[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 23, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49437-49441]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13945]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

[Case No. CD-002]


Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of 
the Petition for Waiver and Denial of the Application for Interim 
Waiver of LG Electronics From the Department of Energy Clothes Dryer 
Test Procedures

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Notice of Petition for Waiver, Denial of Application for 
Interim Waiver, and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: Today's notice publishes a Petition for Waiver from LG 
Electronics Inc. (LG). This Petition (hereafter ``LG Petition'') 
requests a waiver from the Department of Energy (hereafter 
``Department'' or ``DOE'') test procedures for residential clothes 
dryers. In addition, today's notice denies LG an Interim Waiver from 
the DOE test procedures applicable to residential clothes dryers. 
Today's notice also includes an alternate test procedure the Department 
may include in the Decision and Order, should the Department grant LG a 
waiver. The Department is soliciting comments, data, and information 
with respect to the LG Petition, LG's Application for Interim Waiver, 
and the proposed alternate test procedure.

DATES: The Department will accept comments, data, and information 
regarding this Petition for Waiver until, but no later than September 
22, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Please submit comments, identified by case number CD-002, by 
any of the following methods:
     Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Forrestal Building, 1000 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 
586-2945. Please submit one signed original paper copy.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Room 1J-018, 
Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20585.
     E-mail: [email protected]. Include either the 
case number CD-002, and/or ``LG Petition'' in the subject line of the 
message.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and case number for this proceeding. Submit electronic comments in 
WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format and avoid 
the use of special characters or any form of encryption. Wherever 
possible, include the electronic signature of the author. Absent an 
electronic signature, comments submitted electronically must be 
followed and authenticated by submitting the signed original paper 
document. The Department does not accept telefacsimiles (faxes). Any 
person submitting written comments must also send a copy of such 
comments to the petitioner. (10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iv)) The contact 
information for the petitioner of today's notice is: Mr. John I. 
Taylor, Vice President, Government Relations, LG Electronics USA, Inc., 
1750 K St., NW., Washington, DC 20006.
    According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that 
he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public 
disclosure should submit two copies: one copy of the document including 
all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the 
document with the information believed to be confidential deleted. The 
Department will make its own determination about the confidential 
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read the background documents 
relevant to this matter, go to the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal 
Building, Room 1J-018 (Resource Room of the Building Technologies 
Program), 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, 
(202) 586-2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. Available Documents include the following 
items: this notice, public comments received, the LG Petition and 
Application for Interim Waiver, and prior Department rulemakings 
regarding residential clothes dryers. Please call Ms. Brenda Edwards-
Jones at the above telephone number for additional information 
regarding visiting the Resource Room. Please note: The Department's 
Freedom of Information Reading Room (formerly Room 1E-190 at the 
Forrestal Building) is no longer housing rulemaking materials.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Michael G. Raymond, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 
Building Technologies Program, Mail Stop EE-2J, Forrestal Building, 
1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-

[[Page 49438]]

0121, (202) 586-9611; e-mail: Michael.Raymond.ee.doe.gov; or Francine 
Pinto, Esq., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General Counsel, Mail 
Stop GC-72, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-9507; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Authority
II. Petition for Waiver
III. Application for Interim Waiver
IV. Alternate Test Procedure
V. Summary and Request for Comments

