DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) 

Fall 2011 Statement of Regulatory and Deregulatory Priorities 

 The Department of Energy (Department or DOE) makes vital contributions to the Nation’s welfare 

through its activities focused on improving national security, energy supply, energy efficiency, 

environmental remediation, and energy research. The Department’s mission is to: 

 • Promote dependable, affordable, and environmentally sound production and distribution of energy; 

 • Advance energy efficiency and conservation; 

 • Provide responsible stewardship of the Nation’s nuclear weapons; 

 • Provide a responsible resolution to the environmental legacy of nuclear weapons production; 

 • Strengthen U.S. scientific discovery, economic competitiveness, and improving quality of life through 

innovations in science and technology. 

 The Department’s regulatory activities are essential to achieving its critical mission and to 

implementing major initiatives of the President’s National Energy Policy. Among other things, the 

Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda contain the rulemakings the Department will be engaged in 

during the coming year to fulfill the Department’s commitment to meeting deadlines for issuance of 

energy conservation standards and related test procedures. The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda 

also reflect the Department’s continuing commitment to cut costs, reduce regulatory burden, and increase 

responsiveness to the public. 

Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment 

 The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to set appliance efficiency standards 

at levels that achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically feasible and 

economically justified. The standards already published in 2011 have an estimated net benefit to the 

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Nation of up to $16.6 billion over 30 years. By 2045, these standards are expected to save enough 

energy to operate all U.S. homes for more than 7 months. 

 The Department continues to follow its schedule for setting new appliance efficiency standards. These 

rulemakings are expected to save American consumers billions of dollars in energy costs. The schedule 

outlines how DOE will address the various appliance standards rulemakings necessary to meet statutory 

requirements established in EPCA, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), and the Energy 

Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007). 

 The overall plan for implementing the schedule is contained in the Report to Congress under section 

141 of EPACT 2005 that was released on January 31, 2006. This plan was last updated in the August 

2011 report to Congress and now includes the requirements of the Energy Independence and Security 

Act of 2007 (EISA 2007). The reports to Congress are posted at: 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/schedule_setting.html. 

The August 2011 report identifies all products for which DOE has missed the deadlines established in 

EPCA (42 U.S.C. section 6291 et seq.). It also describes the reasons for such delays and the 

Department’s plan for expeditiously prescribing new or amended standards. Information and timetables 

concerning these actions can also be found in the Department’s regulatory agenda, which is posted 

online at: www.reginfo.gov. 

Estimate of Combined Aggregate Costs and Benefits 

 The regulatory actions included in this regulatory plan are expected to provide significant benefits to 

the Nation for product categories including: fluorescent lamp ballasts, manufactured housing, battery 

chargers and external power supplies, walk-in coolers and freezers, and incandescent reflector lamps. 

DOE believes that the benefits to the Nation of the proposed energy standards for fluorescent lamp 

ballasts (energy savings, consumer average lifecycle cost savings, national net present value increase, 

and emission reductions) outweigh the costs (loss of industry net present value and life-cycle cost 

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increases for some consumers). DOE estimates that these regulations will produce an energy savings 

between 3.7 and 6.3 quads over 30 years. The benefit to the Nation will be between $8.1 billion (7% 

discount rate) and $24.7 billion (3% discount rate). DOE believes that the proposed energy standards for 

manufactured housing, battery chargers and external power supplies, walk-in coolers and freezers, and 

incandescent reflector lamps will also be beneficial to the Nation. However, because DOE has not yet 

proposed candidate standard levels for this equipment, DOE cannot provide an estimate of combined 

aggregate costs and benefits for these actions. DOE will, however, in compliance with all applicable law, 

issue standards that provide the maximum energy savings that are technologically feasible and 

economically justified. Estimates of energy savings will be provided when DOE issues the notices of 

proposed rulemaking for this equipment. 

