[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 123 (Wednesday, June 30, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34640-34644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13982]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2019-BT-TP-0026]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Consumer 
Products; Early Assessment Review: Dehumidifiers

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 undertaking an 
early assessment review to determine whether to proceed with a 
rulemaking to amend the test procedure for dehumidifiers. Through this 
request for information (``RFI''), DOE seeks data and information 
regarding issues pertinent to whether an amended test procedure 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 without being unduly 
burdensome to conduct. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on 
any subject within the scope of this document (including topics not 
raised in this RFI), as well as the submission of data and other 
relevant information.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before July 30, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested persons 
may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2019-BT-TP-0026, 
by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: to [email protected]. Include docket 
number EERE-2019-BT-TP-0026 in the subject line of the message.
    No telefacsimilies (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document.
    Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions 
through a variety of mechanisms, including the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal, email, postal mail, or 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 suspending receipt of public comments via postal mail and 
hand delivery/courier. If a commenter finds that this change poses an 
undue hardship, please contact Appliance Standards Program 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.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at www.regulations.gov. All documents in the 
docket are listed in the 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 www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE- 2019-BT-TP-0026. The docket web page contains 
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket. See section III for information on how to submit 
comments through www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bryan Berringer, 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) 586-0371. Email: 
[email protected].
    Mr. Pete Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-9496. 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 and Definitions
    B. Test Procedure
     1. Updates to Industry Standards
     2. Variable-Speed Dehumidifiers
     3. Psychrometer Setup
     4. Smart Technology
     5. Ventilation Air
    C. Other Test Procedure Topics
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. The 
purpose of this review is to limit the resources, from both DOE and 
stakeholders, committed to rulemakings that will not satisfy the 
requirements in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended 
(``EPCA''),\1\ that an amended test procedure more accurately or fully 
comply with the requirement that the test procedure produces results 
that measure energy use during a representative average use cycle or

[[Page 34641]]

period of use for the product, and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 
See 85 FR 8626, 8653-8654 (Feb. 14, 2020).
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through jthe Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec. 
27, 2020).
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    As part of the early assessment, DOE publishes an RFI in the 
Federal Register, announcing that DOE is initiating a rulemaking 
proceeding and soliciting comments, data, and information on whether an 
amended test procedure would more accurately measure energy use during 
a representative average use cycle or reduce testing burden. 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 based upon available evidence 
that an amended test procedure would not meet the applicable statutory 
criteria, DOE would engage in notice and comment rulemaking before 
issuing a final determination that an amended test procedure is not 
warranted.
    Conversely, if DOE makes an initial determination that an amended 
test procedure would satisfy the applicable statutory criteria, DOE 
would undertake the preliminary stages of a rulemaking to issue an 
amended test procedure. Beginning such a rulemaking, however, would not 
preclude DOE from later making a determination that an amended test 
procedure would not satisfy the requirements in EPCA, based upon the 
full suite of DOE's analyses. Id. at 85 FR 8654.

A. Authority and Background

    EPCA, 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, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to 
improve energy efficiency. These products include dehumidifiers, the 
subject of this RFI. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(13); 42 U.S.C. 6295 (cc))
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    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
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    The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant 
provisions of EPCA specifically include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291), 
test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), energy conservation standards (42 
U.S.C. 6295), 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))
    EPCA requires that the test procedure for dehumidifiers be based on 
the test criteria used under the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for 
Dehumidifiers developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as 
in effect on August 8, 2005, unless revised by DOE pursuant to 42 
U.S.C. 6293. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(13)) 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))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE review 
test procedures for all covered products, including dehumidifiers, 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 energy 
efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating costs during a 
representative average use cycle or period of use and not be unduly 
burdensome to conduct (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) DOE is publishing this 
RFI to collect data and information to inform its decision in 
satisfaction of this 7-year review requirement.

B. Rulemaking History

    DOE last amended the test procedure for dehumidifiers on July 31, 
2015 (``July 2015 Final Rule''), to provide technical clarifications 
and improve repeatability of the test procedure. 80 FR 45802. The July 
2015 Final Rule also established a new test procedure for dehumidifiers 
at appendix X1 that, among other things, established separate 
provisions for testing whole-home dehumidifiers. Id. DOE's test 
procedures for dehumidifiers are prescribed at Title 10 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (``CFR'') part 430, subpart B, appendix X1 
(``appendix X1''). Manufacturers were not required to use appendix X1 
until the compliance date of a subsequent amendment to the energy 
conservation standards for dehumidifiers. On June 13, 2016, DOE 
published a final rule establishing amended energy conservation 
standards for dehumidifiers, for which compliance was required 
beginning June 13, 2019. 81 FR 38338.

