Proposed Rule2025-08599
Energy Conservation Program: Rescinding the Amended Water Conservation Standards for Commercial Clothes Washers
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 repeal the amended water conservation standards for commercial clothes washers. This will return the standards for commercial clothes washers to the statutory baseline.
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 20925-20930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08599]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[EERE-2025-BT-STD-0018]
RIN 1904-AF88
Energy Conservation Program: Rescinding the Amended Water
Conservation Standards for Commercial Clothes Washers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy (DOE).
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: DOE is proposing to repeal the amended water conservation
standards for commercial clothes washers. This will return the
standards for commercial clothes washers to the statutory baseline.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 15, 2025. DOE will
hold a webinar on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
See section III, ``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-STD-0018. Follow the instructions for submitting
comments. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments,
identified by docket number EERE-2025-BT-STD-0018, by any of the
following methods:
(1) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#da99b5b799b6b5aeb2bfa98dbba9b2bfa8a9e8eae8ef898e9eeaeaebe29abfbff4beb5bff4bdb5ac"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="24674b4967484b504c41577345574c415657161416117770601414151c6441410a404b410a434b52">[email protected]</span></a>. Include the
docket number EERE-2025-BT-STD-0018 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.
[[Page 20926]]
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-STD-0018">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2025-BT-STD-0018</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, ``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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, under the docket
number.
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#e4a0aba1a3818a81968588a78b918a978188a48c95ca808b81ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dc9893999bb9b2b9aebdb09fb3a9b2afb9b09cb4adf2b8b3b9f2bbb3aa">[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#bbfacbcbd7d2dad5d8dee8cfdad5dfdac9dfc8eacedec8cfd2d4d5c8fbdede95dfd4de95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c7d4c4c50555d525f596f485d52585d4e584f6d49594f485553524f7c595912585359125b534a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. General Discussion
II. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
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
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. Attendance at the Public Meeting/Webinar
B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution
C. Conduct of the Public Meeting/Webinar
D. Submission of Comments
IV. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. General Discussion
DOE is proposing to rescind the amended water conservation
standards for commercial clothes washers, codified in 10 CFR 431.156.
Congress required each ``commercial clothes washer manufactured on or
after January 1, 2007'' to have ``a Modified Energy Factor of at least
1.26'' and ``a Water Factor of not more than 9.5.'' 42 U.S.C. 6313(e).
DOE, by regulation, has set more stringent requirements. Each
``commercial clothes washer manufactured on or after January 8, 2013,
and before January 1, 2018,'' must have a modified energy factor no
less than 1.6 (for top-loading washers) and 2.0 (for front-loading
washers), and a water factor no greater than 8.5 (for top-loading
washers) and 5.5 (for front-loading washers).
DOE proposes to rescind the water factor requirements in their
entirety and seeks comment on all aspects of that proposal. The
rescission will return the water use requirements to the statutory
standard in section 6313(e). The Secretary has determined that the
anti-backsliding provision in section 6313(a)(6)(B)(iii) does not apply
to the water use requirements for commercial washers. That Section
states the ``Secretary may not prescribe any amended standard under
this paragraph that increases the maximum allowable energy use, or
decreases the minimum required energy efficiency, of a covered product.
42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(6)(B)(iii) (emphasis added). ``Energy efficiency'' is
defined as ``the ratio of the useful output of services from an article
of industrial equipment to the energy use by such article.'' 42 U.S.C.
6311(3). ``Energy use'' is defined ``the quantity of energy directly
consumed by an article of industrial equipment at the point of use.''
42 U.S.C. 6311(4). Water use has nothing to do with the energy consumed
by a clothes washer. Therefore, the anti-backsliding provision does not
apply.
After reconsidering the water use standards for commercial clothes
washers, the Secretary has tentatively determined that DOE lacks
authority to regulate the water use of commercial clothes washers.
Section 6313(a)(6) is titled ``[a]mended energy efficiency standards.''
