[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 150 (Monday, August 5, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37970-37974]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-16548]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 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.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 150 / Monday, August 5, 2019 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 37970]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2017-BT-TP-0028]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Water Closets 
and Urinals

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

ACTION: Request for information.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating a data 
collection process, through this request for information (RFI), to 
consider whether to amend DOE's test procedures for water closets and 
urinals. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, 
DOE has gathered data, identifying several issues associated with the 
currently applicable test procedures on which DOE is interested in 
receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document concern water 
closets and urinals, specifically whether to conform the test 
procedures to American Society of Mechanical Engineers/American 
National Standards Institute (``ASME/ANSI'') Standard A112.19.2-2018, 
``Ceramic plumbing fixtures,'' including updates to terms and 
definitions, figures, and tables. DOE welcomes written comments from 
the public on any subject within the scope of this document (including 
topics not raised in this RFI) and any additional topics that may 
inform DOE's decisions in a future test procedure rulemaking, including 
methods to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring the procedure is 
reasonably designed to produce results that measure water use or 
efficiency during a representative average use cycle or period of use.

DATES: Written comments, data, and information are requested and will 
be accepted on or before September 4, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2017-BT-
TP-0028, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: [email protected]. Include the docket 
number EERE-2017-BT-TP-0028 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 the 
rulemaking process, see section III 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 https://www.regulations.gov. All documents 
in the docket are listed in the https://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 https://energy.gov/eere/buildings/standards-and-test-procedures. The docket web page will 
contain simple instructions on how to access all documents, including 
public comments, in the docket. See section III for information on how 
to submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Program, 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, review other 
public comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting, 
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 and Definitions
    B. Test Procedure
    C. Other Test Procedure Topics
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    Water closets and urinals are included in the list of ``covered 
products'' for which DOE is authorized to establish and amend water use 
standards and test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(17) and (18)) DOE's 
test procedures for water closets and urinals are prescribed at 10 CFR 
430.23(u) and (v), respectively, and 10 CFR part 430 subpart B appendix 
T (``Appendix T''). The following sections discuss DOE's authority to 
establish and amend test procedures for water closets and urinals, as 
well as relevant background information regarding DOE's consideration 
of test procedures for these products.

A. Authority and Background

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended 
(``EPCA''),\1\ among other things, authorizes DOE to

[[Page 37971]]

regulate the energy efficiency or water use, of a number of consumer 
products and industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, 
Part B \2\ of EPCA establishes the Energy Conservation Program for 
Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, which sets forth a variety of 
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency or water use. These 
products include water closets and urinals, the subject of this RFI. 
(42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(17) and (18))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, 
Public Law 115-270 (October 23, 2018).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was re-designated Part A.
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    The energy conservation program under EPCA, which includes water 
use requirements, consists essentially of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) 
labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation standards,\3\ and (4) 
certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant provisions of the 
Act specifically 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).
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    \3\ The term ``energy conservation standard'' includes water use 
standards for showerheads, faucets, water closets, and urinals. (42 
U.S.C. 6291(6)(A))
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    Federal energy efficiency and water use requirements for covered 
products established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and 
regulations concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and 
standards. (See 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 certain other representations about the water use of 
those 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, water 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 directs that the test procedures for water closets and urinals 
are to be the test procedures specified in ASME/ANSI A112.19.6-1990, 
``Hydraulic Requirements for Water Closets and Urinals'' (ASME 
A112.19.6-1990). (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(8)(A)) EPCA further directs that, 
if the requirements of ASME A112.19.6-1990 are revised at any time and 
approved by ANSI, DOE must amend the Federal test procedures to conform 
to the revised ASME standard, unless DOE determines by rule that to do 
so would not meet the requirements of EPCA that the test procedures be 
reasonably designed to produce test results which measure water use 
during a representative average use cycle as determined by DOE, and not 
be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(8)(B))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
the test procedures for each type of covered product, including water 
closets and urinals, to determine whether amended test procedures would 
more accurately or fully comply with the requirements for the test 
procedures to be reasonably designed to produce test results that 
reflect water use and estimated operating costs during a representative 
average use cycle or period of use and not to be unduly burdensome to 
conduct. (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. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(2)) The comment period on a proposed rule to amend a test 
procedure shall be at least 60 days and may not exceed 270 days. Id. 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 or 
water use or energy efficiency of the type (or class) of covered 
products involved. Id. 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 a potential test procedure rulemaking in response 
to revisions to the ASME standard and pursuant to the 7-year review 
requirement specified in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(8)(B); 42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(1)(A))

