[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 18, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46330-46357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16995]



[[Page 46329]]

Vol. 86

Wednesday,

No. 157

August 18, 2021

Part II





Department of Energy





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10 CFR Part 431





Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for 
Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 157 / Wednesday, August 18, 2021 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 46330]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[EERE-2019-BT-STD-0034]
RIN 1905-AE56


Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for 
Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves

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

ACTION: Notification of proposed determination and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''), 
prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products 
and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including commercial 
prerinse spray valves (``CPSVs''). EPCA also requires the U.S. 
Department of Energy (``DOE'' or ``the Department'') to periodically 
determine whether more-stringent, amended standards would be 
technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result 
in significant energy savings. In this notification of proposed 
determination (``NOPD''), DOE has initially determined that amended 
energy conservation standards for commercial prerinse spray valves are 
not needed. DOE requests comment on this proposed determination and the 
associated analyses and results.

DATES: 
    Meeting: DOE will hold a webinar on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 
from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. See section VII, ``Public Participation,'' 
for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and 
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants.
    Comments: Written comments and information are requested and will 
be accepted on or before October 18, 2021. See section VII, ``Public 
Participation,'' for details.

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 by email to the following address: 
[email protected]. Include a docket number EERE-2019-BT-STD-
0034 and/or RIN number 1904-AE56 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 mail and hand 
delivery/courier, DOE 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 and Equipment 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.
    No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section VII of this document.
    Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public 
meeting attendee lists and transcripts (if one is held), 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, not all documents listed in the 
index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt 
from public disclosure.
    The docket web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2019-BT-STD-0034. The docket web page contains instructions 
on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the 
docket. See section VII, ``Public Participation,'' for further 
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. Email: [email protected].
    Ms. Kathryn McIntosh, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2002. 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. Synopsis of the Proposed Determination
II. Introduction
    A. Authority
    B. Background
    1. Current Standards
    2. History of Standards Rulemakings for Commercial Prerinse 
Spray Valves
III. General Discussion
    A. Product Classes and Scope of Coverage
    B. Test Procedure
    C. Technological Feasibility
    1. General
    2. Maximum Technologically Feasible Levels
    D. Energy Savings
    1. Determination of Savings
    2. Significance of Savings
    E. Cost Effectiveness
    F. Further Considerations
IV. Methodology and Discussion of Related Comments
    A. Market and Technology Assessment
    1. Scope of Coverage
    2. Technology Options
    3. Screening Analysis
    a. Screened-Out Technologies
    b. Remaining Technologies
    4. Product Classes
    5. Market Assessment
    B. Engineering Analysis
    1. Efficiency Analysis
    a. Baseline Efficiency Levels
    b. Higher Efficiency Levels
    2. Cost Analysis
    a. Cost-Efficiency Results
    C. Markups Analysis
    D. Energy and Water Use Analysis
    1. Product Cost
    2. Installation Cost
    3. Annual Energy Consumption
    4. Energy Prices
    5. Water and Wastewater Prices
    6. Maintenance and Repair Costs
    7. Product Lifetime
    8. Discount Rates
    9. Energy Efficiency Distribution in the No-New-Standards Case
    10. Payback Period Analysis
    E. Shipments Analysis
    1. Nearest Neighbor Switch Scenario
    2. Product Switch Scenario
    F. National Impact Analysis
    1. Product Efficiency Trends
    2. National Energy Savings
    3. Net Present Value Analysis
    G. Manufacturer Impact Analysis
    1. Overview
    2. GRIM Analysis and Key Inputs
    a. Manufacturer Product Costs
    b. Shipment Projections
    c. Product and Capital Conversion Costs
    d. Manufacturer Markup
V. Analytical Results and Conclusions
    A. Economic Impacts on Individual Consumers
    B. Economic Impacts on Manufacturers
    1. Industry Cash Flow Analysis Results

[[Page 46331]]

    2. Direct Impacts on Employment
    3. Impacts on Manufacturing Capacity
    4. Impacts on Subgroups of Manufacturers
    5. Cumulative Regulatory Burden
    C. National Impact Analysis
    1. Significance of Energy Savings
    2. Net Present Value of Consumer Costs and Benefits
    D. Proposed Determination
    1. Technological Feasibility
    2. Cost Effectiveness
    3. Significant Conservation of Energy
    4. Additional Consideration
    5. Summary
VI. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
    D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
    F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
    G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 1999
    I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 2001
    K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
    L. Review Under the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review
VII. Public Participation
    A. Participation in the Webinar
    B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for 
Distribution
    C. Conduct of the Webinar
    D. Submission of Comments
    E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VIII. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Synopsis of the Proposed Determination

