[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 250 (Monday, December 31, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76972-76976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31393]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-DET-0033]
RIN 1904-AC83
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products and Certain
Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Proposed Determination of
Commercial and Industrial Compressors as Covered Equipment
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Proposed determination of coverage.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to determine that
commercial and industrial compressors meet the criteria for covered
equipment under Part A-1 of Title III of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended. DOE proposes that classifying
equipment of such type as covered equipment is necessary to carry out
the purpose of Part A-1 of EPCA, which is to improve the efficiency of
electric motors and pumps and certain other industrial equipment to
conserve the energy resources of the nation.
DATES: DOE will accept written comments, data, and information on this
notice, but no later than January 30, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons may submit comments, identified by docket
number EERE-2012-BT-DET-0033 or RIN 1904-AC83, by any of the following
methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Email: [email protected].
Include EERE-2012-BT-DET-0033 and/or RIN 1904-AC83 in the subject line
of the message.
Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Notice of Proposed
Determination for Compressors, EERE-2012-BT-DET-0033 and/or RIN 1904-
AC83, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Phone:
(202) 586-2945. Please submit one signed paper original.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Suite 600, 950 L'Enfant Plaza
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 586-2945. Please submit one
signed paper original.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name
and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking.
Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov,
including Federal Register notices, comments, and other supporting
documents/materials. All documents in the docket are listed in the
http://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.
A link to the docket web page can be found at: www.regulations.gov
docket no. EERE-2012-BT-DET-0033. This web page contains a link to the
docket for this notice on the www.regulations.gov site. The
regulations.gov web page contains instructions on how to access all
[[Page 76973]]
documents, including public comments, in the docket. See section VII
for further information on how to submit comments through
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Raba, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20585-0121, Telephone: (202) 586-8654. Email: [email protected].
In the Office of General Counsel, contact Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S.
Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC-71, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 586-
7796. Email: [email protected].
Table of Contents
I. Statutory Authority
II. Current Rulemaking Process
III. Definition(s)
IV. Evaluation of Compressors as a Covered Equipment
A. Energy Consumption in Operation
B. Distribution in Commerce
C. Prior Inclusion as a Covered Product
D. Coverage Necessary To Carry Out Purposes of Part A-1 of the
Energy Policy and Conservation Act
V. 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 of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act of 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act of 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review
VI. Public Participation
A. Submission of Comments
B. Issues on Which the Department of Energy Seeks Comments
I. Statutory Authority
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA),
as amended (42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq.), sets forth various provisions
designed to improve energy efficiency. Part C of Title III of EPCA (42
U.S.C. 6311-6317), which was re-designated for editorial reasons as
Part A-1 upon codification in the U.S. Code, establishes the ``Energy
Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment,'' which covers
certain commercial and industrial equipment (hereafter referred to as
``covered equipment'').
EPCA specifies a list of equipment that constitutes covered
commercial and industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(A)-(L). The
list identifies 11 types of equipment and sets forth a twelfth
provision for any other type of industrial equipment which the
Secretary of Energy (Secretary) classifies as covered equipment. EPCA
also specifies the types of industrial equipment that can be classified
as covered in addition to the equipment enumerated in 42 U.S.C.
6311(1). This equipment includes compressors. (42 U.S.C.
6311(2)(B)(i)). Industrial equipment must also, without regard to
whether such equipment is in fact distributed in commerce for
industrial or commercial use, be of a type that:
(1) In operation consumes, or is designed to consume, energy in
operation;
(2) to any significant extent, is distributed in commerce for
industrial or commercial use; and
(3) is not a covered product as defined in 42 U.S.C. 6291(a)(2) of
EPCA, other than a component of a covered product with respect to which
there is in effect a determination under 42 U.S.C. 6312(c). (42 U.S.C.
6311 (2)(A)).
To classify equipment as covered commercial or industrial
equipment, the Secretary must determine that classifying the equipment
as covered equipment is necessary for the purposes of Part A-1 of EPCA.
The purpose of Part A-1 is to improve the efficiency of electric
motors, pumps and certain other industrial equipment to conserve the
energy resources of the nation. (42 U.S.C. 6312 (a), (b))
II. Current Rulemaking Process
DOE has not previously conducted an energy conservation standard
rulemaking for compressors. If after public comment, DOE issues a final
determination of coverage for this equipment, DOE would consider both
test procedures and energy conservation standards for this equipment.
