80 FR 17359 - Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of Intent To Establish the Fans and Blowers Working Group To Negotiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Energy Conservation Standards
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 62 (April 1, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 62 (April 1, 2015)
| Page Range | 17359-17363 | |
| FR Document | 2015-07470 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 1, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 17359-17363] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-07470] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 430 [EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006] Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of Intent To Establish the Fans and Blowers Working Group To Negotiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Energy Conservation Standards AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of intent and announcement of public meetings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is giving notice that it intends to establish a negotiated rulemaking working group under the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Negotiated Rulemaking Act (NRA) to negotiate proposed definitions, certain aspects of a proposed test procedure (if applicable), and proposed energy conservation standards for fans and blowers. The purpose of the working group will be to discuss and, if possible, reach consensus on the scope of the rulemaking, certain key aspects of a proposed test procedure, and proposed energy conservation standard for fans and blowers, as authorized by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975, as amended. As part of its negotiations, the working group will consider scope of coverage and system interaction impacts of potential standards for fans and blowers. The working group will consist of representatives of parties having a defined stake in the outcome of the regulations, including the proposed standards, and will consult as appropriate with a range of experts on technical issues. The working group is expected to make a concerted effort to negotiate a final term sheet within three (3) months of its first meeting. At the completion of negotiation, the term sheet will be presented to ASRAC at an open meeting for their deliberation and decision on whether or not to pass it on as a formal recommendation to DOE. Lastly, DOE is announcing the first Working Group session, which is open to the public, on Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7, 2015. DATES: DOE will hold the first meeting for the Fans and Blowers Working Group on Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. Written comments and request to be appointed as members of the working group are welcome and should be submitted by April 15, 2015. ADDRESSES: The first Fans and Blowers Working Group meeting, which is also open to the public, will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585. To attend, please notify [email protected]. Persons can attend the public meeting via webinar. For more information, refer to section V of this document (Public Participation). Interested person may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006 by any of the following methods: 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 2. Email: [email protected] Include docket number EERE-2013-BT-STD- 0006 in the subject line of the message. 3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. 4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov, including Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Building Technologies (EE-5B), 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202-586-6590. Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Authority II. Background III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures IV. Comments Requested V. Public Participation VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary I. Authority This notice of intent, announcing DOE's intent to negotiate a proposed rule for fans and blowers energy conservation standards, was developed under the authority of sections 563 and 564 of the NRA (5 U.S.C. 561-570, Pub. L. 104-320). The regulation of fans and blowers for energy conservation standards that DOE is proposing to develop under a negotiated rulemaking will be developed under the authority of EPCA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq. II. Background As required by the NRA, DOE is giving notice that it is establishing a working group under ASRAC to develop proposed energy conservation standards, including the applicability of those standards for various categories of fans and blower currently found on the market. EPCA, as amended, directs DOE to adopt energy conservation standards for fans and blowers for which standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. There currently are no Federal energy conservation standards for fans and blowers. A. Negotiated Rulemaking DOE has decided to use the negotiated rulemaking process to develop proposed energy conservation standards for fans and blowers. Under EPCA, Congress mandated that DOE develop regulations [[Page 17360]] establishing energy conservation standards for covered consumer and commercial appliances that are designed to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that are technologically feasible and economically justified. 