I. Background and Authority

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) sets 
forth a variety of provisions concerning energy efficiency. Part B of 
Title III (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) provides for the ``Energy Conservation 
Program for Consumer Products other than Automobiles.'' Part B 
specifically provides for definitions, test procedures, labeling 
provisions, energy conservation standards, and the authority to require 
information and reports from manufacturers. With respect to test 
procedures, it generally authorizes the Secretary of Energy to 
prescribe test procedures that are reasonably designed to produce 
results which reflect energy efficiency, energy use and estimated 
operating costs, and that are not unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) EPCA provides that the Secretary of Energy may amend 
test procedures for consumer products if the Secretary determines that 
amended test procedures would more accurately reflect energy 
efficiency, energy use and estimated operating costs, and would not be 
unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b))
    Today's notice involves residential products covered under Part B. 
The LG Petition requests a waiver from the residential test procedures 
for LG's DLEC733W model of condenser clothes dryer. The test procedures 
for clothes dryers appear at 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix D.
    The Department's regulations contain provisions allowing a person 
to seek a waiver from the test procedure requirements for covered 
consumer products (10 CFR 430.27). The waiver provisions allow the 
Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 
(hereafter ``Assistant Secretary'') to temporarily waive test 
procedures for a particular basic model when a petitioner shows that 
the basic model contains one or more design characteristics that 
prevent testing according to the prescribed test procedures, or when 
the prescribed test procedures may evaluate the basic model in a manner 
so unrepresentative of its true energy consumption as to provide 
materially inaccurate comparative data. (10 CFR 430.27(a)(1)) The 
Assistant Secretary may grant the waiver subject to conditions, 
including adherence to alternate test procedures. Petitioners are to 
include in their petition any alternate test procedures known to 
evaluate the basic model in a manner representative of its energy 
consumption. (10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iii)) Waivers generally remain in 
effect until final test procedure amendments become effective, thereby 
resolving the problem that is the subject of the waiver.
    The waiver process also allows the Assistant Secretary to grant an 
Interim Waiver from test procedure requirements to manufacturers that 
have petitioned the Department for a waiver of such prescribed test 
procedures. (10 CFR 430.27(a)(2)) An Interim Waiver remains in effect 
for a period of 180 days or until the Department issues its 
determination on the Petition for Waiver, whichever is sooner, and may 
be extended for an additionally 180 days, if necessary. (10 CFR 
430.27(h))

II. Petition for Waiver

    On November 14, 2005, LG filed a Petition for Waiver and an 
Application for Interim Waiver from the test procedures applicable to 
its residential clothes dryers. LG seeks a waiver from the applicable 
test procedures for its DLEC733W basic product model because, LG 
asserts, design characteristics prevent testing according to the 
currently prescribed test procedures. In 1995, the Department granted 
Miele Appliance, Inc. (Miele), a waiver from test procedures for a 
different model of condenser clothes dryer. (60 FR 9330, February 17, 
1995) LG claims that its condenser clothes dryers cannot be tested 
pursuant to the existing test procedures and requests that the same 
waiver granted to Miele for its T1565CA and T15701C models in 1995 be 
granted for LG's DLEC733W model.
    In particular, LG claims that the current clothes dryer test 
procedures apply only to vented clothes dryers because the test 
procedures require the use of an exhaust restrictor to simulate the 
backpressure effects of a vent tube in an installed condition. LG's 
condenser dryers do not have exhaust vents as they do not exhaust air 
as conventional, vented dryers. Furthermore, LG states that DOE's test 
procedures for clothes dryers provide no definition or mention of 
condenser clothes dryers.
    In addition, LG asserts that the condenser clothes dryer inherently 
consumes more energy to dry a load of clothes than a conventional, 
vented dryer. However, LG claims, condenser dryers offer additional 
utility to consumers over conventional dryers. LG also claims that the 
condensing dryer could save substantially more household energy than a 
conventional dryer if the effects on space heating and cooling 
requirements are considered.
    The LG Petition requests that DOE grant a waiver from existing test 
procedures until DOE prescribes final test procedures and minimum 
energy conservation standards that are, according to LG, ``appropriate 
to LG's condenser clothes dryers.'' (LG Petition for Waiver, page 4) LG 
did not include an alternate test procedure in its petition, and noted 
that it is not aware of any alternative test procedure that could 
appropriately evaluate its products.

III. Application for Interim Waiver

    The LG Petition also requests an Interim Waiver for immediate 
relief. An Interim Waiver may be granted if it is determined that the 
applicant will experience economic hardship if the Application for 
Interim Waiver is denied, if it appears likely that the Petition for 
Waiver will be granted, and/or the Assistant Secretary determines that 
it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate 
relief pending a determination of the Petition for Waiver. (10 CFR 
430.27(g))
    LG's Application for Interim Waiver does not provide sufficient 
information to permit DOE to evaluate the economic hardship LG claims 
it will experience absent a favorable determination on its Application 
for Interim Waiver. LG's discussion of anticipated economic hardship is 
entirely qualitative: ``significant investment,'' ``significant losses 
in goodwill and brand acceptance.''
    Furthermore, public policy would not tend to favor granting LG an 
Interim Waiver, pending determination of the Petition for Waiver. DOE 
believes that where it grants a waiver from applicable test procedures, 
an alternate test procedure should be in place, where possible, because 
testing is necessary to verify compliance with the applicable energy 
standards. Maintaining proper compliance ensures the public that 
marketed products meet published energy standards. However, in this 
case, it appears to DOE that industry has made no effort to develop an 
alternate test procedure, even though it is