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. Accordingly, in the 
following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues on which it 
seeks input to determine whether, and if so how, amended test 
procedures for dehumidifiers would more accurately or fully comply with 
the requirements in EPCA that test procedures be reasonably designed to 
produce test results which reflect energy use during a representative 
average use cycle or period of use, without being unduly burdensome to 
conduct (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)).

A. Scope and Definitions

    EPCA defines a dehumidifier as a self-contained, electrically 
operated, and mechanically encased assembly consisting of--(1) a 
refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture from the 
atmosphere; (2) a refrigerating system, including an electric motor; 
(3) an air-circulating fan; and (4) a means for collecting or disposing 
of the condensate. (42 U.S.C. 6291(34)) In codifying a regulatory 
definition of ``dehumidifier,'' DOE interpreted the statutory 
definition as excluding portable air conditioners, room air 
conditioners, and packaged terminal air conditioners. 10 CFR 430.2. 
Products meeting this definition are subject to DOE's regulations for 
testing, certifying,

[[Page 34642]]

and complying with energy conservation standards.
    In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE established definitions for two 
dehumidifier configurations: ``portable dehumidifiers'' and ``whole-
home dehumidifiers.'' 80 FR 45802, 45805. A ``portable dehumidifier'' 
is a dehumidifier designed to operate within the dehumidified space 
without ducting (although means may be provided for optional duct 
attachment). 10 CFR 430.2. A ``whole-home dehumidifier'' is a 
dehumidifier designed to be installed with ducting to deliver return 
process air to its inlet and dehumidified process air to one or more 
locations in the dehumidified space. Id.
    Issue 1: DOE seeks comment on whether the current definitions of 
``dehumidifier,'' ``portable dehumidifier,'' and ``whole-home 
dehumidifier'' require amendment, and if so, how the terms should be 
defined.
    Issue 2: DOE requests comment on whether the existing equipment 
definitions specified in 10 CFR 430.2 for dehumidifiers require 
amendments to distinguish further between portable and whole-home 
units. If they do, DOE seeks information on what identifying 
characteristics may be included in potential amended definitions to 
differentiate better between the two configurations.

