[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 4, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23635-23639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09045]


 ========================================================================
 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. 86, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 4, 2021 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 23635]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2019-BT-TP-0024]
RIN 1904-AE51


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Consumer 
Products; Early Assessment Review: Ceiling Fan Light Kits

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

ACTION: Request for information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is undertaking an 
early assessment review to determine whether amendments are warranted 
for the test procedure for ceiling fan light kits (``CFLKs''). DOE has 
identified certain issues associated with the currently applicable test 
procedure on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. The issues 
outlined in this document mainly concern updating currently referenced 
industry standards to their latest versions. DOE welcomes written 
comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this 
document, including topics not raised in this request for information 
(``RFI'').

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before June 3, 2021.

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 by email to the following address: 
[email protected]. Include ``Ceiling Fan Light Kit Test 
Procedure Request For Information'' and docket number EERE-2019-BT-TP-
0024 and/or RIN number 1904-AE51 in the subject line of the message. 
Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or 
ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special characters or any form 
of encryption.
    Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions 
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal and hand delivery/
courier, the Department has found it necessary to make temporary 
modifications to the comment submission process in light of the ongoing 
Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is currently accepting only electronic 
submissions at this time. If a commenter finds that this change poses 
an undue hardship, please contact Appliance Standards Programs staff at 
(202) 586-1445 to discuss the need for alternative arrangements. Once 
the Covid-19 pandemic health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates 
resuming all of its regular options for public comment submission, 
including postal mail and hand delivery/courier.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document (Submission of Comments).
    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/docket?D=EERE-2019-BT-TP-0024. The docket web page contains 
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket. See section III of this document for information on how 
to submit comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Stephanie Johnson, 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) 287-1943. Email: 
[email protected].
    Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2588. 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
    B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
    A. Scope and Definitions
    B. Test Procedure
    1. IES LM-9
    2. IES LM-79
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    DOE established an early assessment review process to conduct a 
more focused analysis that would allow DOE to determine, based on 
statutory criteria, whether an amended test procedure is warranted. 10 
Code of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') part 430 subpart C appendix A 
section 8(a). This RFI requests information and data regarding whether 
an amended test procedure would more accurately and fully comply with 
the requirement that the test procedure produce results that measure 
energy use during a representative average use cycle or period of use 
for the product, and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. To inform 
interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has identified 
several issues associated with the currently applicable test procedures 
on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. Based on the 
information received in response to the RFI and DOE's own analysis, DOE 
will determine whether to proceed with a rulemaking for an amended test 
procedure.
    If DOE makes an initial determination that an amended test 
procedure would more accurately or fully comply with statutory 
requirements, or DOE's analysis is inconclusive, DOE would undertake a 
rulemaking to issue an amended test procedure. If DOE makes an initial 
determination based upon available evidence that an amended test 
procedure would not meet the applicable statutory criteria, DOE would

[[Page 23636]]

engage in notice and comment rulemaking before issuing a final 
determination that an amended test procedure is not warranted.

A. Authority

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\ 
among other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of 
a number of consumer products and certain industrial equipment. (42 
U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy 
Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles. 
These products include CFLKs, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(50), 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(16)(A)(ii), 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(2)-(5))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec. 
27, 2020).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C. 
6291), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 
6294), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), 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(a)-(c)) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal 
preemption in limited instances for particular State laws or 
regulations, in accordance with the procedures and other provisions set 
forth under 42 U.S.C. 6297(d).
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered product, including CFLKs, 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)) DOE is publishing this RFI to collect 
data and information to inform its decision to satisfy the 7-year-
lookback review requirement.