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Regulations.gov Friday, January 20, 2012 The Regulatory Plan
The 5 Actions Described in the Regulatory Plan

Title

Regulation 

Identifier 

Number

Rulemaking 

Stage

Energy Efficiency Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies 1904-AB57 Proposed Rule Stage

Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers 1904-AB86 Proposed Rule Stage

Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing 1904-AC11 Proposed Rule Stage

Energy Conservation Standards for ER, BR, and Small Diameter Incandescent Reflector

Lamps 1904-AC15 Proposed Rule Stage

Energy Efficiency Standards for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts 1904-AB50 Final Rule Stage

Department of Energy (DOE) 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ( EE ) RIN: 1904-AB57

 View Related Documents

Title: Energy Efficiency Standards for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies

Abstract: In addition to the existing general definition of "external power supply," the Energy Independence and Security Act

of 2007 (EISA) defines a "Class A external power supply" and sets efficiency standards for those products. EISA directs DOE to

publish a final rule to determine whether the standards set for Class A external power supplies should be amended. EISA also

requires DOE to issue a final rule prescribing energy conservation standards for battery chargers, if technologically feasible and

economically justified.

Priority: Economically Significant Agenda Stage of

Rulemaking: Proposed Rule

Major: Undetermined Unfunded Mandates:

Undetermined

CFR Citation: 10 CFR 430 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations ) 

Legal Authority: 42 USC 6295(u)

Legal Deadline: 

Action Source Description Date

Other Statutory 07/01/2011 

Regulatory Plan:

Statement of Need: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires minimum energy standards for appliances,

which has the effect of eliminating inefficient appliances and equipment from the market.

Legal Basis: Title III of EPCA sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. Part A of title III (42

U.S.C. 6291 to 6309) provides for the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products other than Automobiles. EPCA

directs DOE to conduct a rulemaking to establish energy conservation standards for battery chargers or determine that no

energy conservation standard is technically feasible and economically justified (42 U.S.C. 6295 (u)(1)(E)(i)and (ii)). In addition to

the existing general definition of "external power supply," EPCA defines a "Class A external power supply" (42 U.S.C.

6291(36)(C)) and sets efficiency standards for those products (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(3)). EPCA directs DOE to publish a final rule

to determine whether amended standards should be set for Class A external power supplies, or new standards set for other

classes of external power supplies. If such determination is positive, DOE must include any amended or new standards as part

of that final rule. DOE is bundling the two requirements to establish energy conservation standards for battery chargers and to

consider amended or new standards for external power supplies into a single rulemaking.

Alternatives: The statute requires the Department to conduct rulemakings to review standards and to revise standards to

achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and

economically justified. In making this determination, the Department conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard

levels, including the existing standard, based on the criteria specified by the statute.

Costs and Benefits: Because DOE has not yet proposed candidate standard levels for this equipment, DOE cannot

provide an estimate of combined aggregate costs and benefits for these actions. DOE will, however, in compliance with all

applicable law, issue standards that provide the maximum energy savings that are technologically feasible and economically

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Regulations.gov Friday, January 20, 2012 The Regulatory Plan
justified. Estimates of energy savings will be provided when DOE issues the notices of proposed rulemaking for this equipment.

Risks:

Timetable:

Action Date FR Cite

Notice: Public Meeting, Framework Document Availability 06/04/2009 74 FR 26816 

Comment Period End 07/20/2009 

Notice: Public Meeting, Data Availability 09/15/2010 75 FR 56021 

Comment Period End 10/15/2010 

Final Rule (Technical Amendment) 09/19/2011 76 FR 57897 

NPRM 12/00/2011 

Final Action 07/00/2012 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Business Government Levels

Affected: Local; State

Federalism: Undetermined

RIN Information

URL: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/battery_external.html

Related RINs: Related to 1904-AB75

Agency Contact: Victor Petrolati 

Office of Building Technologies Program, EE-2J

Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

1000 Independence Avenue SW.

Washington , DC 20585 

Phone: 202 586-4549 

E-Mail: victor.petrolati@ee.doe.gov

Department of Energy (DOE) 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ( EE ) RIN: 1904-AB86

 View Related Documents

Title: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers

Abstract: The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act

require that DOE establish maximum energy consumption levels for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers.