B. Rulemaking History

    DOE's current test procedures for water closets and urinals are 
found in 10 CFR 430.23(u) and (v), respectively, and Appendix T. DOE 
initially established test procedures for water closets and urinals in 
a final rule published March 8, 1998, which incorporated by reference 
ASME A112.19.6-1995, then the most recent revision of those 
requirements. 63 FR 13308.
    DOE last amended the test procedures for water closets and urinals 
on October 23, 2013, (``October 2013 TP final rule''). 78 FR 62970. In 
that final rule, DOE incorporated by reference ASME A112.19.2-2008, 
``Ceramic Plumbing Fixtures,'' including Update No. 1, dated August 
2009, and Update No. 2, dated March 2011 (ASME A112.19.2-2008). ASME 
A112.19.2-2008 is a consolidation and revision of several documents, 
including a revised version of the document previously incorporated by 
reference, ASME A112, 19.6-1995.
    In 2013, ASME revised ASME A112.19.2-2008 by issuing ASME 
A112.19.2-2013, ``Ceramic Plumbing Fixtures.'' In October 2013 ASME 
published Update 1 for ASME A112.19.2-2013 (``ASME A112.19.2-2013'' 
refers to both the initial document and Update 1). Because of the 
timing of the issuance of ASME 112.19.2-2013, DOE did not consider it 
in the October 2013 TP final rule. In 2018, ASME revised ASME 
A112.19.2-2013 by publishing ASME A112.19.2-2018 (``ASME A112.19.2-
2018'' refers to the initial document and the October 2018 errata). 
ASME A112.19.2-2018 does not contain any substantive differences 
compared to ASME A112.19.2-2013 with regards to the test method for 
water consumption.

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 amended test procedures for water 
closets and urinals may be warranted. DOE requests comment on any 
opportunities to

[[Page 37972]]

streamline and simplify testing requirements for these products.
    Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other issues relevant to the 
conduct of this process. 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 (Feb. 3, 2017). Accordingly, DOE 
encourages the public to provide input on measures DOE could take to 
lower the cost of its regulations applicable to water closets and 
urinals consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

