2019, use the 
calculations provided in this section. For units with long-time 
automatic defrost control and variable defrost control with multiple 
defrost cycle types, the two-part test method in section 5.7.2.1 of 
HRF-1-2019 shall be used, and the test cycle energy shall be calculated 
as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16MY25.012

Where:

ET, 1440, 12, and K are defined in section 5.3(a) of this appendix;
EP1, and T1 are defined in section 5.3(a) of this appendix;
i = a subscript variable that can equal 1, 2, or more that 
identifies the distinct defrost cycle types applicable for the 
product;
D = the total number of defrost cycle types;
EP2<INF>i</INF> = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the 
second part of the test for defrost cycle type i;
T2<INF>i</INF> = length of time in minutes of the second part of the 
test for defrost cycle type i;
CT<INF>i</INF> = defrost timer run time or compressor run time 
between instances of defrost cycle type i, rounded to the nearest 
tenth of an hour;
12 = factor to adjust for a 50-percent run time of the compressor in 
hours per day.

    (i) For long-time automatic defrost control, CTi shall be equal to 
a fixed time in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour. For 
cases in which there are more than one fixed CT value for a given 
defrost cycle type, an average fixed CT value shall be selected for 
this cycle type.
    (ii) For variable defrost control, CTi shall be calculated 
equivalent to:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP16MY25.013

Where:

CT<INF>L,i</INF> = the least or shortest compressor run time between 
instances of the defrost cycle type i in hours rounded to the 
nearest tenth of an hour (CT<INF>L</INF> for the defrost cycle type 
with the longest compressor run time between defrosts must be 
greater than or equal to 6 but less than or equal to 12 hours);
CT<INF>M,i</INF> = the maximum compressor run time between instances 
of defrost cycle type i in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an 
hour (greater than CT<INF>L,i</INF> but not more than 96 hours);
For cases in which there are more than one CT<INF>M</INF> and/or 
CT<INF>L</INF> value for a given defrost cycle type, an average of 
the CT<INF>M</INF> and CT<INF>L</INF> values shall be selected for 
this defrost cycle type. For defrost cycle

[[Page 20849]]

types with no values of CT<INF>L</INF> and CT<INF>M</INF> in the 
algorithm, the default values of 6 and 96 shall be used, 
respectively.
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least 
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and 
is equal to 0.20.

    (f) If the three-point interpolation method of section 5.2(b) of 
this appendix is used for setting temperature controls, the average 
per-cycle energy consumption shall be defined as follows:

E = E<INF>x</INF> + IET

Where:

E is defined in 5.9.1.1 of HRF-1-2019;
IET is defined in 5.9.2.1 of HRF-1-2019; and
E<INF>x</INF> is defined and calculated as described in appendix M, 
section M4(a) of AS/NZS 4474.1:2007. The target temperatures 
t<INF>xA</INF> and t<INF>xB</INF> defined in section M4(a)(i) of AS/
NZS 4474.1:2007 shall be the standardized temperatures defined in 
section 5.6 of HRF-1-2019.


Sec.  430.32  [Amended]

0
6. Remove and reserve Sec.  430.32(aa).

[FR Doc. 2025-08584 Filed 5-12-25; 9:30 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P


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