With respect to test procedures, DOE would consider proposed test
procedures for measuring the energy efficiency, energy use, or
estimated annual operating cost of compressors during a representative
average use cycle or period of use that are not unduly burdensome to
conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)) In a test procedure rulemaking, DOE
initially prepares a test procedure notice of proposed rulemaking
(NOPR) and allows interested parties to present oral and written data,
views, and arguments with respect to such procedures. In prescribing
new test procedures, DOE takes into account relevant information
including technological developments relating to energy use or energy
efficiency of compressors.
With respect to energy conservation standards, DOE typically
prepares initially an energy conservation standards rulemaking
framework document (the framework document). The framework document
explains the issues, analyses, and process that it is considering for
the development of energy conservation standards for compressors. After
DOE receives comments on the framework document, DOE typically prepares
an energy conservation standards rulemaking preliminary analysis and
technical support document (the preliminary analysis). The preliminary
analysis typically provides initial draft analyses of potential energy
conservation standards on consumers, manufacturers, and the nation.
Neither of these steps is legally required.
DOE is required to publish a NOPR setting forth DOE's proposed
energy conservations standards and a summary of the results of DOE's
supporting technical analysis. The details of DOE's analysis are
provided in a technical support document (TSD) that describes the
details of DOE's analysis of both the burdens and benefits of potential
standards, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6295(o). DOE affords interested
persons an opportunity during a period of not less than 60 days after
the publication of the NOPR to provide oral and written comment. (42
U.S.C. 6295(p)(2)) After receiving and considering the comments on the
NOPR and not less than 90 days after the publication of the NOPR, DOE
would issue the final rule prescribing any new energy conservation
standards for compressors. (42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(3))
III. Definition(s)
DOE is considering a definition for ``Commercial and Industrial
Compressors'' to clarify coverage of any potential test procedure or
energy conservation standard that may arise from today's proposed
determination. There is currently no statutory definition of
compressors, and DOE is considering the following definition of
compressors to provide clarity for interested parties as it continues
its analyses:
Compressor: A compressor is an electric-powered device that takes
in air or gas at atmospheric pressure and delivers the air or gas at a
higher
[[Page 76974]]
pressure.\1\ Compressors typically have a specific ratio, the ratio of
delivery pressure to supply pressure, greater than 1.20. Compressors
are classified as positive-displacement, dynamic, or hybrid. A
positive-displacement compressor increases the pressure of the intake
air pressure through a compression container. A dynamic compressor
increases pressure of the air it intakes by continuously imparting
velocity energy into the air flow, which is then converted into
pressure energy. A hybrid compressor is some combination of positive-
displacement and dynamic compressors.
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\1\ Compressors are mostly driven by electric motors but may
also be driven by diesel or natural gas, and steam or combustion
engines. At present, DOE envisions including compressors driven only
by electric motors as covered equipment.
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A compressor may have some or all of the following components:
piston, roller, rotor(s), impeller wheel, spiral disks, cylinder(s),
lubricant, motor and transmission, controls, treatment equipment (after
cooler and lubricant cooler), filter(s), and/or a lubricant/air
separator.
DOE seeks feedback from interested parties on this definition for
compressors.
IV. Evaluation of Compressors as a Covered Equipment
The following sections describe DOE's evaluation of whether
compressors fulfill the criteria for being added as covered equipment
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6311(2) and 42 U.S.C. 6312.
Compressors are listed as a type of industrial equipment at 42
U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(i). The following discussion addresses DOE's
consideration of the three requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(A) and 42
U.S.C. 6312.
A. Energy Consumption in Operation
Data from the 2002 United States Industrial Electric Motor Systems
Market Opportunities Assessment estimate total annual industrial
compressor energy use (from Manufacturing SIC codes 20-39) at 91,050
million kWh per year.\2\ Since industrial activity in 2012 is greater
than it was in 2002, it is likely that current annual compressor energy
use is higher than this figure.
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\2\ U.S. DOE Office of Industrial Technologies. United States
Industrial Electric Motor Systems Market Opportunities Assessment.
December 2002.
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B. Distribution in Commerce
Compressors are distributed in commerce for both the industrial and
commercial sectors. Based on the 2011 International Energy Agency (IEA)
Survey, DOE estimated that 1.3 million motors are shipped annually to
drive compressors in the U.S. commercial and industrial sectors.\3\
Based on additional 2004 U.S. Census data,\4\ DOE assumes that only a
small fraction of these motors are used as a motor only replacement in
compressor systems. Therefore, DOE estimates that there are nearly 1.3
million compressors distributed in commerce annually for industrial or
commercial use.
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\3\ International Energy Agency. Energy-Efficiency Policy
Opportunities for Electric Motor-Driven Systems. Paris, 2011.