B. Rulemaking History

    On December 24, 2015, DOE published a final rule (``December 2015 
Final Rule'') making two key updates to its CFLK test procedure. 80 FR 
80209. First, DOE updated the CFLK test procedure to require that 
representations of efficacy, including certifications of compliance 
with CFLK standards, be made according to the corresponding DOE lamp 
test procedures, where they exist (e.g., for a CFLK with medium screw 
base sockets that is packaged with compact fluorescent lamps 
(``CFLs''), the CFLK test procedure references the DOE test procedure 
for CFLs at 10 CFR 430.23(y)). 80 FR 80209, 80211. Second, DOE updated 
the CFLK test procedure by establishing in a separate appendix, i.e., 
appendix V1, the test procedure for CFLKs packaged with inseparable 
light sources that require luminaire efficacy testing (e.g., CFLKs with 
integrated solid state lighting (``SSL'') circuitry) and for CFLKs 
packaged with lamps for which DOE test procedures did not exist. 80 FR 
80209, 80212. With these changes, the December 2015 Final Rule aligned 
CFLK requirements for measuring efficacy of lamps and/or light sources 
in CFLKs with current DOE lamp test procedures.
    The December 2015 Final Rule also replaced references to superseded 
ENERGY STAR requirements with the latest versions of industry standards 
in appendix V, the test procedure for measuring system efficacy of the 
lamp and ballast platform. Additionally, for ease of reference, the 
final rule replaced references to ENERGY STAR requirements in existing 
CFLK standards contained in 10 CFR 430.32(s) with the specific 
requirements. 80 FR 80209, 80211. Further, in that final rule, DOE 
determined that it accounts for standby mode energy consumption of 
CFLKs under the efficiency metric for ceiling fans rather than under 
the CFLK efficiency metric; and therefore, did not specify a standby 
mode test procedure for CFLKs. 80 FR 80209, 80212.
    Representations regarding CFLKs subject to the January 21, 2020 
standards must be based on the amended test procedure, including 
appendix V1. See 80 FR 80209, 80220 and 81 FR 580 (January 6, 2016).

II. Request for Information

    DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information during 
the early assessment review to inform its decision, consistent with its 
obligations under EPCA, as to whether the Department should proceed 
with an amended test procedure rulemaking, and if so, to assist in the 
development of proposed amendments. Accordingly, in the following 
sections, DOE has identified specific issues on which it seeks input to 
aid in its analysis of whether an amended test procedure for CFLKs 
would more accurately or fully comply with the requirement that the 
test procedure produces results that measure energy use during a 
representative average use cycle for the product, and not be unduly 
burdensome to conduct. DOE also welcomes comments on other issues 
relevant to its early assessment that may not specifically be 
identified in this document.
    The current DOE test procedure for CFLK can be found at 10 CFR part 
430, subpart B, Appendix V and Appendix V1. All CFLKs manufactured as 
of January 21, 2020 must be tested according to appendix V1. Because 
appendix V is no longer applicable, DOE is considering removing it. 
Accordingly, in the following sections, DOE focuses on identifying 
issues as they pertain to Appendix V1.
    Issue 1: DOE requests comment on removal of appendix V, the test 
procedure required to be used for CFLKs with pin-based sockets that are 
manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, and prior to January 21, 
2020.

A. Scope and Definitions

    Appendix V1 establishes the test requirements to measure the energy 
efficiency of all CFLKs packaged with fluorescent lamps other than 
compact fluorescent lamps or general service fluorescent lamps, 
packaged with SSL products other than integrated light-emitting diode 
(``LED'') lamps, or with integrated SSL circuitry. To support the test 
procedure for CFLKs the following terms are defined in Appendix V1: 
``CFLK with integrated SSL circuitry,'' ``covers,'' ``other (non-CFL 
and non-GSFL) fluorescent lamp,'' ``other SSL products,'' and ``solid-
state Lighting (SSL).''

B. Test Procedure

    The current DOE test procedure for CFLKs in Appendix V1 specifies 
instructions for measuring the lamp efficacy or luminaire efficacy, as 
applicable. Appendix V1 incorporates by reference IES LM-9-09 \3\ (2009 
version) for testing ``other fluorescent lamps'' (i.e., not CFLs or 
general service fluorescent lamps (``GSFLs'')) and IES LM-79-08 \4\ 
(2008 version) for testing

[[Page 23637]]

