[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 30, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24680-24684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11547]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 24680]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[EERE-2017-BT-TP-0053]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Metal Halide Lamp 
Fixtures

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

ACTION: Request for information (RFI).

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating a data 
collection process through this request for information to consider 
whether to amend DOE's test procedure for metal halide lamp fixtures 
(MHLFs). To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, 
DOE has gathered data and identified several issues associated with the 
currently applicable test procedure on which DOE is interested in 
receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document mainly concern 
updates to industry standards and potential clarifications to the 
existing test procedure for MHLFs. DOE welcomes written comments from 
the public on any subject within the scope of this document, including 
topics not directly outlined in this RFI. DOE also welcomes comments on 
any additional topics that may inform DOE's decisions in a potential 
future test procedure rulemaking, such as methods to reduce regulatory 
burden while ensuring the procedure's accuracy.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before June 29, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2017-BT-
TP-0053, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: to [email protected]. Include docket number EERE-
2017-BT-TP-0053 in the subject line of the message.
    3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc 
(CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section 0 of this document.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in 
the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. However, 
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing 
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly 
available.
    The docket web page can be found at http://www.regulations.gov. The 
docket web page will contain simple instructions on how to access all 
documents, including public comments, in the docket. See section 0 for 
information on how to submit comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-1604. Email: 
[email protected].
    Ms. Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-6111. Email: 
[email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority and Background
    B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
    A. Scope & Definitions
    B. Test Procedure
    1. Updates to Industry Standards
    2. Other Updates to the Federal Test Procedure
    C. Other Test Procedure Topics
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    MHLFs are included in the list of ``covered products'' for which 
DOE is authorized to establish and amend energy conservation standards 
and test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(19)) DOE's test procedures for 
MHLFs are prescribed at 10 CFR 431.324. The following sections discuss 
DOE's authority to establish and amend test procedures for MHLFs, as 
well as relevant background information regarding DOE's consideration 
of test procedures for MHLFs.

A. Authority and Background

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (``EPCA'' or ``the 
Act''),\1\ Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317, as codified), among 
other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a 
number of consumer products and industrial equipment. Title III, Part B 
\2\ of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 
Products Other Than Automobiles, which sets forth a variety

[[Page 24681]]

of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. These products 
include MHLFs, the subject of this RFI.\3\ (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(19))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 
(EEIA 2015), Public Law 114-11 (April 30, 2015).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
    \3\ Because of the inclusion of MHLFs in the list of covered 
products under 42 U.S.C. 6292, the rulemaking for MHLFs is bound by 
the requirements of Part A of Title III of EPCA. However, because 
MHLFs are generally considered commercial equipment, as a matter of 
administrative convenience and to minimize confusion among 
interested parties, DOE adopted MHLF provisions into subpart S of 10 
CFR part 431. 74 FR 12058, 12062 (March 23, 2009). Therefore, DOE 
will refer to MHLFs as ``equipment'' throughout this document. Where 
the notice refers to specific provisions in Part A of EPCA, the term 
``product'' is used. The location of provisions within the CFR does 
not affect either their substance or applicable procedure.
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    Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially 
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy 
conservation standards, and (4) certification and enforcement 
procedures. Relevant provisions of the Act include definitions (42 
U.S.C. 6291), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), test 
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), and 
the authority to require information and reports from manufacturers (42 
U.S.C. 6296).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6297) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption for 
particular State laws or regulations, in accordance with the procedures 
and other provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d))
    The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that 
manufacturers of covered products must use as the basis for: (1) 
Certifying to DOE that their products comply with the applicable energy 
conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), 
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of those consumer 
products (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test 
procedures to determine whether the products comply with relevant 
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is 
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered product, including MHLFs, to 
determine whether amended test procedures would more accurately or 
fully comply with the requirements for the test procedures to not be 
unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably designed to produce test 
results that reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated 
operating costs during a representative average use cycle or period of 
use. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary determines, on his own 
behalf or in response to a petition by any interested person, that a 
test procedure should be prescribed or amended, the Secretary shall 
promptly publish in the Federal Register proposed test procedures and 
afford interested persons an opportunity to present oral and written 
data, views, and arguments with respect to such procedures. The comment 
period on a proposed rule to amend a test procedure shall be at least 
60 days and may not exceed 270 days. In prescribing or amending a test 
procedure, the Secretary shall take into account such information as 
the Secretary determines relevant to such procedure, including 
technological developments relating to energy use or energy efficiency 
of the type (or class) of covered products involved. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(2)) If DOE determines that test procedure revisions are not 
appropriate, DOE must publish its determination not to amend the test 
procedures. DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information 
to inform its decision in satisfaction of the 7-year review requirement 
specified in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))