B. Test Procedure

    Dehumidifiers are tested in accordance with appendix X1, which 
incorporates American National Standard Institute (``ANSI'')/
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (``AHAM'') Standard DH-1-
2008, ``Dehumidifiers,'' (``ANSI/AHAM DH- 1-2008''), with modification. 
In part, the DOE test procedure specifies a different dry- bulb 
temperature (65 degrees Fahrenheit (``[deg]F'') for portable 
dehumidifiers and 73 [deg]F for whole-home dehumidifiers) than ANSI/
AHAM DH-1-2008, while still maintaining the relative humidity specified 
by ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008. See Section 4.1.1 of appendix.
    X1. Appendix X1 also includes instructions regarding 
instrumentation, condensate collection, control settings, setup, and 
ducting for whole-home dehumidifiers. See Sections 3.1.2.2; 3.1.1.4; 
3.1.1.5; 3.1.1.1; and 3.1.3 of appendix X1.
    Under the current test procedure, there is a single method to 
measure a dehumidifier's product capacity. A unit's capacity is the 
volume of water, in pints, the unit removes from the ambient air per 
day, normalized to a standard ambient temperature and relative 
humidity. See Section 2.14 of appendix X1. The Integrated Energy Factor 
(``IEF''), representing the efficiency of the unit expressed in liters 
per kilowatt-hour, is the ratio between the capacity and the combined 
amount of energy consumed by the unit in dehumidification mode and 
standby and/or off mode(s), adjusted for the representative number of 
hours per year spent in each mode. See Section 5.4 of appendix X1.
1. Updates to Industry Standards
    As discussed, the dehumidifier test procedure at appendix X1 
references ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, an industry test procedure for 
dehumidifiers, with modification. In 2017, AHAM published a revision to 
ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (``ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017''). ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017 includes 
provisions for testing dehumidifier energy use in off-cycle, inactive, 
and off modes, and for including energy consumption in those modes in 
efficiency calculations. ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017 also made other changes. 
First, it lowered the standard dry-bulb temperature condition for 
dehumidifiers from 80 [deg]F (as in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008) to 65 [deg]F 
(with the required wet-bulb temperature changing accordingly to 
maintain the same relative humidity).
    Second, it tightened the maximum allowed variation for dry-bulb and 
wet-bulb temperature readings from 2.0 [deg]F to 1.0 [deg]F and from 
1.0 [deg]F to 0.5 [deg]F, respectively. Third, it added guidance for 
instrumentation setup, multiple air-intakes and control settings.
    Issue 3: DOE seeks comment on whether the references to ANSI/AHAM 
DH-1-2008 at appendix X1 should be updated to the most current version, 
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017.
    Issue 4: DOE requests comment and information on whether, and if 
so, how updating the references in appendix X1 to ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017 
would impact the measured energy efficiency of dehumidifiers tested 
under the current DOE test procedure.
    Issue 5: DOE requests comment on the impact on test burden were DOE 
to reference ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017.
    Issue 6: DOE specifically requests feedback on the reduction of the 
maximum-allowed temperature variation in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017, the 
potential test burden increase from this change, and any effects on 
reliability or reproducibility of results.
    Issue 7: DOE requests information on whether any modifications to 
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2017, other than modifications consistent with those 
made to ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 in the current DOE test procedure, would be 
needed to ensure that DOE's test procedure produces results that are 
representative of an average use cycle and is not unduly burdensome to 
conduct.
2. Variable-Speed Dehumidifiers
    DOE is aware that dehumidifiers are available on the United States 
market that incorporate variable-speed compressors; i.e., ``variable-
speed dehumidifiers.'' Variable-speed dehumidifiers can avoid 
compressor cycling efficiency losses by modulating the compressor speed 
to match the amount of dehumidification required for a room. These 
units also avoid condensate re-evaporation into the ambient room air, 
which can occur when a dehumidifier cycles off its compressor but not 
its fan during off-cycle mode. The current test procedure in appendix 
X1 does not capture these ``cycling losses'' for single-speed 
dehumidifiers (and avoidance of such losses for variable-speed 
dehumidifiers) because the test unit operates at full capacity 
throughout the test.
    In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE considered a load-based test which 
would capture cycling behavior in dehumidifiers with single-speed 
compressors or speed modulation for variable-speed dehumidifiers. The 
load-based test would involve adding moisture to the test chamber at a 
fixed rate and allowing the control system of the dehumidifier to 
respond to changing moisture levels in the room. 80 FR 45802, 45809. 
DOE elected not to adopt a load-based test for the dehumidifier test 
procedure in the July 2015 Final Rule, due to concerns about the 
potential increase in test burden. Id. at 80 FR 45810.
    Issue 8: DOE seeks data on single-speed dehumidifiers: (1) Their 
energy use when cycling on and off due to varying relative humidity in 
the room, (2) the extent of re-evaporation when operating in off-cycle 
mode, and (3) the effect of re-evaporation on dehumidification mode 
efficiency.
    Issue 9: DOE seeks feedback and data regarding any alternative test 
methods that may produce results that are more representative of 
variable-speed dehumidifier energy consumption, including, but not 
limited to, a load-based test approach.
    Issue 10: DOE is also interested in information about the nature 
and extent of the test burden associated with a load-based test for 
dehumidifiers.
3. Psychrometer Setup
    Appendix X1, with reference to Section 4 ``Instrumentation'' of 
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, requires dehumidifiers with a single air intake to

[[Page 34643]]