\4\ U.S. Census Bureau, MA335H(03)-1, issued Nov 2004.
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C. Prior Inclusion as a Covered Product
Compressors are not currently included as covered products under
Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 430 (10 CFR part
430).
D. Coverage Necessary To Carry Out Purposes of Part A-1 of the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act
The purpose of part A-1 of EPCA is to improve the energy efficiency
of electric motors, pumps and certain other industrial equipment to
conserve the energy resources of the nation. Coverage of compressors is
necessary to carry out the purposes of part A-1 of EPCA because
coverage will promote the conservation of energy supplies. Efficiency
standards that may result from coverage would help to capture some
portion of the potential for improving the efficiency of compressors.
Based on the information in section IV of this notice, DOE proposes
to determine that commercial and industrial compressors qualify as
covered equipment under part A-1 of Title III of EPCA, as amended (42
U.S.C. 6311 et seq.).
V. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
DOE has reviewed its proposed determination of compressors under
the following executive orders and acts.
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that coverage
determination rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
proposed action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB).
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996),
requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for
any rule that, by law, must be proposed for public comment, unless the
agency certifies that the proposed rule, if promulgated, will not have
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis examines the impact of the
rule on small entities and considers alternative ways of reducing
negative effects. Also, as required by E.O. 13272, ``Proper
Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking'' 67 FR 53461
(August 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on February
19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impact of its rules on small
entities are properly considered during the DOE rulemaking process. 68
FR 7990 (February 19, 2003). DOE makes its procedures and policies
available on the Office of the General Counsel's Web site at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
DOE reviewed today's proposed determination under the provisions of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the policies and procedures
published on February 19, 2003. If adopted, today's proposed
determination would set no standards and would only positively
determine that future standards may be warranted and should be explored
in an energy conservation standards rulemaking. The proposed
determination also does not establish any test procedures. If a
positive determination is made, DOE would consider test procedures in a
subsequent rulemaking. Economic impacts on small entities would be
considered in the context of such rulemakings. On the basis of the
foregoing, DOE certifies that the proposed determination, if adopted,
would have no significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a regulatory
flexibility analysis for this proposed determination. 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 of 1995
This proposed determination, which proposes to determine that
compressors meet the criteria for classification as covered equipment,
will impose no new information or recordkeeping
[[Page 76975]]
requirements. Accordingly, the Office of Management and Budget (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
In this notice, DOE proposes to positively determine that
compressors meet the criteria for classification as covered equipment.
Environmental impacts would be explored in any future energy
conservation standards rulemaking for compressors. DOE has determined
that review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA),
Public Law 91-190, codified at 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. is not required
at this time. NEPA review can only be initiated ``as soon as
environmental impacts can be meaningfully evaluated'' (10 CFR
1021.213(b)). This proposed determination would only determine that
compressors meet the criteria for classification as covered equipment,
but would not itself propose to set any specific standard. DOE has,
therefore, determined that there are no environmental impacts to be
evaluated at this time. Accordingly, neither an environmental
assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order (E.O.) 13132, ``Federalism'' 64 FR 43255 (August
10, 1999), imposes certain requirements on 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 assess carefully 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 developing
regulatory policies that have Federalism implications. On March 14,
2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the
intergovernmental consultation process that it will follow in
developing such regulations. 65 FR 13735 (March 14, 2000). DOE has
examined today's proposed determination and concludes that it would not
preempt State law or have substantial direct effects on the States, on
the relationship between the Federal government and the States, or on
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels
of government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State
regulations as to energy conservation for the equipment that is the
subject of today's proposed determination. States can petition DOE for
exemption from such preemption to the extent permitted, and based on
criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297) 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'' 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996), imposes on Federal
agencies the duty to: (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. Section 3(b) of E.O. 12988
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable
effort to ensure that the regulation specifies the following: (1) The
preemptive effect, if any; (2) any effect on existing Federal law or
regulation; (3) a clear legal standard for affected conduct while
promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) the retroactive
effect, if any; (5) definitions of key terms; and (6) 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 sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine whether these
standards are met, or whether it is unreasonable to meet one or more of
them. DOE completed the required review and determined that, to the
extent permitted by law, this proposed determination meets the relevant
standards of E.O. 12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Pub.