B. Rulemaking History

    In addition to the test procedure review provision discussed above, 
EPCA requires DOE to establish test procedures for metal halide lamp 
ballasts based on the industry standard ANSI C82.6-2005 ``Ballasts for 
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps--Method of Measurement.'' (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(18)) EPCA also requires that energy conservation standards and 
test procedures address standby mode and off mode energy use. (42 
U.S.C. 6295(gg)) On March 9, 2010, DOE published a final rule 
establishing active mode and standby mode test procedures for MHLFs 
based on measuring ballast efficiency in accordance with ANSI C82.6-
2005 (2010 MHLF TP final rule). 75 FR 10950. DOE determined that per 
EPCA's definition of ``off mode,'' it is not possible for MHLFs to meet 
off mode criteria because there is no condition in which the components 
of an MHLF are connected to the main power source and are not already 
in a mode accounted for in either active or standby mode. 75 FR 10954-
10955 (March 9, 2010).
    In a 2014 MHLF energy conservation standards final rule, DOE 
amended the test procedure to specify the input voltage at which a 
ballast is to be tested, and to require measuring and calculating 
ballast efficiency to three significant figures. 79 FR 7746, 7757-7759 
(February 10, 2014). DOE's current test procedure for MHLFs for active 
mode and standby mode operation appears at 10 CFR 431.324 (``Uniform 
test method for the measurement of energy efficiency and standby mode 
energy consumption of metal halide lamp ballasts''). Although MHLFs are 
the equipment at issue in this RFI, the test procedure requires 
measurement of metal halide ballast efficiency.

II. Request for Information

    In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues 
on which it seeks input to aid in the development of the technical and 
economic analyses regarding whether an amended test procedure for MHLFs 
may be warranted. Specifically, DOE is requesting comment on any 
opportunities to streamline and simplify testing requirements for 
MHLFs.
    Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other issues relevant to the 
conduct of this process that may not specifically be identified in this 
document. In particular, DOE notes that under Executive Order 13771, 
``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' Executive 
Branch agencies such as DOE are directed to manage the costs associated 
with the imposition of expenditures required to comply with Federal 
regulations. See 82 FR 9339 (February 3, 2017). Pursuant to that 
Executive Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input on measures 
DOE could take to lower the cost of its regulations applicable to 
testing MHLFs consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

A. Scope & Definitions

    As stated previously, although MHLFs are the covered product, the 
Federal test procedure requires measurement of

[[Page 24682]]

metal halide ballast efficiency. EPCA and DOE define a MHLF as a light 
fixture for general lighting application designed to be operated with a 
metal halide lamp and a ballast for a metal halide lamp. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(64) and 10 CFR 431.322). Metal halide ballast is defined as a 
ballast used to start and operate metal halide lamps. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(62) and 10 CFR 431.322). DOE defines metal halide lamp as a high 
intensity discharge (HID) lamp in which the major portion of the light 
is produced by radiation of metal halides and their products of 
dissociation, possibly in combination with metallic vapors. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(63) and 10 CFR 431.322).