Priority: Economically Significant Agenda Stage of Rulemaking:

Proposed Rule

Major: Yes Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation: 10 CFR 431 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations ) 

Legal Authority: 42 USC 6313(f)(4)

Legal Deadline: 

Action Source Description Date

Other Statutory 01/01/2012 

Regulatory Plan:

Statement of Need: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act requires minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances,

which has the effect of eliminating inefficient appliances and equipment from the market.

Legal Basis: Section 312 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) establishes definitions and

standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. EISA directs DOE to establish performance-based standards not later than

January 1, 2012 (42 U.S.C. 6313 (f)(4)).

Alternatives: The statute requires the Department to conduct rulemakings to review standards and to revise standards to

achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and

economically justified. In making this determination, the Department conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard

levels, including the existing standard, based on the criteria specified by the statute.

Costs and Benefits: Because DOE has not yet proposed candidate standard levels for this equipment, DOE cannot

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Regulations.gov Friday, January 20, 2012 The Regulatory Plan
provide an estimate of combined aggregate costs and benefits for these actions. DOE will, however, in compliance with all

applicable law, issue standards that provide the maximum energy savings that are technologically feasible and economically

justified. Estimates of energy savings will be provided when DOE issues the notice of proposed rulemaking for this equipment.

Risks:

Timetable:

Action Date FR Cite

Notice: Public Meeting, Framework Document Availability 01/06/2009 74 FR 411 

Notice: Public Meeting, Data Availability 04/05/2010 75 FR 17080 

Comment Period End 05/20/2010 

NPRM 12/00/2011 

Final Action 02/00/2012 

Additional Information: Comments pertaining to this rule may be submitted electronically to WICF-2008-STD0015@ee.doe.gov.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Business Government Levels Affected: Local;

State

Federalism: Undetermined

RIN Information

URL: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/commercial/wicf.html

Public Comment

URL: www.regulations.gov

Related RINs: Related to 1904-AB85

Agency Contact: Charles Llenza 

Office of Building Technologies Program, EE-2J

Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

1000 Independence Avenue SW.

Washington , DC 20585 

Phone: 202 586-2192 

E-Mail: charles.llenza@ee.doe.gov

Department of Energy (DOE) 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ( EE ) RIN: 1904-AC11

 View Related Documents

Title: Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing

Abstract: The rule would establish energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing and a system to ensure compliance

with, and enforcement of, the standards.

Priority: Economically Significant Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule

Major: Yes Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

CFR Citation: 10 CFR 460 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations ) 

Legal Authority: 42 USC 17071

Legal Deadline: 

Action Source Description Date

Other Statutory 12/19/2011 

Regulatory Plan:

Statement of Need: The Energy Independence and Security Act requires increased energy efficiency standards for

manufactured housing.

Legal Basis: Section 413 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), 42 U.S.C. 17071, directs DOE to

develop and publish energy standards for manufactured housing.

Alternatives: The statute requires DOE to conduct a rulemaking to establish standards to achieve the maximum

improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. In making

this determination, DOE conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard levels, including the existing standard, based

on the criteria specified by the statute.

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Regulations.gov Friday, January 20, 2012 The Regulatory Plan
Costs and Benefits: Because DOE has not yet proposed candidate standard levels, DOE cannot provide an estimate of

combined aggregate costs and benefits for these actions. DOE will, however, in compliance with all applicable law, issue

standards that provide the increased energy savings that are technologically feasible and economically justified. Estimates of

energy savings will be provided when DOE issues the notice of proposed rulemaking.