The statute does not seem to contemplate that DOE will change the water
use requirements--only the energy requirements. Therefore, the
standards to be amended in section 6313 refer only to energy standards.
Regardless, the DOE has determined that it is economically
justified to revert back to the statutory standard. Among other
factors, the regulatory water use restrictions appear to lessen the
utility of clothes washers by lengthening the time it takes to wash
clothes. See 85 FR 68727. And the regulations are not consistent with
the need for national water conservation. Consumers are best situated
to decide whether a given product is economically justified, as that is
precisely what the free market does best.
The Secretary is proposing a new policy to reduce regulatory burden
wherever possible. Unless a regulatory standard is required by statute,
the Secretary proposes eliminating that regulatory standard. DOE's new
policy would support energy and water abundance, allowing Americans to
produce and consume as much energy and water as they see fit.
DOE has tentatively determined that there is no reliance interest
in the water use standards. These proposed rule rescissions are not
designed to achieve a maximum reduction in energy efficiency because
the Secretary has tentatively determined that the current regulations
are unlawful, that they are not economically justified, and that they
are inconsistent with the policy of maximally reducing regulatory
burdens. See 42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(1). These are the same reasons that DOE
is considering the change of position that is contemplated by this
rule. DOE seeks comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind these
regulations. DOE seeks comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind
these regulations.
[[Page 20927]]
II. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Orders 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 (recognizing that some benefits and costs are
difficult to quantify); (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 the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) and a
final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) for any rule that by law
must be proposed for public comment, unless the agency certifies that
the rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities. As required by E.O. 13272,
``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR
53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on
February 19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impacts of its rules on
small entities are properly considered during the rulemaking process.
68 FR 7990. DOE has made its procedures and policies available on the
Office of the General Counsel's website (<a href="http://www.energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel">www.energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel</a>).
DOE reviewed this proposed rule rescission under the provisions of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the policies and procedures
published on February 19, 2003. This proposal eliminates standards.
Therefore, DOE initially concludes that the impacts of the proposed
rule rescission 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 rule rescission 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 rule rescission 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. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of
1975 (EPCA; Pub. L. 94-163) governs and prescribes Federal preemption
of State regulations as to energy conservation for the products that
are the subject of this proposed rule rescission. 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 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 rule
rescission meets the relevant standards of E.O. 12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
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
[[Page 20928]]
(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 rule rescission according to UMRA and
its statement of policy and determined that the proposed rule
rescission 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 rule rescission 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 rule rescission 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 rule rescission 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.
This proposed rule rescission is not a significant regulatory
action under E.O. 12866. Moreover, it would not have a significant
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has
it been designated as such by the Administrator at OIRA. Accordingly,
DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects.
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. 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.
M. Review Under Additional Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda
DOE has examined this proposed rule rescission 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 rule
rescission, if finalized as proposed, is expected to be an Executive
Order 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
[[Page 20929]]
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
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 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. 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
[[Page 20930]]
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 information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
IV. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed
rule; request for comments.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 431
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, 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.
Jennifer Hartzell,
Alternate Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, DOE proposing to amend
part 431 of chapter II, subchapter D, of title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, as set forth:
PART 431--ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
0
1. The authority citation for part 431 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
2. Revise Sec. 431.156 to read as follows:
Sec. 431.156 Energy and water conservation standards and effective
dates.
(a) Each commercial clothes washer manufactured on or after January
8, 2013, and before January 1, 2018, shall have a modified energy
factor no less than:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modified energy
Equipment class factor (MEF), cu.
ft./kWh/cycle
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top-Loading.......................................... 1.60
Front-Loading........................................ 2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Each commercial clothes washer manufactured on or after January
1, 2018 shall have a modified energy factor no less than:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modified energy
factor (MEFJ2),
Equipment class cu. ft./kWh/cycle
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top-Loading.......................................... 1.35
Front-Loading........................................ 2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. 2025-08599 Filed 5-12-25; 9:30 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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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.