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A). The primary reason for using the negotiated rulemaking process for developing a proposed Federal standard is that stakeholders strongly support a consensual rulemaking effort. DOE believes such a regulatory negotiation process will be less adversarial and better suited to resolving complex technical issues. An important virtue of negotiated rulemaking is that it allows expert dialog that is much better than traditional techniques at getting the facts and issues right and will result in a proposed rule that will effectively reflect Congressional intent. A regulatory negotiation will enable DOE to engage in direct and sustained dialog with informed, interested, and affected parties when drafting the regulation, rather than obtaining input during a public comment period after developing and publishing a proposed rule. Gaining this early understanding of all parties' perspectives allows DOE to address key issues at an earlier stage of the process, thereby allowing more time for an iterative process to resolve issues. A rule drafted by negotiation with informed and affected parties is expected to be potentially more pragmatic and more easily implemented than a rule arising from the traditional process. Such rulemaking improvement is likely to provide the public with the full benefits of the rule while minimizing the potential negative impact of a proposed regulation conceived or drafted without the full prior input of outside knowledgeable parties. Because a negotiating working group includes representatives from the major stakeholder groups affected by or interested in the rule, the number of public comments on the proposed rule may be decreased. DOE anticipates that there will be a need for fewer substantive changes to a proposed rule developed under a regulatory negotiation process prior to the publication of a final rule. B. The Concept of Negotiated Rulemaking Usually, DOE develops a proposed rulemaking using Department staff and consultant resources. Typically, a preliminary analysis is vetted for stakeholder comments after a Framework Document is published and comments taken thereon. After the notice of proposed rulemaking is published for comment, affected parties may submit arguments and data defining and supporting their positions with regard to the issues raised in the proposed rule. Congress noted in the NRA, however, that regulatory development may ``discourage the affected parties from meeting and communicating with each other, and may cause parties with different interests to assume conflicting and antagonistic positions * * *.'' 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(2). Congress also stated that ``adversarial rulemaking deprives the affected parties and the public of the benefits of face-to-face negotiations and cooperation in developing and reaching agreement on a rule. It also deprives them of the benefits of shared information, knowledge, expertise, and technical abilities possessed by the affected parties.'' 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(3). Using negotiated rulemaking to develop a proposed rule differs fundamentally from the Department centered process. In negotiated rulemaking, a proposed rule is developed by an advisory committee or working group, chartered under FACA, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, composed of members chosen to represent the various interests that will be significantly affected by the rule. The goal of the advisory committee or working group is to reach consensus on the treatment of the major issues involved with the rule. The process starts with the Department's careful identification of all interests potentially affected by the rulemaking under consideration. To help with this identification, the Department publishes a notice of intent such as this one in the Federal Register, identifying a preliminary list of interested parties and requesting public comment on that list. Following receipt of comments, the Department establishes an advisory committee or working group representing the full range of stakeholders to negotiate a consensus on the terms of a proposed rule. Representation on the advisory committee or working group may be direct; that is, each member may represent a specific interest, or may be indirect, such as through trade associations and/or similarly-situated parties with common interests. The Department is a member of the advisory committee or working group and represents the Federal government's interests. The advisory committee or working group chair is assisted by a neutral mediator who facilitates the negotiation process. The role of the mediator, also called a facilitator, is to apply proven consensus-building techniques to the advisory committee or working group process. After an advisory committee or working group reaches consensus on the provisions of a proposed rule, the Department, consistent with its legal obligations, uses such consensus as the basis of its proposed rule, which then is published in the Federal Register. This publication provides the required public notice and provides for a public comment period. Other participants and other interested parties retain their rights to comment, participate in an informal hearing (if requested), and request judicial review. DOE anticipates, however, that the pre- proposal consensus agreed upon by the advisory committee or working group will narrow any issues in the subsequent rulemaking. C. Proposed Rulemaking for Fans and Blowers Energy Conservation Standards The NRA enables DOE to establish an advisory committee or working group if it is determined that the use of the negotiated rulemaking process is in the public interest. DOE intends to develop Federal regulations that build on the depth of experience accrued in both the public and private sectors in implementing standards and programs. DOE has determined that the regulatory negotiation process will provide for obtaining a diverse array of in-depth input, as well as an opportunity for increased collaborative discussion from both private- sector stakeholders and government officials who are familiar with energy efficiency of fans and blowers. D. Department Commitment In initiating this regulatory negotiation process to develop energy conservation standards for fans and blowers, DOE is making a commitment to provide adequate resources to facilitate timely and successful completion of the process. This commitment includes making the process a priority activity for all representatives, components, officials, and personnel of the Department who need to be involved in the rulemaking, from the time of initiation until such time as a final rule is issued or the process is expressly terminated. DOE will provide administrative support for the process and will take steps to ensure that the advisory committee or working group has the dedicated resources it requires to complete its