Risks:

Timetable:

Action Date FR Cite

ANPRM 02/22/2010 75 FR 7556 

ANPRM Comment Period End 03/24/2010 

NPRM 02/00/2012 

Final Action 12/00/2012 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: No

Federalism: No

Energy Affected: No

RIN Information

URL: www.energycodes.gov/status/mfg_housing.stm Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov

Agency Contact: Ronald B. Majette

Program Manager, Office of Building Technologies Program, EE-2J

Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

1000 Independence Avenue SW.

Washington , DC 20585 

Phone: 202 586-7935 

E-Mail: ajett.majette@hq.doe.gov

Department of Energy (DOE) 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ( EE ) RIN: 1904-AC15

 View Related Documents

Title: Energy Conservation Standards for ER, BR, and Small Diameter Incandescent Reflector Lamps

Abstract: Amendments to Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

(EISA) amended the energy conservation standards to extend coverage to certain classes of IRL that had previously been

outside the statutory definition of "incandescent reflector lamp" although these lamps were excluded from the statutory standard

levels. However, EISA 2007 authorized DOE to amend these standards if such amendments were warranted. Specifically, as

amended, EPCA exempted certain small diameter, ellipsoidal reflector (ER) and bulged reflector (BR) lamps from standards. In

June 2009, DOE published a final rule amending existing standards for IRL. In earlier stages of the June 2009 rulemaking, DOE

had interpreted its authority with regard to IRL as limited to amending congressionally established standard levels only, and not

to the exemptions set by Congress for certain explicitly identified small diameter, ER and BR lamps, commonly used in track

lighting and recessed cans. On further review, DOE has concluded that DOE has authority to establish efficiency standards for

these currently exempt small diameter ER and BR lamps. However, as a practical matter, DOE could not consider these lamps

as part of the previous rulemaking because it had not conducted the requisite analyses to set appropriate standard levels.

Pursuant to EPCA, DOE is now conducting a rulemaking as to energy conservation standards for certain incandescent reflector

lamps (IRL) that have ER or BR bulb shapes, and for certain IRL with diameters less than 2.25 inches.

Priority: Other Significant

Agenda Stage of

Rulemaking: Proposed

Rule

Major: Yes Unfunded Mandates:

Undetermined

CFR Citation: 10 CFR 430 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations ) 

Legal Authority: 42 USC 6291(30)(C)(ii) and (F); 42 USC 6295(i)

Legal Deadline: None

Regulatory Plan:

Statement of Need: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act requires minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances,

which has the effect of eliminating inefficient appliances and equipment from the market.

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Regulations.gov Friday, January 20, 2012 The Regulatory Plan
Legal Basis: Section 322 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) establishes definitions and

standards for ER, BR, and BPAR incandescent reflector lamps. (42 U.S.C. 6291(54) to 6291(56), 42 U.S.C. 6295 (i))

Furthermore, section 305 of EISA directs DOE to, not later than 6 years after issuance of any final rule establishing or

amending a standard, publish either a notice of determination that standards do not need to be amended or a notice of

proposed rulemaking including new proposed standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295 (m))

Alternatives: The statute requires the Department to conduct rulemakings to review standards and to revise standards to

achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and

economically justified. In making this determination, the Department conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard

levels, including the existing standard, based on the criteria specified by the statute.

Costs and Benefits: Because DOE has not yet proposed candidate standard levels for this equipment, DOE cannot

provide an estimate of combined aggregate costs and benefits for these actions. DOE will, however, in compliance with all

applicable law, issue standards that provide the maximum energy savings that are technologically feasible and economically

justified. Estimates of energy savings will be provided when DOE issues the notice of proposed rulemaking for this equipment.