    Title III, Part B \1\ of EPCA,\2\ established the Energy 
Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles. (42 
U.S.C. 6291-6309) These products include commercial prerinse spray 
valves, the subject of this NOPD.\3\
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    \1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
    \2\ 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).
    \3\ Because Congress included commercial prerinse spray valves 
in Part B of Title III of EPCA, the consumer product provisions of 
Part B (not the industrial equipment provisions of Part C) apply to 
commercial prerinse spray valves. However, because commercial 
prerinse spray valves are commonly considered to be commercial 
equipment, as a matter of administrative convenience and to minimize 
confusion among interested parties, DOE placed the requirements for 
commercial prerinse spray valves into subpart O of 10 CFR part 431. 
Part 431 contains DOE regulations for commercial and industrial 
equipment. DOE refers to commercial prerinse spray valves as either 
``products'' or ``equipment.''
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    DOE is issuing this NOPD pursuant to the EPCA requirement that not 
later than 6 years after issuance of any final rule establishing or 
amending a standard, DOE must publish either a notification of 
determination that standards for the product do not need to be amended, 
or a notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR'') including new proposed 
energy conservation standards (proceeding to a final rule, as 
appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6295(m))
    For this proposed determination, DOE analyzed commercial prerinse 
spray valves subject to standards specified in title 10 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (``CFR'') Sec.  431.266.
    DOE first analyzed the technological feasibility of more energy 
(water) efficient commercial prerinse spray valves and commercial 
prerinse spray valves with lower energy use. For those commercial 
prerinse spray valves for which DOE determined higher standards to be 
technologically feasible, DOE estimated energy savings that would 
result from potential energy conservation standards by conducting a 
national impacts analysis (``NIA''). DOE evaluated whether higher 
standards would be cost effective by conducting life-cycle cost 
(``LCC'') and payback period (``PBP'') analyses and estimated the net 
present value (``NPV'') of the total costs and benefits experienced by 
consumers.
    Based on the results of the analyses, summarized in section V of 
this document, and comments received in response to the early 
assessment request for information (``RFI'') published in June 2020 
(``June 2020 RFI''; see 85 FR 35383 (Jun. 10, 2020)), DOE has 
tentatively determined that current standards for commercial prerinse 
spray valves do not need to be amended because any potential benefits 
are outweighed by the risk of increased energy and water usage due to 
the increased risk of product switching, costs, and additional burden 
to manufacturers.

II. Introduction

    The following section briefly discusses the statutory authority 
underlying this proposed determination, as well as some of the 
historical background relevant to the establishment of standards for 
commercial prerinse spray valves.

A. Authority

    EPCA authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a number 
of consumer products and certain industrial equipment. Title III, Part 
B of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 
Products Other Than Automobiles. These products include commercial 
prerinse spray valves, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(33)) EPCA prescribed energy conservation standards (in terms of 
flow rate) for these products (42 U.S.C. 6295(dd)) and directs DOE to 
conduct future rulemakings to determine whether to amend these 
standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m))
    The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) the establishment of 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), 
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).
    Subject to certain criteria and conditions, DOE is required to 
develop test procedures to measure the energy efficiency, energy use, 
or estimated annual operating cost of each covered product. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(3)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 6295(r)) Manufacturers of covered products 
must use the prescribed DOE test procedure as the basis for certifying 
to DOE that their products comply with the applicable energy 
conservation standards adopted under EPCA and when making 
representations to the public regarding the energy use or efficiency of 
those products. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c) and 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)) Similarly, 
DOE must use these test procedures to determine whether the products 
comply with standards adopted pursuant to EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)) The 
DOE test procedures for commercial prerinse spray valves appear at 10 
CFR 431.264.
    Federal energy conservation requirements generally supersede State 
laws or regulations concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, 
and standards. (42 U.S.C. 6297(a)-(c)) California, however, has a 
statutory exemption to preemption for commercial prerinse spray valve 
standards adopted by the California Energy Commission before January 1, 
2005. (42 U.S.C. 6297(c)(7)) As a result, while Federal commercial 
prerinse spray valve standards apply in California, California's 
commercial prerinse spray valve standards also apply for standards 
adopted before January 1, 2005, as they were exempt from preemption. In 
2018, California revised its regulations so that the maximum flow rate 
requirements align with those implemented by DOE for commercial 
prerinse spray valves. DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal 
preemption for particular State laws or