work in a timely fashion. Specifically, DOE will make available the following support services: Properly equipped space adequate for public meetings and caucuses; logistical support; word processing and [[Page 17361]] distribution of background information; the service of a facilitator; and such additional research and other technical assistance as may be necessary. To the maximum extent possible consistent with the legal obligations of the Department, DOE will use the consensus of the advisory committee or working group as the basis for the rule the Department proposes for public notice and comment. E. Negotiating Consensus As discussed above, the negotiated rulemaking process differs fundamentally from the usual process for developing a proposed rule. Negotiation enables interested and affected parties to discuss various approaches to issues rather than asking them only to respond to a proposal developed by the Department. The negotiation process involves a mutual education of the various parties on the practical concerns about the impact of standards. Each advisory committee or working group member participates in resolving the interests and concerns of other members, rather than leaving it up to DOE to evaluate and incorporate different points of view. A key principle of negotiated rulemaking is that agreement is by consensus of all the interests. Thus, no one interest or group of interests is able to control the process. The NRA defines consensus as the unanimous concurrence among interests represented on a negotiated rulemaking committee or working group, unless the committee or working group itself unanimously agrees to use a different definition. 5 U.S.C. 562. In addition, experience has demonstrated that using a trained mediator to facilitate this process will assist all parties, including DOE, in identifying their real interests in the rule, and thus will enable parties to focus on and resolve the important issues. III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures A. Key Issues for Negotiation The following issues and concerns will underlie the work of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on Fans and Blowers Equipment Energy Conservation Standards for fans and blowers:Scope of coverage (including any system interaction effects); Key test procedure conditions, as applicable; and Proposed energy conservation standard. To examine the underlying issues outlined above, and others not yet articulated, all parties in the negotiation will need DOE to provide data and an analytic framework complete and accurate enough to support their deliberations. DOE's analyses must be adequate to inform a prospective negotiation--for example, a notice of data availability or equivalent must be available and timely. B. Formation of Working Group A working group will be formed and operated in full compliance with the requirements of FACA and in a manner consistent with the requirements of the NRA. DOE has determined that the working group not exceed 25 members. The Department believes that more than 25 members would make it difficult to conduct effective negotiations. DOE is aware that there are many more potential participants than there are membership slots on the working group. The Department does not believe, nor does the NRA contemplate, that each potentially affected group must participate directly in the negotiations; nevertheless, each affected interest can be adequately represented. To have a successful negotiation, it is important for interested parties to identify and form coalitions that adequately represent significantly affected interests. To provide adequate representation, those coalitions must agree to support, both financially and technically, a member of the working group whom they choose to represent their interests. DOE recognizes that when it establishes energy conservation standards for residential products and commercial equipment, various segments of society may be affected in different ways, in some cases producing unique ``interests'' in a proposed rule based on income, gender, or other factors. The Department will pay attention to providing that any unique interests that have been identified, and that may be significantly affected by the proposed rule, are represented. FACA also requires that members of the public have the opportunity to attend meetings of the full committee and speak or otherwise address the committee during the public comment period. In addition, any member of the public is permitted to file a written statement with the advisory committee. DOE plans to follow these same procedures in conducting meetings of the working group. C. Interests Involved/Working Group Membership DOE anticipates that the working group will comprise no more than 25 members who represent affected and interested stakeholder groups, at least one of whom must be a member of the ASRAC. As required by FACA, the Department will conduct the negotiated rulemaking with particular attention to ensuring full and balanced representation of those interests that may be significantly affected by the proposed rule governing rules of fans and blowers energy conservation standards. Section 562 of the NRA defines the term interest as ``with respect to an issue or matter, multiple parties which have a similar point of view or which are likely to be affected in a similar manner.'' Listed below are parties the Department to date has identified as being ``significantly affected'' by a proposed rule regarding the energy conservation standards of fans and blowers. The Department of Energy Manufacturers of Fans and Blowers Manufacturers of Equipment that Purchase Fans and Blowers Trade Associations Representing Manufacturers of Fans and Blowers or Equipment that Purchase Fans and Blowers Utilities Energy Efficiency/Environmental Advocacy Groups Consumers One purpose of this notice of intent is to determine whether Federal regulations regarding fans and blowers energy conservation standards will significantly affect interests that are not listed above. DOE invites comment and suggestions on its initial list of significantly affected interests. Members may be individuals or organizations. If the