[[Page 49439]]

possible to develop one. LG did not propose an alternate test procedure 
in its Petition. To help provide a means to evaluate compliance of 
condenser dryers, DOE has developed an alternate test procedure on 
which it is seeking comment in this notice. However, because DOE is 
still seeking such comment, DOE is not yet prepared to require LG to 
follow this alternate test procedure and grant this interim waiver.
    Furthermore, pending public comment, it is not clear to DOE what, 
if any, type of waiver it would grant LG in the Decision and Order. In 
1995, DOE granted Miele Appliances, Inc. a waiver from test procedures 
because it determined that the clothes dryer test procedure was not 
applicable to Miele condenser clothes dryers. (60 FR 9330, February 17, 
1995) In addition, DOE provided that Miele's condenser dryers would not 
have to meet the applicable energy efficiency standards because their 
added utility justified their higher energy consumption compared to 
traditional clothes dryers, and because the test procedures were not 
applicable. Though DOE determined in 1995 that Miele's condenser dryers 
should not be subject to the energy standards, it is not evident that 
the same conditions exist today to warrant a similar waiver for LG's 
products.
    In particular, it appears that the clothes dryer market has 
developed since 1995 and that it may be possible to manufacture 
condenser clothes dryers that are as, or more, efficient than 
traditional vented clothes dryers. Advanced Engineering from Germany 
(AEG), for example, currently makes a highly efficient heat pump 
condenser dryer which it offers in Europe. Waiving the applicable 
clothes dryer energy standard for LG might permit LG to manufacture and 
sell clothes dryers that are less efficient than existing standards, 
though the technology to meet or exceed these efficiencies may be 
available. However, because the potential of current condenser clothes 
dryer technology is not fully known and it is not clear whether 
condenser clothes dryers may meet current minimum energy standards, 
more information is needed to assess what, if any, sort of waiver is 
appropriate. Furthermore, more information about the LG condensing 
dryer is needed for DOE to assess the impact of the alternate test 
procedure that is proposed and published in this notice.
    In sum, because: (a) It is not clear that DOE would ultimately 
exempt LG's products from the applicable energy standards as it did in 
the case of Miele; (b) it is desirable for public policy reasons to 
develop an alternate test procedure, where possible, when energy 
standards are in effect; and (c) the proposed alternate test procedure 
is still undergoing evaluation, DOE is denying LG's Application for an 
Interim Waiver. This denial of Interim Waiver is based upon the 
presumed validity of statements submitted by stakeholders. This denial 
of Interim Waiver may be modified at any time upon a determination that 
the factual basis underlying the application is incorrect.

IV. Alternate Test Procedure

    The Department will make a judgment on the LG Petition after the 
period for public comment. However, should DOE grant LG a waiver for 
its DLEC733W condenser clothes dryer model, DOE would likely prescribe 
an alternate test procedure. Manufacturers face restrictions with 
respect to making representations about the energy consumption and 
energy consumption costs of products covered by EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(c)) Consistent representations are important for manufacturers who 
make claims about the energy efficiency of their products. For example, 
they are necessary to determine compliance with Federal, state or local 
energy codes and regulatory requirements, and can provide valuable 
consumer purchasing information.
    Therefore, DOE is considering issuing an alternate test procedure 
for LG in the upcoming Decision and Order. The Department is publishing 
the proposed alternate test procedure in this notice, though it has not 
yet made a determination on the petition, to account for the potential 
need for an alternate test procedure and to allow the public to comment 
on a proposed alternate test procedure. LG did not include an alternate 
test procedure in its petition. However, LG noted that it knows of no 
other test procedure that would rate its condenser dryer products. DOE 
is considering including in the Decision and Order an alternate test 
procedure that is based on existing test procedures for clothes dryers, 
but removes the requirement to use an exhaust restrictor.
    The Department proposes the following language: 10 CFR Parts 430 
Subpart B, Appendix D--``Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy 
Consumption of Clothes Dryers,'' as amended:
    (A) Section 1 is amended by adding the two following definitions at 
the end of the section:
    1.14 ``Conventional clothes dryer'' means a clothes dryer that 
exhausts the evaporated moisture from the cabinet.
    1.15 ``Condensing clothes dryer'' means a clothes dryer that uses a 
closed loop system with an internal condenser to remove the evaporated 
moisture from the heated air. The moist air is not discharged from the 
cabinet.
    (B) Section 2.1 is amended by striking the second and third 
sentences, ``The dryer exhaust shall be restricted by adding the AHAM 
exhaust simulator described in 3.3.5 of HLD-1'' and ``All external 
joints should be taped to avoid air leakage,'' and by adding the 
following sentences at the end of the paragraph: ``For conventional 
clothes dryers, the dryer exhaust shall be restricted by adding the 
AHAM exhaust simulator described in 3.3.5 of HLD-1. All external joints 
should be taped to avoid air leakage.''