[[Page 46332]]

regulations, in accordance with the procedures and other provisions set 
forth under EPCA. (See 42 U.S.C. 6297(d))
    Pursuant to the amendments contained in the Energy Independence and 
Security Act of 2007 (``EISA 2007''), Public Law 110-140, any final 
rule for new or amended energy conservation standards promulgated after 
July 1, 2010, is required to address standby mode and off mode energy 
use. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3)) Specifically, when DOE adopts a standard 
for a covered product after that date, it must, if justified by the 
criteria for adoption of standards under EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)), 
incorporate standby mode and off mode energy use into a single 
standard, or, if that is not feasible, adopt a separate standard for 
such energy use for that product. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3)(A)-(B)) 
Because commercial prerinse spray valves only consume energy and water 
in active mode, DOE's test procedures for commercial prerinse spray 
valves do not address standby mode and off mode energy use as they are 
not applicable for this product.
    DOE must periodically review its already established energy 
conservation standards for a covered product no later than 6 years from 
the issuance of a final rule establishing or amending a standard for a 
covered product. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)) This 6-year look-back provision 
requires that DOE publish either a determination that standards do not 
need to be amended or a NOPR, including new proposed standards 
(proceeding to a final rule, as appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A)-
(B)) EPCA further provides that, not later than 3 years after the 
issuance of a final determination not to amend standards, DOE must 
publish either a notification of determination that standards for the 
product do not need to be amended, or a NOPR including new proposed 
energy conservation standards (proceeding to a final rule, as 
appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(3)(B)) DOE must make the analysis on 
which a determination is based publicly available and provide an 
opportunity for written comment. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(2))
    A determination that amended standards are not needed must be based 
on consideration of whether amended standards will result in 
significant conservation of energy, are technologically feasible, and 
are cost effective. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 6295(n)(2)) 
Additionally, any new or amended energy conservation standard 
prescribed by the Secretary of Energy (``Secretary'') for any type (or 
class) of covered product shall be designed to achieve the maximum 
improvement in energy efficiency which the Secretary determines is 
technologically feasible and economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(2)(A)) Among the factors DOE considers in evaluating whether a 
proposed standard level is economically justified includes whether the 
proposed standard at that level is cost-effective, as defined under 42 
U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(II). Under 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(II), an 
evaluation of cost-effectiveness requires DOE to consider savings in 
operating costs throughout the estimated average life of the covered 
products in the type (or class) compared to any increase in the price, 
initial charges, or maintenance expenses for the covered products that 
are likely to result from the standard. (42 U.S.C. 6295(n)(2) and 42 
U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(II))
    DOE is publishing this NOPD in satisfaction of the 6-year review 
requirement in EPCA.

B. Background

1. Current Standards
    In a final rule published on January 27, 2016, (``January 2016 
Final Rule''), DOE prescribed the current energy conservation standards 
for commercial prerinse spray valves manufactured on and after January 
28, 2019. 81 FR 4748. These standards prescribe a maximum flow rate in 
gallons per minute (``gpm'') for each product class and are set forth 
in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 431.266 and repeated in Table II.1.

    Table II.1--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial
                          Prerinse Spray Valves
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Flow rate
      Product class (spray force in ounce-force, ozf)           (gpm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Class 1 (<=5.0 ozf)................................         1.00
Product Class 2 (>5.0 ozf and <=8.0 ozf)...................         1.20
Product Class 3 (>8.0 ozf).................................         1.28
------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. History of Standards Rulemakings for Commercial Prerinse Spray 
Valves
    In support of the present review of the CPSV energy conservation 
standards, on June 10, 2020, DOE published the June 2020 RFI, which 
identified various issues on which DOE sought comment to inform its 
determination of whether the standards need to be amended. 85 FR 35383. 
DOE was specifically interested in collecting data and information that 
could enable the agency to determine whether it should propose a ``no 
new standard'' determination because a more stringent standard: (1) 
Would not result in a significant savings of energy, (2) is not 
technologically feasible, (3) is not economically justified, or (4) any 
combination of foregoing. Id. at 85 FR 35385. In response to a comment 
received, DOE published on July 20, 2020, a reopening of public comment 
period extending the comment period for an additional 30 days. 85 FR 
43748.
    DOE received comments in response to the June 2020 RFI from the 
interested parties listed in Table II.2.

               Table II.2--June 2020 RFI Written Comments
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Reference in this
         Organization(s)                 NOPD          Organization type
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appliance Standards Awareness     ASAP..............  Efficiency
 Project.                                              Organization.
Northwest Energy Efficiency       NEEA..............  Efficiency
 Alliance.                                             Organization.
Pacific Gas and Electric          CA IOUs...........  Utilities.
 Company, San Diego Gas and
 Electric, and Southern
 California Edison.
Plumbing Manufacturers Inc......  PMI...............  Trade Association.
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[[Page 46333]]

    A parenthetical reference at the end of a comment quotation or 
paraphrase provides the location of the item in the public record.\4\
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    \4\ The parenthetical reference provides a reference for 
information located in the docket. (Docket No. EERE-2019-BT-STD-
0034, which is maintained at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2019-BT-STD-0034). The references are arranged as follows: 
(commenter name, comment docket ID number, page of that document).
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III. General Discussion

    DOE developed this proposed determination after considering 
comments, data, and information from interested parties that represent 
a variety of interests. This document addresses issues raised by these 
commenters.