A. Scope and Definitions

    DOE regulations both define and set standards for water closets and 
urinals. DOE regulations define ``water closet'' as a plumbing fixture 
that has a water-containing receptor that receives liquid and solid 
body waste, and upon actuation, conveys the waste through an exposed 
integral trap seal into a gravity drainage system, except such term 
does not include fixtures designed for installation in prisons. 10 CFR 
430.2. In addition, DOE regulations specify standards for gravity tank-
type toilets, flushometer tank toilets, electromechanical hydraulic 
toilets, and blowout toilets. 10 CFR 430.32(q). DOE regulations define 
``urinal'' as a plumbing fixture that receives only liquid body waste 
and, on demand, conveys the waste through a trap seal into a gravity 
drainage system, except such term does not include fixtures designed 
for installations in prisons. 10 CFR 430.2. In addition, DOE's 
regulations specify standards for urinals, including trough-type 
urinals. 10 CFR 430.32(r).
    Several terms and definitions in ASME A112.19.2-2018 related to 
water closets and urinals vary from those in DOE regulations, including 
terms not defined in 10 CFR 430.2. Two such terms relate to products 
that use electricity to remove waste. First, EPCA and DOE regulations 
use the term ``electromechanical hydraulic toilets'' as the name of a 
product class subject to standards at 42 U.S.C. 6295(k) and 10 CFR 
430.32(q), respectively, and DOE defines the term in 10 CFR 430.2. ASME 
Standard A112.19.2-2018, on the other hand, uses the term ``electro-
hydraulic water closet,'' with a different definition. DOE defines 
``electromechanical hydraulic toilet'' as a water closet that utilizes 
electrically operated devices such as, but not limited to, air 
compressors, pumps, solenoids, motors, or macerators in place of or to 
aid gravity in evacuating waste from the toilet. 10 CFR 430.2. ASME 
defines ``electro-hydraulic water closet'' as a water closet with a 
non-mechanical trap seal incorporating an electric motor and controller 
to facilitate flushing. ASME A112.19.2-2018. Both definitions include 
an electric motor as a mechanism to remove waste; however, DOE views 
the scope of the term ``electromechanical hydraulic toilet'' as broader 
because it also includes other electrically operated devices.
    Similarly, two varying terms relate to blowout products.\4\ As with 
the term ``electromechanical hydraulic toilets,'' EPCA and DOE 
regulations use the term ``blowout toilet'' as the name of a product 
class subject to its conservation standards, while ASME A112.19.2-2018 
uses the term ``blowout bowl.'' Although the terms are not identical, 
their definitions are similar. DOE defines ``blowout toilet'' as a 
water closet that uses a non-siphonic bowl with an integral flushing 
rim, a trap at the rear of the bowl, and a visible or concealed jet 
that operates with a blowout action. 10 CFR 430.2. ASME defines 
``blowout bowl'' as a non-siphonic water closet with an integral 
flushing rim, a trap at the rear of the bowl, and a visible or 
concealed jet that operates with a blowout action. ASME A112.19.2-2018. 
The only difference between these two definitions is that DOE's 
definition uses the phrase ``water closet that uses a non-siphonic 
bowl,'' while ASME's definition uses the phrase ``non-siphonic water 
closet.'' DOE understands these two terms to be synonymous.
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    \4\ The term ``blowout'' refers to the flushing action produced 
by a jet of water in the outlet passage for rapid evacuation of the 
bowl.
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    In addition, Appendix T uses the terms ``gravity flush tank water 
closet'' and ``siphonic bowl,'' which are defined in ASME A112.19.2-
2018 but not defined in DOE regulations.
    Aside from the definitional issues arising from revisions to the 
ASME standard, DOE notes that DOE energy conservation standards for 
urinals, codified at 10 CFR 430.32(r), use the term ``trough-type.'' 
However, neither DOE regulations nor ASME A112.19.2-2018 define this 
term.
    DOE requests information and comment on the following terms and 
definitions.
    1. Whether the term ``electro-hydraulic water closet'' as defined 
in ASME A112.19.2-2018 is understood to include the same products as 
the term ``electromechanical hydraulic toilet,'' i.e., whether any 
products meet one definition but not the other. DOE requests comment on 
the potential impact, including to testing burden, of adopting the term 
``electro-hydraulic water closet'' and the corresponding definition in 
ASME A112.19.2-2018, as compared to maintaining the current DOE term 
``electromechanical water closet'' and its definition in 10 CFR 430.2.
    2. Whether the term ``blowout bowl'' in ASME A112.19.2-2018 is 
understood to include the same products as the term ``blowout toilet'' 
in DOE regulations, i.e., whether any products meet one definition but 
not the other. DOE requests comment on the potential impact to the 
testing burden of adopting the term ``blowout bowl'' and the 
corresponding definition in ASME A112.19.2-2018 as compared to 
maintaining the current DOE term ``blowout toilet'' and the definition 
in 10 CFR 430.2.
    3. Whether the definitions of the terms ``gravity flush tank water 
closet'' and ``siphonic bowl'' in ASME A112.19.2-2018 are consistent 
with how industry has understood and applied those terms under DOE 
regulations. DOE requests comment on the potential impact to the 
testing burden of adopting the ASME A112.19.2-2018 definitions of 
``gravity flush tank water closet'' and ``siphonic bowl.''
    4. How to define the term ``trough-type'' urinal and whether there 
is an industry definition for this term.
    5. How any definitional changes to conform the terms in DOE test 
procedures with those in ASME A112.19.2-2018 could change the scope of 
the products subject to the test procedure or standards, or impact the 
repeatability and reproducibility of the test procedure and its ability 
to reflect a representative average use cycle or period of use.

B. Test Procedures

    Currently, DOE's test procedures for water closets and urinals in 
Appendix T incorporate by reference ASME A112.19.2-2008,\5\ sections 
7.1, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 7.1.4, 7.1.5, 7.4, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 
8.6, Table 5, and Table 6. These sections and tables provide procedures 
for testing and measuring water consumption, specifications for test 
apparatus, and other general requirements for water closets and 
urinals.
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    \5\ This includes Update No. 1, dated August 2009, and Update 
No. 2, dated March 2011.
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    ASME A112.19.2-2018 included the following amendments to pertinent 
sections of the 2008 version currently