B. Test Procedure

    The current test procedure for MHLFs appears at 10 CFR 431.324. As 
noted previously, the test procedure for MHLFs incorporates by 
reference the 2005 version of ANSI C82.6 (ANSI C82.6-2005). ANSI C82.6 
outlines procedures for measuring the performance of low-frequency 
ballasts, including metal halide ballasts, designed to operate HID 
lamps. Testing requires the use of a reference lamp, which is to be 
operated by the ballast under test conditions until the ballast reaches 
operational stability. Ballast efficiency is then calculated as the 
measured ballast output power divided by the ballast input power.
    Issue A.1 DOE requests information on the availability of reference 
lamps.
1. Updates to Industry Standards
    In 2015, ANSI published a revised version of C82.6, ``Ballasts for 
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps--Methods of Measurement,'' (ANSI C82.6-
2015).\4\ DOE's initial review indicates that revisions mainly pertain 
to the addition of testing specifications particular to low-frequency 
electronic ballasts, including modifications to the alternative 
stabilization method, the addition of low-frequency square wave 
reference ballast characteristics, and further detail pertaining to 
ballast measurements.
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    \4\ Approved February 20, 2015.
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    Issue A.2 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference the updated industry standard ANSI C82.6-
2015 in the Federal test procedure. Specifically, DOE requests 
information on any potential differences in testing under the 2015 
version, as compared to the 2005 version currently incorporated by 
reference.
    DOE also has found that the industry standard referenced in its 
definition of ``ballast efficiency'' has been updated. Per DOE 
regulations, ``ballast efficiency,'' or the efficiency of a lamp and 
ballast combination, is the measured operating lamp wattage (i.e., 
output power) divided by the measured operating input wattage (i.e., 
input power), expressed as a percentage. 10 CFR 431.322. The input and 
output power of the ballast must be measured while the ballast is 
operating a reference lamp. The 2004 version of ANSI C78.43 (ANSI 
C78.43-2004) is incorporated by reference in DOE's regulations to 
describe the requirements for various fixture components used when 
measuring ballast efficiency.\5\ See 10 CFR 431.323. Specifically, the 
definition of ``ballast efficiency'' states that the lamp and capacitor 
(when provided) must constitute a nominal system in accordance with 
ANSI C78.43-2004. However, ANSI C78.43-2004 does not define the term 
``nominal system.'' ANSI C78.43-2004 does contain the physical and 
electrical requirements that single-ended metal halide lamps operated 
on 60 hertz (Hz) ballasts must meet to qualify as reference lamps. ANSI 
C78.43 was updated in 2013 (ANSI C78.43-2013) to incorporate datasheets 
for additional lamp types, which, if adopted, would provide 
characteristics to increase the number of potential reference lamps for 
testing.\6\
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    \5\ American National Standards Institute. American National 
Standard for electric lamps--Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps. 
Approved May 5, 2004.
    \6\ American National Standards Institute. American National 
Standard for electric lamps--Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps. 
Approved April 3, 2013.
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    Issue A.3 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference the updated industry standard ANSI C78.43-
2013 in the definition of ``ballast efficiency.'' DOE also requests 
comment on whether the term ``nominal system'' in the definition of 
``ballast efficiency'' requires further clarification.
2. Other Updates to the Federal Test Procedure
a. MHLFs Containing Ballasts That May Operate More Than One Lamp 
Wattage
    Based on a recent survey of the market, DOE identified metal halide 
lamp fixtures that contain ballasts that may be able to operate lamps 
of more than one wattage (e.g., a ballast that can operate a 70W lamp 
or a 100W lamp). The definition of basic model for MHLFs states that 
basic models are rated to operate a given lamp type and wattage. 10 CFR 
431.322. Thus, the current regulations indicate that such a model falls 
within multiple basic models. DOE is interested in information 
regarding how this equipment should be tested.
    Issue A.4 DOE requests information on the prevalence of metal 
halide ballasts capable of operating more than one lamp wattage and how 
this equipment should be tested.
b. Dimming Ballasts
    DOE established an active mode test method in the 2010 MHLF TP 
final rule, which incorporated relevant sections of ANSI C82.6-2005 to 
measure ballast efficiency as required by EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(18)); 75 FR 10950 (March 9, 2010). DOE also clarified in the 
2010 MHLF TP final rule that active mode applies to a functioning 
ballast operating with any amount of system light output (i.e., greater 
than zero percent), and noted that if a ballast is dimmed (i.e., 
operating the light source at more than zero percent, but less than 100 
percent), the lamp and the ballast are both still in active mode. 75 FR 
10953 (March 9, 2010). DOE notes that in the case of dimming ballasts, 
where input power can vary, a specification regarding how to test these 
ballasts is necessary. Thus, DOE is interested in information on 
whether it is common industry practice to test dimming metal halide 
ballasts at 100 percent light output.
    Issue A.5 DOE requests comment on whether it is common industry 
practice to test metal halide dimming ballasts at 100 percent light 
output.
c. Standby Mode Test Method
    As required by EPCA, the 2010 MHLF TP final rule established a test 
method for measuring standby mode power. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)); 75 
FR 10959-10961 (March 9, 2010). DOE developed the standby mode test 
method for metal halide ballasts to be consistent with the industry 
standard International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62301: 2005, 
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power'' 
(first edition, June 2005), but also referenced language and 
methodologies presented in ANSI C82.6-2005. 75 FR 10951 (March 9, 
2010). As such, the 2010 MHLF TP final rule adopted test procedure 
provisions for measuring standby power that include the following 
steps: (1) A signal is sent to the ballast instructing it to reduce 
light output to zero percent; (2) the main input power to the ballast 
is measured; and (3) the power from the control signal path is measured 
in one of three ways, depending on how the signal from the control 
system is delivered to the ballast. 75 FR 10959-10960 (March 9, 2010). 
DOE is considering the implications of