effort is to be fruitful, participants on the working group should be able to fully and adequately represent the viewpoints of their respective interests. This document gives notice of DOE's process to other potential participants and affords them the opportunity to request representation in the negotiations. Those who wish to be appointed as members of the working group, should submit a request to DOE, in accordance with the public participation procedures outlined in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections of this notice of intent. Membership of the working group is likely to involve: Attendance at approximately ten (10); one (1) to two (2) day meetings; Travel costs to those meetings; and Preparation time for those meetings. Members serving on the working group will not receive compensation for their services. Interested parties who are not selected for membership on the working group may make valuable contributions to this negotiated rulemaking effort in any of the following ways: [[Page 17362]] The person may request to be placed on the working group mailing list and submit written comments as appropriate. The person may attend working group meetings, which are open to the public; caucus with his or her interest's member on the working group; or even address the working group during the public comment portion of the working group meeting. The person could assist the efforts of a workgroup that the working group might establish. A working group may establish informal workgroups, which usually are asked to facilitate committee deliberations by assisting with various technical matters (e.g., researching or preparing summaries of the technical literature or comments on specific matters such as economic issues). Workgroups also might assist in estimating costs or drafting regulatory text on issues associated with the analysis of the costs and benefits addressed, or formulating drafts of the various provisions and their justifications as previously developed by the working group. Given their support function, workgroups usually consist of participants who have expertise or particular interest in the technical matter(s) being studied. Because it recognizes the importance of this support work for the working group, DOE will provide appropriate technical expertise for such workgroups. D. Good Faith Negotiation Every working group member must be willing to negotiate in good faith and have the authority, granted by his or her constituency, to do so. The first step is to ensure that each member has good communications with his or her constituencies. An intra-interest network of communication should be established to bring information from the support organization to the member at the table, and to take information from the table back to the support organization. Second, each organization or coalition therefore should designate as its representative a person having the credibility and authority to ensure that needed information is provided and decisions are made in a timely fashion. Negotiated rulemaking can require the appointed members to give a significant sustained for as long as the duration of the negotiated rulemaking. Other qualities of members that can be helpful are negotiating experience and skills, and sufficient technical knowledge to participate in substantive negotiations. Certain concepts are central to negotiating in good faith. One is the willingness to bring all issues to the bargaining table in an attempt to reach a consensus, as opposed to keeping key issues in reserve. The second is a willingness to keep the issues at the table and not take them to other forums. Finally, good faith includes a willingness to move away from some of the positions often taken in a more traditional rulemaking process, and instead explore openly with other parties all ideas that may emerge from the working group's discussions. E. Facilitator The facilitator will act as a neutral in the substantive development of the proposed standard. Rather, the facilitator's role generally includes: Impartially assisting the members of the working group in conducting discussions and negotiations; and Impartially assisting in performing the duties of the Designated Federal Official under FACA. F. Department Representative The DOE representative will be a full and active participant in the consensus building negotiations. The Department's representative will meet regularly with senior Department officials, briefing them on the negotiations and receiving their suggestions and advice so that he or she can effectively represent the Department's views regarding the issues before the working group. DOE's representative also will ensure that the entire spectrum of governmental interests affected by the standards rulemaking, including the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and other Departmental offices, are kept informed of the negotiations and encouraged to make their concerns known in a timely fashion. G. Working Group and Schedule After evaluating the comments submitted in response to this notice of intent and the requests for nominations, DOE will either inform the members of the working group that they have been selected or determine that conducting a negotiated rulemaking is inappropriate. The working group is expected to make a concerted effort to negotiate a final term sheet within three (3) months of its first meeting. At the completion of negotiation, the term sheet will be presented to ASRAC at an open meeting for their deliberation and decision on whether or not to pass it on as a formal recommendation to DOE. As part of its negotiations, the working group should consider scope of coverage and system interaction impacts of potential standards. DOE will advise working group members of administrative matters related to the functions of the working group before beginning. DOE will establish a meeting schedule based on the settlement agreement and produce the necessary documents so as to adhere to that schedule. While the negotiated rulemaking process is underway, DOE is committed to performing much of the same analysis as it would during a normal standards rulemaking process and to