V. Summary and Request for Comments

    Today's notice announces LG's Petition for Waiver and denies LG an 
Interim Waiver from the test procedures applicable to LG's DLEC733W 
model condensing clothes dryers. The Department is publishing the LG 
Petition for Waiver in its entirety. The Petition contains no 
confidential information. Furthermore, today's notice includes an 
alternate test procedure that the Department is considering for testing 
of condensing clothes dryers. In this alternate test procedure, the 
Department proposes eliminating the requirement to use an exhaust 
restrictor for condenser clothes dryers.
    The Department is interested in receiving comments on all aspects 
of this notice. The Department is particularly interested in receiving 
comments and views of interested parties concerning whether to grant 
the LG Petition and regarding the proposed alternate test procedure. 
Specifically, the Department would like to receive comment on the 
following questions:
     The LG Petition states that the condensing clothes dryer 
inherently uses more energy to dry a load of clothes than a 
conventional dryer. However, it appears that full-size condenser dryers 
may be able to meet existing minimum energy standards. The Department 
is interested in comment on what, if any, technologies could allow 
condenser clothes dryers to meet existing minimum energy standards. 
Furthermore, the Department is interested in comments on whether any 
condenser clothes dryers available in the U.S. or other consumer 
markets currently meet the U.S. minimum energy standard.
     If other condenser clothes dryers are able to meet the 
existing minimum energy standards, is it appropriate for

[[Page 49440]]

DOE to require LG to meet existing energy standards despite their 
potential added utility? What is appropriate for DOE to require of LG 
should no other condenser dryers meet current energy standards?
     Is it appropriate for LG to use the proposed alternate 
test procedure for ratings, representations and compliance with energy 
codes and regulatory requirements?
     Are the alternate test procedure's additional definitions 
for conventional and condenser clothes dryers robust, and do they fully 
apply to LG's condensing clothes dryers?
     Current test procedures for clothes dryers require that 
the ambient temperature for testing conditions be maintained within a 
range of 3F, and that the humidity be maintained within a range of 10 
percent relative humidity. Is it reasonable to require similar ranges 
for the testing of condensing clothes dryers?
    In addition, the Department is interested in receiving general 
comments on possible modifications to any test procedures or 
alternative rating methods which the Department could use to fairly 
represent the energy efficiency LG's condensing clothes dryer products.
    Any person submitting written comments must also send a copy of 
such comments to the petitioner, whose contact information is cited 
above. (10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iv))

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 11, 2006.
Alexander A. Karsner,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
November 14, 2005.

Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy,
United States Department of Energy,
Forrestal Building,
1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585.

Re: Petition for Waiver and Application for Interim Waiver, LG 
Electronics Condensing Clothes Dryers

Dear Assistant Secretary:

    LG Electronics, Inc (LG) hereby submits this Petition for Waiver 
and Application for Interim Waiver, pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27, for its 
condenser clothes dryers. A waiver was granted to Miele Appliance, Inc 
for the same type of product. 60 FR 9330 (Feb. 17, 1995).
    LG is a manufacturer of digital appliances, as well as mobile 
communications, digital displays, and digital media products. Its 
appliances include washing machines, clothes dryers, refrigerator-
freezers, air-conditioners, air cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, 
dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners and are sold worldwide, including in 
the United States. LG's U.S. operations are LG Electronics USA, Inc, 
with headquarters at 1000 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 
(tel. 202-816-2000). Its worldwide headquarters are located at LG Twin 
Towers 20, Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo-gu Seoul, Korea 150-721 (tel. 011-
82-2-3777-1114) URL: http.www.LGE.com. LG's principal brands include 
LG[supreg], and OEM brands including GE[supreg] and Kenmore[supreg]. 
LG's appliances are produced in Korea and Mexico.
    LG plans to market highly efficient, advanced-design condenser 
(non-vented) clothes dryers. (The current LG model number of these 
products is DLEC733W.) This product does not vent exhaust air to the 
outside as a conventional dryer does, but rather uses ambient air to 
cool the hot, humid inside the appliance thereby condensing out the 
moisture. Thus, there is no exhaust air, only a wastewater stream that 
can be drained into a water container. This type of product is suited 
for installation conditions where exhaust venting is not practical or 
is cost prohibitive. It thus benefits those dwellers of high-rise 
apartments and others who in many cases have no way to vent to the 
outside or at least not without considerable remodeling/construction 
expense. The advantageous no-exhaust design characteristic produces a 
more complex drying process than the regular vented dryer.
    Condenser clothes dryers offer additional utility to the consumer 
that affects energy consumption, and the characteristics of the product 
are not reflected by the test procedure. The condenser clothes dryer 
does not have an outside vent exhaust, and extracting the moisture from 
the warm moist air in the drum requires more energy to dry clothes than 
simply exhausting the warm moist air to the outdoors.\1\
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    \1\ However, while the condensing dryer inherently uses more 
energy to dry a load of clothes than a conventional dryer, the 
condensing dryer could save substantially more household energy than 
a conventional dryer if the effects on space heating and cooling 
requirements are considered. The air lost from dryer exhaust vent 
can impose a significant load on the space-conditioning unit as cool 
or hot outdoor air is drawn inside the room or home to replace the 
exhausted air.
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    DOE's existing test procedure for clothes dryers requires the use 
of an exhaust restrictor to simulate the backpressure effects of a vent 
tube in an installed condition. And the test procedure does not provide 
any definition or mention of condenser clothes dryers. Since LG's 
condenser clothes dryers do not have an exhaust vent and the DOE test 
procedure does not provide any definition or mention of condenser 
clothes dryers, the products cannot be tested in accordance with the 
test procedure. Thus, the test procedure does not apply to them. 
Consequently, the DOE energy conservation standard for clothes dryers 
does not apply to LG condenser dryers since the DOE standard must be 
``determined in accordance with test procedures prescribed under 
section 6293 of this title.'' 42 U.S.C. 6291(6).
    These circumstances clearly warrant a waiver. 10 CFR 430.27 
provides for waiver of DOE test procedures on the grounds that a basic 
model contains design characteristics that either prevent testing 
according to the prescribed test procedure or produce data so 
unrepresentative of a covered product's true energy consumption 
characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 
As discussed above, the LG condenser clothes dryer contains a design 
characteristic--lack of an exhaust--that prevents testing according to 
the DOE test procedure. Further, the test procedure does not provide 
any definition or mention of condenser clothes dryers. A waiver should 
therefore be granted that provides that LG is not required to test its 
condenser clothes dryers. The existing minimum energy conservation 
standard for clothes dryers also should not apply to these LG condenser 
clothes dryers. The waiver should remain in effect until DOE prescribes 
final test procedures and minimum energy conservation standards 
appropriate to LG's condenser clothes dryers.
    That a waiver is warranted is borne out by the fact that DOE has 
granted a waiver to Miele for the same type of product. 60 FR 9330 
(Feb. 17, 1995). DOE stated:

    ``The Department agrees with Miele and AHAM that the condenser 
clothes dryer offers the consumer additional utility, and is 
justified to consum[e] more energy (lower energy factor) versus non-
condenser clothes dryers. Furthermore, the Department believes that 
the existing clothes dryer test procedure is not applicable to the 
Miele condenser clothes dryers. This assertion is based on the fact 
that the existing test procedure requires the use of an exhaust 
restrictor and does not provide any definition or mention of 
condenser clothes dryers. The Department agrees with Miele that the 
current clothes dryer minimum energy conservation standard does not 
apply to Miele's condenser clothes dryers. Today's Decision and 
Order exempts Miele from testing its condenser clothes dryer and 
determining an Energy Factor.
    The Department is not publishing an amended test procedure for 
Miele at this time

[[Page 49441]]

because there is not any reason to. The existing minimum energy 
conservation standard for clothes dryers is not applicable to the 
Miele condenser clothes dryer. Furthermore, the FTC does not have a 
labeling program for clothes dryers, therefore, Miele is not 
required to test its condenser clothes dryers.''