be monitored with an aspirating-type psychrometer \3\ perpendicular to, 
and one foot in front of, the unit; and, in the case of multiple air 
intakes, to be monitored with a separate sampling tree. See Sections 
3.1.1, 3.1.1.2, 3.1.1.3 of appendix X1. In the July 2015 Final Rule, 
DOE considered whether certain psychrometer configuration issues, such 
as variable levels of residual heat from the psychrometer fan and 
variable air velocity influencing the accuracy of temperature sensors, 
were detrimental to test repeatability. 80 FR 45812-45813. As discussed 
in the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE was unable to determine whether any 
repeatability improvements are associated with adjusting the fan 
location in relation to the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature sensors, 
or with tightening the air velocity requirements through the 
psychrometer. DOE also did not have sufficient data to quantify the 
burdens associated with such requirements. Id. at 80 FR 45813.
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    \3\ In an aspirating-type psychrometer, a wet-bulb and a dry-
bulb thermometer are mounted inside a case that also contains a fan. 
The fan draws air across both thermometers, and the resulting wet-
bulb and dry-bulb temperatures are used to determine the percent 
relative humidity.
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    Additionally, since publication of the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE 
has received feedback from a testing laboratory that use of a sampling 
tree ducted to an aspirating psychrometer is a common configuration for 
testing of other refrigerant-based products, and that placing the 
psychrometer itself in front of the test unit may impede the 
instrument's ability to effectively monitor the inlet air conditions. 
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE considered a proposal to require 
sampling trees for testing all dehumidifiers, regardless of the number 
of air intakes, for consistency and repeatability. However, based on 
available data, DOE was unable to conclude at that time that the use of 
a sampling tree would be more reliable than the psychrometer-only 
approach. Id. at 80 FR 45812-45813.
    Issue 11: DOE seeks data on the effect of residual heat from the 
psychrometer fan and the effects of psychrometer air velocity on 
temperature measurement repeatability when using a psychrometer, rather 
than a humidity sensor, under the current (appendix X1) test procedure.
    DOE seeks information and data on measures that can be employed to 
minimize any such effects when using a psychrometer, as well as 
information regarding the repeatability of measurements when such 
measures are used.
    Issue 12: DOE requests comment on any potential test burden 
increases associated with additional requirements regarding 
psychrometer fan placement and orientation relative to the temperature 
sensors, and any burden associated with reducing the acceptable 
psychrometer air velocity range.
    Issue 13: DOE requests comment on whether it would be appropriate 
to require, or to allow, sampling trees to be used with aspirating 
psychrometers regardless of the number of air intakes for a given 
model, including any data confirming repeatability and especially 
repeatability relative to using an aspirating psychrometer without a 
sampling tree.
4. Smart Technology
    DOE notes that many types of household products (e.g. 
refrigerators, dryers, room air conditioners) are now equipped with 
``connected'' functionality, such as mobile alerts/messages, remote 
control, and energy information and demand response capabilities to 
support future smart grid interconnection. DOE is aware that certain 
manufacturers have incorporated some of these features, such as WiFi 
capability, into dehumidifiers. On September 17, 2018, DOE published an 
RFI on the emerging smart technology appliance and equipment market. 83 
FR 46886. 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 apply to dehumidifiers.
    Issue 14: DOE requests data on the prevalence of connected 
functionality in dehumidifiers currently on the market in the United 
States.
    Issue 15: DOE requests information on whether the current test 
procedures for dehumidifiers impede the ability of manufacturers to 
provide smart technology operations on dehumidifiers.
5. Ventilation Air
    Appendix X1 requires that any fresh-air inlet on a whole-home 
dehumidifier be capped and sealed during testing. See Section 3.1.3 of 
appendix X1. In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE determined that, while 
sealing the fresh-air inlet on dehumidifiers designed to operate with 
the fresh-air intake open may negatively impact capacity and 
efficiency, those effects are not significant enough to warrant the 
added test burden of providing separate fresh-air inflow. 80 FR 45811. 
DOE also noted the lack of data regarding representative consumer use 
of fresh-air inlet ducts for whole-home dehumidifiers.
    Issue 16: DOE requests data about the prevalence of fresh-air inlet 
use among whole-home dehumidifier consumers.
    Issue 17: DOE seeks feedback on the test burden increases 
associated with adding another air-stream in the testing configuration 
to account for the fresh-air inlet on those whole-home dehumidifiers 
equipped with such a feature.

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 dehumidifiers.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by July 30, 
2021, comments and information on matters addressed in this notice and 
on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of amended test 
procedures for dehumidifiers. These comments and information will aid 
in the development of a test procedure notice of proposed rulemaking 
for dehumidifiers if DOE determines that amended test procedures may be 
appropriate for these products.
    Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The 
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. Following this instruction, persons viewing comments will see 
only first and last names, organization names,

[[Page 34644]]

correspondence containing comments, and any documents submitted with 
the comments.
    Do not submit to 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 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 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 www.regulations.gov 
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
    Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via 
email will be posted to 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. No 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 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 to [email protected]. 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 June 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 June 25, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-13982 Filed 6-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P