[[Page 24683]]

incorporating by reference the most recent version of industry standard 
IEC 62301 (IEC 62301: 2011) ``Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power'' (second edition, January 2011) in an 
amended test method for measuring standby power.\7\ DOE notes that this 
change, if it were made, would be consistent with the requirements of 
EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)), as well as the standby mode test 
method for other lighting products.
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    \7\ Published January 27, 2011.
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    Issue A.6 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference IEC 62301: 2011 in its standby mode test 
method for MHLFs.
    Issue A.7 DOE requests comment on the availability of MHLFs that 
can operate in standby mode and, if they exist, their power consumption 
in standby mode.
d. High-Frequency Electronic Ballasts
    As discussed in section II.B.1, the current test procedure 
incorporates by reference ANSI C82.6-2005 for testing both electronic 
and magnetic metal halide ballasts. However, neither ANSI C82.6-2005 
nor the revised 2015 version provide a method specifically for testing 
high-frequency electronic (HFE) ballasts. A HFE metal halide ballast is 
defined by DOE as an electronic ballast that operates a lamp at an 
output frequency of 1000 Hz or greater. 10 CFR 431.322. In the 2013 
MHLF energy conservation standards notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE 
considered adopting procedures for testing HFE ballasts based on the 
instrumentation used for testing electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts. 
78 FR 51464, 51480-51481 (August 20, 2013). However, in the 2014 MHLF 
ECS final rule, DOE declined to amend the test procedure to include a 
procedure for HFE ballasts due to the lack of industry specifications 
for reference lamps to be paired with the ballasts during testing and 
the lack of a complete test method specific to HFE ballasts. 79 FR 7758 
(February 10, 2014).
    Subsequently, an ANSI standard for HFE metal halide ballasts titled 
ANSI C82.17-2017, ``High Frequency (HF) Electronic Ballasts for Metal 
Halide Lamps,'' (ANSI C82.17-2017) was recently published on August 11, 
2017.\8\ ANSI C82.17-2017 provides specifications for and operating 
characteristics of HFE metal halide ballasts with sinusoidal lamp 
operating current frequencies above 40 kilohertz (kHz). ANSI C82.17-
2017 also states in section 5.1 that ``all measurements necessary to 
determine compliance with the ballast performance requirements of this 
standard shall be made in accordance with ANSI C82.6.'' Thus, based on 
DOE's initial review of the newly published standard, DOE believes that 
ANSI C82.17-2017 could be used for ballast operating conditions for HFE 
ballasts and that ANSI C82.6-2015 could be used as the guide for 
measurement of HFE ballasts.
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    \8\ Approved May 18, 2017.
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    Issue A.8 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference ANSI C82.17-2017 in the Federal test 
procedure. Specifically, DOE requests comment on whether newly 
published ANSI C82.17-2017 provides a repeatable and reproducible 
method when paired with ANSI C82.6-2015 for the testing of all HFE 
metal halide ballasts as defined by DOE.
    Issue A.9 DOE requests comment on whether manufacturers and 
laboratories test HFE metal halide ballasts using the same 
instrumentation as electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts.