providing information and technical support to the working group. IV. Comments Requested DOE requests comments on which parties should be included in a negotiated rulemaking to develop draft language pertaining to the energy conservation standards of fans and blowers and suggestions of additional interests and/or stakeholders that should be represented on the working group. All who wish to participate as members of the working group should submit a request for nomination to DOE. V. Public Participation Attendance at the Public Meeting The time, date, and location of the public meeting are listed in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections. If you plan to attend the public meeting, please notify [email protected]. Please note that foreign nationals participating in the public meeting are subject to advance security screening procedures which require advance notice prior to attendance at the public meeting. If a foreign national wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE as soon as possible by contacting [email protected] so that the necessary procedures can be completed. Please also note that those wishing to bring laptops into the Forrestal Building will be required to obtain a property pass. Visitors should avoid bringing laptops, or allow an extra 45 minutes. In addition, you can attend the public meeting via webinar. Webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be published on DOE's Web site at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx?ruleid=25. Participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar software. Conduct of the Public Meeting DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public [[Page 17363]] 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. After the public meeting, interested parties may submit further comments on the proceedings as well as on any aspect of the rulemaking until the end of the comment period. The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE will present summaries of comments received before the public meeting, allow time for prepared general statements by participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views on issues affecting this 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. VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of today's notice of proposed rulemaking. Issued in Washington, DC, on March 26, 2015. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2015-07470 Filed 3-31-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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received before the public meeting, consider scope of coverage and system it is not necessary to include printed
allow time for prepared general interaction impacts of potential copies.
statements by participants, and standards for fans and blowers. The No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be
encourage all interested parties to share working group will consist of accepted.
their views on issues affecting this representatives of parties having a Docket: The docket is available for
rulemaking. Each participant will be defined stake in the outcome of the review at www.regulations.gov,
allowed to make a general statement regulations, including the proposed including Federal Register notices,
(within time limits determined by DOE), standards, and will consult as public meeting attendee lists and
before the discussion of specific topics. appropriate with a range of experts on transcripts, comments, and other
DOE will allow, as time permits, other technical issues. The working group is supporting documents/materials. All
participants to comment briefly on any expected to make a concerted effort to documents in the docket are listed in
general statements. negotiate a final term sheet within three the www.regulations.gov index.
(3) months of its first meeting. At the However, not all documents listed in
VI. Approval of the Office of the the index may be publicly available,
Secretary completion of negotiation, the term
sheet will be presented to ASRAC at an such as information that is exempt from
The Secretary of Energy has approved open meeting for their deliberation and public disclosure.
publication of today’s notice of intent. decision on whether or not to pass it on FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 26, as a formal recommendation to DOE. Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department of
2015. Lastly, DOE is announcing the first Energy, Office of Building Technologies
Kathleen B. Hogan, Working Group session, which is open (EE–5B), 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW.,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy to the public, on Wednesday, May 6, Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202–
Efficiency and Renewable Energy. and Thursday, May 7, 2015. 586–6590. Email: asrac@ee.doe.gov.
[FR Doc. 2015–07469 Filed 3–31–15; 8:45 am] DATES: DOE will hold the first meeting SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE CODE 6450–01–P for the Fans and Blowers Working I. Authority
Group on Wednesday, May 6, and II. Background
Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 9 a.m. to III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. Written IV. Comments Requested
comments and request to be appointed V. Public Participation
10 CFR Part 430 VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
as members of the working group are
[EERE–2013–BT–STD–0006] welcome and should be submitted by I. Authority
April 15, 2015. This notice of intent, announcing
Appliance Standards and Rulemaking ADDRESSES: The first Fans and Blowers
Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of DOE’s intent to negotiate a proposed
Working Group meeting, which is also rule for fans and blowers energy
Intent To Establish the Fans and open to the public, will be held at the
Blowers Working Group To Negotiate a conservation standards, was developed
U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal under the authority of sections 563 and
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Building, Room 8E–089, 1000
(NOPR) for Energy Conservation 564 of the NRA (5 U.S.C. 561–570, Pub.