    LG urges that the same waiver be granted to LG as was granted to 
Miele for its comparable product.
    Manufacturers of all other basic models marketed in the United 
States and known to LG to incorporate similar design characteristics as 
the LG condenser clothes dryer include Miele and Bosch (model number 
WTL5410).
    LG is not aware of any alternative test procedure to evaluate in a 
manner representative of the energy consumption characteristics of the 
LG condenser clothes dryers. LG notes that DOE's February 17, 1995 
decision on Miele's application indicated that Miele proposed that DOE 
consider adding a class for condenser clothes dryers in the then 
current clothes dryer rulemaking for minimum efficiency standards, 
along with an appropriate test procedure. DOE's decision indicated that 
DOE would consider adding a new product class for condenser clothes 
dryers in that rulemaking and would initiate a clothes dryers test 
procedure rulemaking to add the capability of testing condenser clothes 
dryers to the existing test procedure for any potential future use. To 
the best of LG's knowledge, DOE has not done so.
    LG also requests immediate relief by grant of an interim waiver. 
Grant of an interim waiver is fully justified:
    The petition for waiver is likely to be granted, as evidenced not 
only by its merits but also because DOE has already granted a similar 
waiver to Miele.
    Lack of relief will impose economic hardship on LG. LG would be 
placed in an untenable situation: The product would be subject to a set 
of regulations that DOE already acknowledges is not applicable to such 
a product and cannot be complied with, while at the same time another 
manufacturer is allowed to operate under a waiver from such 
regulations.
    Significant investment has already been made in LG condensing 
clothes dryers. Lack of relief would not allow LG to recoup this 
investment and would deny LG anticipated sales revenue. This does not 
take into account significant losses in goodwill and brand acceptance.
    Beyond that, since the LG condensing clothes dryer is intended to 
be sold as a pair with LG washing machines an inability to sell the 
clothes dryer will harm sales of the washing machine as well.
    The basic purpose of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as 
amended by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, is to foster 
purchase of energy-efficient appliances, not hinder such purchases. The 
LG condenser clothes dryer makes a dryer available to households where 
for physical, structural reasons a vented dryer could otherwise not be 
installed. LG condenser clothes dryers thus offer benefits in the 
public interest. To encourage and foster the availability of these 
products is in the public interest. Standards programs should not be 
used as a means to block innovative, improved designs.\2\ DOE's rules 
thus should accommodate and encourage--not act to block--such a 
product.
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    \2\ See FTC Advisory Opinion No. 457, TRRP 1718.20 (1971 
Transfer Binder); 49 FR 32213 (Aug. 13, 1984); 52 FR 49141, 49147-48 
(Dec. 30, 1987).
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    Granting the interim waiver and waiver would also eliminate a non-
tariff trade barrier.
    In addition, grant of relief would help enhance economic 
development and employment, including not only LG Electronics USA's 
operations in New Jersey, Illinois and Alabama, but also at major 
national retailers and regional dealers that carry LG products. 
Furthermore, continued employment creation and ongoing investments in 
its marketing, sales and servicing activities will be fostered by 
approval of the interim waiver. Conversely, denial of the requested 
relief would harm the company and would be anticompetitive.
* * * * *
    We would be pleased to discuss this request with DOE and provide 
further information as needed.
    We hereby certify that all clothes dryer manufacturers of 
domestically marketed units known to LG have been notified by letter of 
this petition and application, copies of which letters are attached.
     Sincerely,

Richard Donner, Product Planning Manager, North America Product 
Planning Group, LG Electronics USA, Inc, 2000 Millbrook Drive, 
Lincolnshire, IL 60069, Phone: 201-906-9878, Fax: 847-941-8340, E-mail: 
[email protected].
John I. Taylor, Vice President, Government Relations, LG Electronics 
USA, Inc, 1750 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006, Phone: 202-719-
3490, Fax: 847-941-8177, E-mail: [email protected].

    Of counsel:

John A. Hodges, James T. Bruce, Wiley Rein & Fielding LLP, Washington, 
DC 20006, Phone: 202-719-7000, Fax: 202-719-7049, E-mail: 
[email protected], [email protected].

[FR Doc. E6-13945 Filed 8-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P