``other SSL products'' (i.e., not integrated LED lamps) and CFLKs with 
integrated SSL circuitry. Appendix V1 references the industry standards 
for test conditions and measurements. These referenced industry test 
standards have been updated by industry since DOE last amended its test 
procedures. IES LM-9-09 has been updated with a 2020 version \5\ (ANSI/
IES LM-9-20) and the 2008 version of IES LM-79 (IES LM-79-08) has been 
updated with a 2019 version \6\ (ANSI/IES LM-79-19). In the following 
sections, DOE requests information on how the changes in the updated 
versions of these standards would impact DOE's test procedure for 
CFLKs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Illuminating Engineering Society, IES LM-9-09 IES Approved 
Method: Electrical and Photometric Measurement of Fluorescent Lamps. 
Approved January 31, 2009.
    \4\ Illuminated Engineering Society, LM-79-08 IES Approved 
Method: Electrical and Photometric Measurements of Solid-State 
Lighting Products. Approved December 31, 2007.
    \5\ Illuminating Engineering Society, ANSI/IES LM-9-2020--
Approved Method: Electrical and Photometric Measurements of 
Fluorescent Lamps. Approved February 7, 2020.
    \6\ Illuminating Engineering Society, ANSI/IES LM-79-2019--
Approved Method: Optical and Electrical Measurements of Solid-State 
Lighting Products. Approved February 28, 2019.
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1. IES LM-9
    IES LM-9 provides methods for taking electrical and photometric 
measurements of fluorescent lamps. DOE's initial review indicates no 
major changes in ANSI/IES LM-9-20 compared to IES LM-9-09 except for 
updates to certain relevant references. Section 6.2 of IES LM-9-2020 
updates its reference of IES LM-54, the industry standard for lamp 
seasoning, from the 1999 version \7\ (IESNA LM-54-99) to 2020 version 
\8\ (ANSI/IES LM-54-20). Section 7.0 of ANSI/IES LM-9-20 updates its 
references of IES LM-78, the industry standard for measurements in an 
integrating sphere, from the 2007 version \9\ (IESNA LM-78-07) to the 
2020 version \10\ (ANSI/IES LM-78-20). These updates are discussed in 
the following sections.
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    \7\ Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, LM-54-99 
IESNA Guide to Lamp Seasoning, Approved May 10, 1999.
    \8\ Illuminating Engineering Society, ANSI/IES LM-54-20 Approved 
Method: IES Guide to Lamp Seasoning, Approved February 7, 2020.
    \9\ Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, IESNA LM-
78-07 IESNA Approved Method for Total Luminous Flux Measurement of 
Lamps Using an Integrating Sphere Photometer. Approved January 28, 
2007.
    \10\ Illuminating Engineering Society, ANSI/IES LM-78-20 
Approved Method: Total Luminous Flux Measurement of Lamps Using an 
Integrating Sphere Photometer. Approved February 7, 2020.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IES LM-54
    DOE identified several changes in ANSI/IES LM-54-20 compared to the 
IESNA LM-54-99. ANSI/IES LM-54-20 adds a section on physical 
environment test conditions that cover topics such as keeping labs 
clean and within the ambient temperature range; not subjecting lamps to 
excessive vibration/shock; and using airflow to cool the seasoning 
area. ANSI/IES LM-54-20 also adds a section on electrical test 
conditions which includes instructions on frequency, voltage wave 
shape, voltage regulation, basic lamp connection protocols, and setting 
up an adjacent ground for fluorescent lamps. Additionally, ANSI/IES LM-
54-20 includes a new section on test preparation which addresses how to 
handle and mark lamps. Finally, ANSI/IES LM-54-20 adds a statement 
expressly stating that the orientation of the lamp during seasoning 
should be maintained for the entire test.
    Issue 2: DOE requests information and test data, if available, on 
any potential differences in testing under ANSI/IES LM-54-20 referenced 
in IES LM-9-20 and the resulting measurements of efficacy, as compared 