Independence Avenue SW., L. 104–320). The regulation of fans and
Standards Washington, DC 20585. To attend, blowers for energy conservation
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and please notify asrac@ee.doe.gov. Persons standards that DOE is proposing to
Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of can attend the public meeting via develop under a negotiated rulemaking
Energy. webinar. For more information, refer to will be developed under the authority of
ACTION: Notice of intent and section V of this document (Public EPCA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(A)
announcement of public meetings. Participation). and 42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq.
Interested person may submit
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of comments, identified by docket number II. Background
Energy (DOE or the Department) is EERE–2013–BT–STD–0006 by any of As required by the NRA, DOE is
giving notice that it intends to establish the following methods: giving notice that it is establishing a
a negotiated rulemaking working group 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: working group under ASRAC to develop
under the Appliance Standards and www.regulations.gov. Follow the proposed energy conservation
Rulemaking Federal Advisory instructions for submitting comments. standards, including the applicability of
Committee (ASRAC) in accordance with 2. Email: ASRAC@ee.doe.gov. Include those standards for various categories of
the Federal Advisory Committee Act docket number EERE–2013–BT–STD– fans and blower currently found on the
(FACA) and the Negotiated Rulemaking 0006 in the subject line of the message. market. EPCA, as amended, directs DOE
Act (NRA) to negotiate proposed 3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. to adopt energy conservation standards
definitions, certain aspects of a Department of Energy, Building for fans and blowers for which
proposed test procedure (if applicable), Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, standards would be technologically
and proposed energy conservation 1000 Independence Avenue SW., feasible and economically justified, and
standards for fans and blowers. The Washington, DC 20585–0121. If would result in significant energy
purpose of the working group will be to possible, please submit all items on a savings. There currently are no Federal
discuss and, if possible, reach compact disc (CD), in which case it is
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
energy conservation standards for fans
consensus on the scope of the not necessary to include printed copies. and blowers.
rulemaking, certain key aspects of a 4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda
proposed test procedure, and proposed Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, A. Negotiated Rulemaking
energy conservation standard for fans Building Technologies Program, 950 DOE has decided to use the negotiated
and blowers, as authorized by the L’Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600, rulemaking process to develop proposed
Energy Policy and Conservation Act Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: energy conservation standards for fans
(EPCA) of 1975, as amended. As part of (202) 586–2945. If possible, please and blowers. Under EPCA, Congress
its negotiations, the working group will submit all items on a CD, in which case mandated that DOE develop regulations
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hearing, but DOE will conduct it in Rulemaking Federal Advisory completed. Please also note that those
accordance with section 336 of EPCA. Committee (ASRAC) in accordance with wishing to bring laptops into the
(42 U.S.C. 6306) A court reporter will be the Federal Advisory Committee Act Forrestal Building will be required to
present to record the proceedings and (FACA) and the Negotiated Rulemaking obtain a property pass. Visitors should
prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the Act (NRA) to negotiate regarding energy avoid bringing laptops, or allow an extra
right to schedule the order of conservation standards for small, large, 45 minutes. Persons can attend the
presentations and to establish the and very large, air-cooled commercial public meeting via webinar. For more
procedures governing the conduct of the package air conditioners and heat information, refer to section V of this
public meeting. After the public pumps as well as commercial warm air document (Public Participation).
meeting, interested parties may submit furnaces. The purpose of the working Interested person may submit
further comments on the proceedings as group will be to discuss and, if possible, comments, identified by docket number
well as on any aspect of the rulemaking reach consensus regarding the EERE–2013–BT–STD–0007; EERE–
until the end of the comment period. development of energy conservation 2013–BT–STD–0021 by any of the
The public meeting will be conducted standards for small, large, and very following methods:
in an informal, conference style. DOE large, air-cooled commercial package air
will present summaries of comments 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal:
conditioners and heat pumps as well as
received before the public meeting, www.regulations.gov. Follow the
commercial warm air furnaces, as
allow time for prepared general instructions for submitting comments.
authorized by the Energy Policy and
statements by participants, and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975, as 2. Email: ASRAC@ee.doe.gov. Include
encourage all interested parties to share amended. The working group will docket number EERE–2013–BT–STD–
their views on issues affecting this consist of representatives of parties 0007; EERE–2013–BT–STD–0021 in the
rulemaking. Each participant will be having a defined stake in the outcome subject line of the message.
allowed to make a general statement of the energy conservation standards, 3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S.
