PETER W ELCH AT· lARGE , V ERMON T CHI EF DEPUTY WHI P HOUS E DEMOCRATI C STEERING & POLICY COMM I TIEE COMMITIE E ON ENE RGY AND COMME R

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# mm 20515- 4500 COMMITIE EON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM
The Honorable Ernest Moniz Department of Energy 1000 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20585 Dear Secretary Moniz: July 7, 2015 2303 flAVOURN HOUSE O FFICE BUILDING Wi\SlllNGTOll, DC 205 1 5-4500 202-225- 4 1 15

OI STRICT: 128 LAK[SIDE A VENUE SUITE 235 0UR LI NG TO N, VT 0540 1 180 2) 652-2450 (888) 605- 727 0

I write today regarding a recent proposed rule to increase the efficiency ofgas and propane hearth products. While I continue to support efforts to increase the efficiency of our nation's appliances, I ask that you consider the impact these new standards could have on small businesses and manufacturers as the agency develops a final rule. The standard, first proposed in January 2015, would apply to all vented or ventless hearth products, including space heating hearth products, decorative products, gas Jogs, gas stoves, and outdoor hearth products. Among its provisions, the proposal would require manufacturers to eliminate the continuously burning pilot light present in many products. These standards have the potential to save consumers money, reduce the impact on the environment and spur i1movation, but it is critical that the agency carefully consider the impact these rules may have on small businesses and manufacturers

. Recently, I've heard from several small businesses in Vermont about the regulatory challenges they are managing in the face ofa rapid accumulation ofnew federal regulatory requirements from a number ofdifferent agencies. Companies like Hearthstone Stoves located in Morrisville, VT and Vermont Castings in Bethel, VT have been manufacturing quality, efficient products for years and are economic drivers in the region. These small businesses are committed to producing clean, efficient products, but are concerned that the Department's new proposed rule, in combination with other federal rule s, arc resulting in significantly increased costs in areas such as product design and compliance testing. These additional costs can impact the encl consumer, and subsequently the adoption rate of the new technologies the Department is seeking to advance the use of. 

### Ifnew equipment is seen by consumers as being cost prohibitive, it may disincentivize the adoption of more efficient equipment. Such an outcome would undermine the ability ofthe Department to meet it s policy goals as well as the ability ofconsumers to reap the benefits ofhigh- efficiency heating equipment.

PAIN TED Oii RECYCLED PAPERNew regulations must achieve a balance. As you develop a final rule for hearth products, I urge you to carefully consider these concerns and ensure the final efficiency standard appropriately balances energy policy goals with practical cost impacts. Additionally, I ask that you work with small businesses like Hearthstone and Vermont Castings to provide the resources and teclmical assistance**th~y** need to meet any new efficiency standards that are developed. Thank for your attention to this important matter. .

PETER WELCH Member of Congress