[[Page 37973]]

incorporated into 10 CFR part 430: (1) Editorial changes and/or 
clarification in sections 7.1.2, 7.3.2,\6\ 8.6.4, and Figure 12; (2) a 
correction in section 8.2.1 to the water consumption static test 
pressure value for urinals to reflect the corresponding value in Table 
6; and (3) additions to Table 5 that do not appear to be relevant to 
the water consumption test for water closets.
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    \6\ In the 2013 version of the ASME A112.19.2 standard, section 
7.3 is the ``Water consumption test'' section and section 7.4 is the 
``Trap seal restoration test'' section. In the 2018 version of the 
ASME A112.19.2 standard, these two sections were reorganized: 
Section 7.3 is now the ``Trap seal restoration test'' section and 
section 7.4 is the ``Water consumption test'' section.
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    Because DOE views these amendments as clarifications and minor 
technical corrections, DOE has tentatively determined that the 
amendments would not impact (1) the measured values of water use for 
water closets and urinals under Appendix T, (2) the representativeness 
of the results, or (3) the test burden. DOE requests comment on the 
validity of these tentative conclusions. If commenters believe that the 
amendments, if adopted, would impact measured values of water use under 
the test procedure, DOE is interested in data and information on the 
nature and extent of any such impact.

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 procedures 
for water closets and urinals. DOE recently issued an RFI to seek more 
information on whether its test procedures are reasonably designed, as 
required by EPCA, to produce results that measure the energy use or 
efficiency of a product during a representative average use cycle or 
period of use. 84 FR 9721 (Mar. 18, 2019). DOE seeks comment on this 
issue as it pertains to the test procedure for water closets and 
urinals. DOE also seeks any information that would improve the 
repeatability and reproducibility of its test procedures.
    As noted above, DOE also requests comments on its tentative 
conclusion that the adoption of the amendments discussed would not 
result in a test procedure that is unduly burdensome to conduct, 
particularly in light of any new products on the market since the last 
test procedure update. If commenters believe that the adoption of the 
amendments would result in a procedure that is, in fact, unduly 
burdensome to conduct, DOE seeks information on whether an existing 
private sector-developed test procedure would be more appropriate.
    DOE also requests comment on the benefits and burdens of adopting 
any industry/voluntary consensus-based or other appropriate test 
procedure, without modification. As discussed, the current test 
procedures for water closets and urinals in Appendix T incorporate by 
reference ASME A112.19.2-2008, sections 7.1, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.1.3, 
7.1.4, 7.1.5, 7.4, 8.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.6, Table 5, and Table 6. 
Other portions of the standard contain general requirements for 
plumbing fixtures and their components, and test methods for 
characteristics other than water consumption, such as material, 
finishes, structural integrity, and specific component functionalities. 
In order to improve repeatability of the test procedures and the 
accuracy of reported values, Appendix T also provides additional 
direction regarding the resolution of the recorded values; rounding of 
recorded and calculated values; and test set-up as it relates to 
manufacturer installation instructions. DOE seeks comment on whether 
these additional directions are necessary to ensure that the test 
procedure is reasonably designed to measure the water use of water 
closets and urinals during a representative average use cycle or period 
of use.
    Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test 
procedures limit a manufacturer's ability to provide additional 
features to consumers on water closets and urinals. DOE particularly 
seeks information on how the test procedures could be amended to reduce 
the cost of new or additional features and make it more likely that 
such features are included on water closets and urinals while still 
meeting the requirements of EPCA. DOE also requests comments on any 
potential amendments to the existing test procedures that would address 
impacts on manufacturers, including small businesses.
    Finally, DOE recently published an RFI on the emerging smart 
technology appliance and equipment market. 83 FR 46886 (Sept. 17, 
2018). In that RFI, DOE sought information to better understand market 
trends and issues in the emerging market for appliances and commercial 
equipment that incorporate smart technology. DOE's intent in issuing 
the RFI was to ensure that DOE did not inadvertently impede such 
innovation in fulfilling its statutory obligations in setting 
efficiency standards for covered products and equipment. DOE seeks 
comments, data and information on the issues presented in the RFI as 
they may be applicable to water closets and urinals.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by 
September 4, 2019, comments and information on matters addressed in 
this notice and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of 
amended test procedures for water closets and urinals. These comments 
and information will aid in the development of a test procedure notice 
of proposed rulemaking for water closets and urinals if DOE determines 
that amended test procedures may be appropriate for these products.
    Submitting comments via https://regulations.gov. The https://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 comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to https://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 
https://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 https://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
being submitted. However, if large

[[Page 37974]]

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 https://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 https://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 portable document format (``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 the 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 rulemaking should contact Appliance and 
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at 
[email protected].

    Signed in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2019.
Alexander N. Fitzsimmons,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2019-16548 Filed 8-2-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P