L. 104-4, codified at 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) requires each Federal
agency to assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State,
local, and tribal governments and the private sector. For regulatory
actions likely to result in a rule that may cause expenditures by
State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the
private sector of $100 million or more in any 1 year (adjusted annually
for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a Federal agency to
publish a written statement that estimates the resulting costs,
benefits, and other effects on the national economy. (2 U.S.C. 1532(a)
and (b)) UMRA requires a Federal agency to develop an effective process
to permit timely input by elected officers of State, local, and tribal
governments on a proposed ``significant intergovernmental mandate.''
UMRA also requires an agency plan for giving notice and opportunity for
timely input to small governments that may be potentially affected
before establishing any requirement 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 (March 18, 1997). (This policy also is available at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel). DOE reviewed today's proposed
determination pursuant to these existing authorities and its policy
statement and determined that the proposed determination contains
neither an intergovernmental mandate nor a mandate that may result in
the expenditure of $100 million or more in any year, so the UMRA
requirements do not apply.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act
of 1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act of 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 determination would not have any impact on
the autonomy or integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly,
DOE has concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family
Policymaking Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
Pursuant to E.O. 12630, ``Governmental Actions and Interference
with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 15,
1988), DOE determined that this proposed determination would not result
in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act
of 2001
The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act of 2001 (44
U.S.C. 3516, note) requires agencies to review most disseminations of
information they make to the public under guidelines established by
each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB's guidelines
[[Page 76976]]
were published at 67 FR 8452 (February 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines
were published at 67 FR 62446 (October 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed
today's proposed determination under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those
guidelines.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
E.O. 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly
Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 (May 22,
2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB a
Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy action.
A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency
that promulgates a final rule or is expected to lead to promulgation of
a final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under
E.O. 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to have a
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of
energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) as a significant energy
action. For any proposed significant energy action, the agency must
give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on energy supply,
distribution, or use if the proposal is implemented, and of reasonable
alternatives to the proposed action and their expected benefits on
energy supply, distribution, and use.
DOE has concluded that today's regulatory action proposing to
determine that compressors meet the criteria for classification as
covered equipment would not have a significant adverse effect on the
supply, distribution, or use of energy. This action is also not a
significant regulatory action for purposes of E.O. 12866, and the OIRA
Administrator has not designated this proposed determination as a
significant energy action under E.O. 12866 or any successor order.
Therefore, this proposed determination is not a significant energy
action. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects
for this proposed determination.
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 (January
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. DOE has determined that the
analyses conducted for this rulemaking do not constitute ``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 2667 (January 14, 2005). The analyses were
subject to pre-dissemination review prior to issuance of this
rulemaking.
DOE will determine the appropriate level of review that would be
applicable to any future rulemaking to establish energy conservation
standards for compressors.
VI. Public Participation
A. Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
notice of proposed determination no later than the date provided at the
beginning of this notice. After the close of the comment period, DOE
will review the comments received and determine whether compressors are
covered equipment under EPCA.
Comments, data, and information submitted to DOE's email address
for this proposed determination should be provided in WordPerfect,
Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format. Submissions should
avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption, and
wherever possible comments should include the electronic signature of
the author. No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted.
According to 10 CFR Part 1004.11, any person submitting information
that he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from
public disclosure should submit two copies: One copy of the document
should have all the information believed to be confidential deleted.
DOE will make its own determination as to the confidential status of
the information and treat it according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include (1) a description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known or available from public sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligations concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting persons which would result from
public disclosure; (6) a date after which such information might no
longer be considered confidential; and (7) why disclosure of the
information would be contrary to the public interest.
B. Issues on Which the Department of Energy Seeks Comments
DOE welcomes comments on all aspects of this proposed
determination. DOE is particularly interested in receiving comments
from interested parties on the following issues related to the proposed
determination for compressors:
Definition of compressors;
Whether classifying compressors as covered equipment is
necessary to carry out the purposes of Part A-1 of EPCA;
Availability or lack of availability of technologies for
improving the energy efficiency of compressors.
DOE invites all interested parties to submit, in writing and by
January 30, 2013, comments and information on matters addressed in this
notice and on other matters relevant to a determination for
compressors. DOE is also interested in receiving views concerning other
issues relevant to establishing a test procedure and energy
conservation standard for compressors.
After the expiration of the period for submitting written
statements, DOE will consider all comments and additional information
that is obtained from interested parties or through further analyses,
and it will prepare a final determination. If DOE determines that
compressors qualify as covered equipment, DOE will consider a test
procedure and energy conservation standards for compressors. Members of
the public will be given an opportunity to submit written and oral
comments on any proposed test procedure and standards.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 431
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Issued in Washington, DC, on December 21, 2012.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2012-31393 Filed 12-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P