(within time limits determined by DOE), and will consult as appropriate with a Department of Energy, Building
before the discussion of specific topics. range of experts on technical issues. Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B,
DOE will allow, as time permits, other The working group is expected to 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
participants to comment briefly on any negotiate a final term sheet regarding Washington, DC 20585–0121. If
general statements. energy conservation standards for the possible, please submit all items on a
aforementioned equipment by Monday, compact disc (CD), in which case it is
VI. Approval of the Office of the
June 15, 2015. The final term sheet will not necessary to include printed copies.
Secretary
be presented to ASRAC at an open 4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda
The Secretary of Energy has approved meeting for their deliberation and
publication of today’s notice of Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
decision on whether to pass it on as a Building Technologies Program, 950
proposed rulemaking. formal recommendation to DOE. L’Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600,
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 26, DATES: Written comments and request to Washington, DC 20024. Telephone:
2015. be appointed as members of the CUAC (202) 586–2945. If possible, please
Kathleen B. Hogan, and CWAF Working Group, including submit all items on a CD, in which case
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy an application package, are welcome it is not necessary to include printed
Efficiency and Renewable Energy. and should be submitted by April 15, copies.
[FR Doc. 2015–07470 Filed 3–31–15; 8:45 am] 2015. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DOE will hold the first meeting for the
accepted.
CUAC and CWAF Working Group on
Tuesday, April, 28, 2015, from 9 a.m. to Docket: The docket is available for
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting review at www.regulations.gov,
will also be broadcast as a webinar. See including Federal Register notices,
10 CFR Part 431 section V Public Participation for public meeting attendee lists and
[EERE–2013–BT–STD–0007; EERE–2013– webinar registration information, transcripts, comments, and other
BT–STD–0021] participant instructions, and supporting documents/materials. All
information about the capabilities documents in the docket are listed in
Appliance Standards and Rulemaking available to webinar participants. the www.regulations.gov index.
Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of ADDRESSES: The first CUAC and CWAF
However, not all documents listed in
Intent To Establish the Commercial Working Group meeting, which is also the index may be publicly available,
Package Air Conditioners and Heat open to the public, will be held at the such as information that is exempt from
Pumps and Commercial Warm Air U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal public disclosure.
Furnaces Working Group To Negotiate Building, Room 8E–089, 1000 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Potential Energy Conservation Independence Avenue SW., Cymbalsky, U.S. Department of Energy,
Standards Washington, DC 20585. To attend, Office of Building Technologies (EE–2J),
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and please notify asrac@ee.doe.gov. Please 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington,
Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of note that foreign nationals participating DC 20024. Phone: 202–287–1692. Email:
in the public meeting are subject to asrac@ee.doe.gov.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of intent and advance security screening procedures
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
announcement of a public meeting. which require advance notice prior to
attendance at the public meeting. If a Preamble
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of foreign national wishes to participate in I. Authority
Energy (DOE or the Department) is the public meeting, please inform DOE II. Background
giving notice that it intends to establish as soon as possible by contacting III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures
a negotiated rulemaking working group regina.washington@ee.doe.gov so that IV. Comments Requested
under the Appliance Standards and the necessary procedures can be V. Public Participation
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 Mar 31, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\01APP1.SGM 01APP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_17421/page/5.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-18 11:04:41
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 11:04:41
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of intent and announcement of public meetings. | |
| Dates | DOE will hold the first meeting for the Fans and Blowers Working Group on Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. Written comments and request to be appointed as members of the working group are welcome and should be submitted by April 15, 2015. | |
| Contact | Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Building Technologies (EE-5B), 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202-586-6590. Email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 17359 |
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