to efficacy as measured under IESNA LM-54-99 currently referenced by 
IES LM-9-09. Please specify the updates in ANSI/IES LM-54-20 compared 
to IESNA LM-54-99 that can result in changes to measured efficacy 
values and by how much the values will change.
IES LM-78
    DOE identified several changes in ANSI/IES LM-78-20 as compared to 
IESNA LM-78-07. ANSI/IES LM-78-20 includes a new section on taking 
measurements with a spectroradiometer within a sphere. ANSI/IES LM-78-
20 also provides specific sections on 2[pi] and 4[pi] geometry. For 
4[pi] geometry, ANSI/IES LM-78-20 states the total surface area of the 
lamp should be less than 2 percent of the total area of the sphere 
wall. ANSI/IES LM-78-20 also adds an explanation on using sphere 
angular response distribution function (``SRDF'') to assess sphere 
responsivity. Further the equation to compute luminous flux now 
includes subtraction of dark/stray light, a ratio of spectral mismatch 
correction factor to self-absorption factor, and the sphere angular 
non-uniformity correction factor.
    DOE also identified updates to specifications in the IESNA LM-78-
07. ANSI/IES LM-78-20 states the sphere diameter shall be 1.5 times the 
length of a linear lamp whereas it was specified as 2 times the length 
in the 2007 version. ANSI/IES LM-78-20 also states for the degree of 
the spectral match to the V([lambda]) function, it is preferable that 
the value of the photometer be less than 3 percent, whereas it was less 
than 5 percent in IESNA LM-78-07. Throughout ANSI/IES LM-78-20 the term 
spatial luminous intensity is replaced with angular luminous intensity. 
Finally, in ANSI/IES LM-78-20, the uncertainty analysis section has 
been condensed to a list of potential sources of errors and references 
to other industry standards for guidance.
    Issue 3: DOE requests information and test data, if available, on 
any potential differences in testing under ANSI/IES LM-78-20 referenced 
in section 7.0 of ANSI/IES LM-9-20 and the resulting measurements of 
efficacy, as compared to efficacy as measured under IESNA LM-78-07 
currently referenced by IES LM-9-09. Please specify the updates in 
ANSI/IES LM-78-20 compared to IESNA LM-78-07 that can result in changes 
to measured efficacy values and by how much the values will change.
    Issue 4: DOE requests information and test data, if available, on 
any potential differences in testing under ANSI/IES LM-9-20 and the 
resulting measurements of efficacy, as compared to efficacy as measured 
under IES LM-9-09 currently incorporated by reference. Please specify 
the updates in ANSI/IES LM-9-20 compared to IES LM-9-09 that can result 
in changes to measured efficacy values and by how much the values will 
change.
    Issue 5: DOE seeks comment on any differences in testing costs 
associated testing under ANSI/IES LM-9-20 compared to IES LM-9-09.
2. IES LM-79
    I ES LM-79 provides methods for taking electrical and photometric 
measurements of SSL products. DOE's initial review indicates several 
key changes in ANSI/IES LM-79-19 compared to IES LM-79-08. Regarding 
testing conditions, ANSI/IES LM-79-19 changes the tolerance of ambient 
temperature to +/- 1.2 degrees Celsius measured not more than 1.5 
meters from the test lamp, whereas in IES LM-79-08, it specified +/- 1 
degree Celsius and measured from not more than 1 meter.
    For instrumentation, ANSI/IES LM-79-19 requires the alternating 
current (``AC'') power analyzer to have a frequency range from direct 
current (``DC'') to at least 100 kilohertz (``kHz'') and for products 
with high-frequency components a frequency range of at least 1 
megahertz (``MHz''). ANSI/IES LM-79-19 also adds current crest factor 
capability requirements for the AC power supply. Regarding power supply 
tolerances, the ANSI/IES LM-79-19 specifies: (1) The supplied frequency 
to have a tolerance of +/- 2 hertz (``Hz'') from the prescribed 
frequency; and (2) the AC voltage component of the DC regulated voltage 
to be less than 0.5