C. Other Test Procedure Topics

    In addition to the issues identified earlier in this document, DOE 
welcomes comment on any other aspect of the existing test procedure for 
MHLFs not already addressed by the specific areas identified in this 
document. DOE particularly seeks information that would assist DOE in 
assuring that the test procedure accurately reflects the energy use of 
the products during a representative average use cycle, and information 
that would improve the repeatability and reproducibility of the test 
procedure. DOE also requests information that would help DOE create a 
procedure that would limit manufacturer test burden through 
streamlining or simplifying testing requirements. Comments regarding 
the repeatability and reproducibility are also welcome.
    DOE also requests feedback on any potential amendments to the 
existing test procedure that could be considered to address impacts on 
manufacturers, including small businesses. DOE also seeks comment on 
the degree to which the Federal test procedure should consider and be 
harmonized with the most recent relevant industry standards for MHLFs, 
and whether there are any changes to the Federal test procedure that 
would provide additional benefits to the public.
    DOE also requests comment on the benefits and burdens of adopting 
any industry/voluntary consensus-based or other appropriate test 
procedure, without modification. One topic for consideration, for 
example, is the specification of input voltage and stabilization 
criteria for ballasts of high intensity discharge lamps beyond what is 
required by ANSI C82.6. Another topic for consideration is the 
clarification of testing direction pertaining to the types of metal 
halide lamps to pair with metal halide ballasts under test, or control 
devices to be used, during standby mode testing beyond the requirements 
of IEC 62301: 2011. DOE requests comment on whether the addition of 
these types of requirements are worth the additional burden on 
manufacturers.
    Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test 
procedure limits a manufacturer's ability to provide additional MHLF 
features to customers. DOE particularly seeks information on how the 
test procedure could be amended to reduce the cost of new or additional 
features, and make it more likely that such features are included in 
MHLFs.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing, by the 
date listed in the DATES section of this notice, comments and 
information on matters addressed in this notice and on other matters 
relevant to DOE's consideration of an amended test procedure for MHLFs. 
These comments and information will aid in the development of a test 
procedure NOPR for MHLFs if DOE determines that an amended test 
procedure may be appropriate for this equipment.
    Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be 
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization 
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your 
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, 
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing

[[Page 24684]]

comments, and any documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to http://www.regulations.gov information for which 
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and 
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as 
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through 
http://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received 
through the website will waive any CBI claims for the information 
submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential 
Business Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through http://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being 
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to 
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that http://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and 
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be 
posted to http://www.regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal 
contact information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your 
comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact 
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email 
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover 
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any 
comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand 
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not 
necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be 
accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses. 
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. 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 via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: One copy 
of the document marked confidential including all the information 
believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked ``non-
confidential'' with the information believed to be confidential 
deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE 
will make its own determination about 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 by or available from other sources, (4) whether the 
information has previously been made available to others without 
obligation concerning its confidentiality, (5) an explanation of the 
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from 
public disclosure, (6) when such information might lose its 
confidential character due to the passage of time, and (7) why 
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation 
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of 
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process. 
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced 
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who 
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices 
and information about this process should contact Appliance and 
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at 
[email protected].

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2018.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2018-11547 Filed 5-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P