Risks:

Timetable:

Action Date FR Cite

Notice: Public Meeting, Framework Document Availibility 05/03/2010 75 FR 23191 

Comment Period End 06/17/2010 

NPRM 12/00/2011 

Final Action 01/00/2012 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Business Government Levels

Affected: Undetermined

Federalism: Undetermined

RIN Information

URL: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/incandescent_lamps.html

Public Comment

URL: www.regulations.gov

Related RINs: Related to 1904-AA92

Agency Contact: Lucy Debutts 

Office of Buildings Technologies Program, EE-2J

Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

1000 Independence Avenue SW.

Washington , DC 20585 

Phone: 202 287-1604 

E-Mail: lucy.debutts@ee.doe.gov

Department of Energy (DOE) 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ( EE ) RIN: 1904-AB50

 View Related Documents

Title: Energy Efficiency Standards for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts

Abstract: DOE is reviewing and updating energy efficiency standards, as required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act,

to reflect technological advances. All amended energy efficiency standards must be technologically feasible and economically

justified. This is the second review of the statutory standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts.

Priority: Economically Significant Agenda Stage of

Rulemaking: Final Rule

Major: Yes Unfunded Mandates:

Private Sector

CFR Citation: 10 CFR 430 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations ) 

Legal Authority: 42 USC 6295(g)

Legal Deadline: 

Action Source Description Date

Other Judicial 10/28/2011 

Regulatory Plan:

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Regulations.gov Friday, January 20, 2012 The Regulatory Plan
Statement of Need: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act requires minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances,

which has the effect of eliminating inefficient appliances and equipment from the market.

Legal Basis: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6291 to 6309) established an energy

conservation program for major household appliances. Amendments to EPCA in the National Appliance Energy Conservation

Amendments of 1988 (NAECA 1988) established energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. These

amendments also required that DOE (1) conduct two rulemaking cycles to determine whether these standards should be

amended, and (2) for each rulemaking cycle, determine whether the standards in effect for fluorescent lamp ballasts should be

amended to apply to additional fluorescent lamp ballasts. (42 U.S.C. 6295(g)(7)(A) and (B)). On September 19, 2000, DOE

published a final rule in the Federal Register, which completed the first rulemaking cycle to amend energy conservation

standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. 65 FR 56740. This rulemaking encompasses DOE's second cycle of review to determine

whether the standards in effect for fluorescent lamp ballasts should be amended and whether the standards should be applicable

to additional fluorescent lamp ballasts.

Alternatives: The statute requires DOE to conduct rulemakings to review standards and to revise standards to achieve the

maximum improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. In

making this determination, DOE conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard levels, including the existing standard,

based on the criteria specified by the statute.

Costs and Benefits: DOE believes that the benefits to the Nation from energy standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts

(energy savings, consumer average lifecycle cost (LCC) savings, national net present value (NPV) increase, and emission

reductions) outweigh the burdens (loss of NPV and LCC increases of some small electric motor users). DOE estimates that

energy savings from electricity will be between 3.7 and 6.3 quads over 30 years and the benefits to the Nation will be between

$8.1 and $24.7 billion.

Risks:

Timetable:

Action Date FR Cite

Notice: Public Meeting, Framework Document Availability 01/22/2008 73 FR 3653 

Notice: Public Meetings, Data Availability 03/24/2010 75 FR 14319 

NPRM 04/11/2011 76 FR 20090 

NPRM Comment Period End 06/11/2011 

Notice of Data Availability (NODA); Request for Comments 08/24/2011 76 FR 52892 

NODA Comment Period End 09/14/2011 

Final Action 12/00/2011 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Business Government Levels

Affected: Local; State

Federalism: Yes

Energy Affected: No

RIN Information

URL: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/fluorescent_lamp_ballasts.html

Public Comment

URL: www.regulations.gov

Related RINs: Related to 1904-AB77; Related to 1904-AA99

Agency Contact: Tina Kaarsberg 

Office of Building Technologies Program, EE-2J

Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

1000 Independence Avenue SW.

Washington , DC 20585 

Phone: 202 287-1393 

E-Mail: tina.kaarsberg@ee.doe.gov

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Regulations.gov Friday, January 20, 2012 The Regulatory Plan