[[Page 23638]]

percent root mean square (``RMS'') of the DC regulated voltage.
    IES LM-79-08 required that the calibration uncertainties of 
instruments for AC voltage and current be a minimum of 0.2 percent and 
for the AC power meter be a minimum of 0.5 percent. ANSI/IES LM-79-19 
replaces these specifications with expanded uncertainty minimums of: 
(1) 0.4 percent for RMS AC voltage for 60 Hz sinusoidal waveform 
measurements; (2) 0.6 percent for RMS AC current for 0.5 Hz to 1 kHz 
range and 2 percent for 1 kHz to 100 kHz range; and (3) 1 percent for 
active AC power in the 0.5 Hz to 1 kHz range and 2 percent in the 1 kHz 
to 100 kHz range.
    For test circuits, ANSI/IES LM-79-19 adds the following 
specifications: (1) Use of separate sense leads to avoid voltage drops; 
(2) resistance and capacitance of test circuit (excluding power supply) 
to be less than respectively 0.5 ohms and 1.5 nanofarads; and (3) the 
internal impedance of voltage measurement circuits (excluding the power 
meter) to be at least 1 megaohm.
    For electrical measurements, ANSI/IES LM-79-19 specifies the 
tolerances intervals of +/- 0.5 percent for AC RMS voltage, +/- 0.2 
percent for DC voltage and current. It also states optical and 
electrical waveforms should be analyzed to ensure measurement equipment 
is appropriate and addresses inrush currents \11\ and testing low 
voltage products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Some SSL products may experience inrush currents which are 
high instantaneous currents that occur when the power supply is 
turned on.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regarding stability, ANSI/IES LM-79-19 states that to determine 
stability three readings of light output and electrical power must be 
taken at 10-minute intervals over 20 minutes. IES LM-79-08 required 
three readings taken at 15-minute intervals over 30 minutes. ANSI/IES 
LM-79-19 also clarifies that it is the average of the three 
measurements taken chronologically that should be used to determine the 
stabilization threshold. Additionally, unlike IES LM-79-08, ANSI/IES 
LM-79-19 no longer allows the use of alternative stabilization methods 
for measurements of a number of products of the same model.
    Finally, ANSI/IES LM-79-19 condenses the section on the integrating 
sphere method and directly references IES LM-78-17,\12\ the 2017 
version of the industry standard for measurements in an integrating 
sphere. Further, ANSI/IES LM-79-19 specifies that the spectroradiometer 
system have a wavelength uncertainty within 0.5 nanometers. ANSI/IES 
LM-79-19 also specifies that for 2[pi] geometry the total surface area 
of the test lamp internal to the sphere should be no more than 1 
percent of the total surface area of the sphere.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Illuminating Engineering Society of America, IES LM-78-17 
Approved Method for Total Flux Measurement of Lamps Using an 
Integrating Sphere. Approved January 9, 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, appendix V1 references section 2 through 9.2 of IES LM-
79-08. If the DOE proposes to adopt ANSI/IES LM-79-19, sections 4 
through 6 and 7.2 would be referenced.
    Issue 6: DOE requests information and test data, if available, on 
any potential differences in testing under ANSI/IES LM-79-19 and the 
resulting measurements of efficacy, as compared to efficacy as measured 
under IES LM-79-08 currently incorporated by reference. Please specify 
the updates in ANSI/IES LM-79-19 compared to IES LM-79-08 that could 
result in changes to measured efficacy values and by how much the 
values will change.
    Issue 7: DOE seeks comment on any differences in testing costs 
associated testing under ANSI/IES LM-79-19 compared to IES LM-79-08.
    Issue 8: DOE specifically requests information and test data, if 
available, on any potential differences in the measurement of efficacy 
when using a goniophotometer instead of an integrating sphere.
    Issue 9: DOE requests information on industry test procedures for 
photometric and electrical measurements of non-integrated organic 
light-emitting diode lamps or any other SSL products not covered under 
ANSI/IES LM-79-19.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date 
specified in the DATES heading, comments and information on matters 
addressed in this RFI and on other matters relevant to DOE's early 
assessment of whether an amended test procedure for CFLKs is warranted 
and if so, what such amendments should be.
    Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page requires 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 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. Comments and documents submitted via 
email 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 in 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. No telefacsimiles (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

[[Page 23639]]

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. Pursuant 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 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. DOE will make 
its own determination about the confidential status of the information 
and treat it according to its determination.
    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].

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on April 25, 
2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. 
That document with the original signature and date is maintained by 
DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with 
requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE 
Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit 
the document in electronic format for publication, as an official 
document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no 
way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the 
Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on April 27, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-09045 Filed 5-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P