A. Product Classes and Scope of Coverage

    When evaluating and establishing energy conservation standards, DOE 
divides covered products into product classes by the type of energy 
used or by capacity or other performance-related features that justify 
differing standards. In making a determination whether a performance-
related feature justifies a different standard, DOE must consider such 
factors as the utility of the feature to the consumer and other factors 
DOE determines are appropriate. (42 U.S.C. 6295(q)) The CPSV classes 
for this proposed determination are discussed in further detail in 
section IV.A.4 of this document. This proposed determination covers 
commercial prerinse spray valves defined as a handheld device that has 
a release-to-close valve and is suitable for removing food residue from 
food service items before cleaning them in commercial dishwashing or 
ware washing equipment. 10 CFR 431.262 The scope of coverage is 
discussed in further detail in section IV.A.1 of this document.

B. Test Procedure

    EPCA sets forth generally applicable criteria and procedures for 
DOE's adoption and amendment of test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6293) 
Manufacturers of covered products must use these test procedures to 
certify to DOE that their product complies with energy conservation 
standards and to quantify the efficiency of their product. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(s) and 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)) DOE will finalize a test procedure 
establishing methodologies used to evaluate proposed energy 
conservation standards at least 180 days prior to publication of a NOPR 
proposing new or amended energy conservation standards. Section 8(d) of 
appendix A to 10 CFR part 430, subpart C (``Process Rule''). DOE's 
current energy conservation standards for commercial prerinse spray 
valves are expressed in terms of gpm. 10 CFR 431.266
    DOE published a test procedure final rule on December 30, 2015, 
which incorporated by reference the 2013 version of ASTM International 
(``ASTM'') Standard F2324 (``ASTM F2324-13''). 80 FR 81441 (``December 
2015 Final Rule''). In the December 2015 Final Rule, DOE also revised 
the definition of ``commercial prerinse spray valve,'' made minor 
changes to the DOE flow rate test method, and added a definition and 
test method for ``spray force.'' The test procedures for commercial 
prerinse spray valves are codified in 10 CFR 431.264.
    On June 5, 2020, DOE published an RFI soliciting public comment and 
data on all aspects of the existing DOE test procedure for commercial 
prerinse spray valves, including (1) the scope and definition of the 
test procedure, (2) incorporation of the reaffirmed industry standard, 
and (3) the representativeness of the test water pressure. 85 FR 34541 
On May 20, 2021 DOE published a test procedure NOPR, which proposed 
updates to incorporate the 2019 reaffirmed version of ASTM Standard 
F2324, ASTM F2324-13 (2019). 86 FR 27298, 27302. DOE has initially 
determined that this change to the version referenced would not impact 
the measured flow rate. Id. DOE also proposed revising the definition 
of ``commercial prerinse spray valve'' to clarify which valves are 
covered products but did not propose to change the scope of valves that 
are covered. Id.

C. Technological Feasibility

1. General
    In evaluating potential amendments to energy conservation 
standards, DOE conducts a screening analysis based on information 
gathered on all current technology options and prototype designs that 
could improve the efficiency of the products or equipment that are the 
subject of the determination. As the first step in such an analysis, 
DOE develops a list of technology options for consideration in 
consultation with manufacturers, design engineers, and other interested 
parties. DOE then determines which of those means for improving 
efficiency are technologically feasible. DOE considers technologies 
incorporated in commercially available products or in working 
prototypes to be technologically feasible. Sections 6(c)(3)(i) and 
7(b)(1) of appendix A to 10 CFR part 430, subpart C.
    After DOE has determined that particular technology options are 
technologically feasible, it further evaluates each technology option 
in light of the following additional screening criteria: (1) 
Practicability to manufacture, install, and service; (2) adverse 
impacts on product utility or availability; (3) adverse impacts on 
health or safety; and (4) unique-pathway proprietary technologies. 
Sections 6(c)(3)(ii)-(v) and 7(b)(2)-(5) of appendix A to 10 CFR part 
430, subpart C. Section IV.A.3 of this document discusses the results 
of the screening analysis for commercial prerinse spray valves, 
particularly the designs DOE considered, those it screened out, and 
those that are the basis for the standards considered in this proposed 
determination. For further details on the screening analysis for this 
proposed determination, see chapter 4 of the NOPD technical support 
document (``TSD'').
2. Maximum Technologically Feasible Levels
    When DOE proposes to adopt an amended standard for a type or class 
of covered product, it must determine the maximum improvement in energy 
efficiency or maximum reduction in energy use that is technologically 
feasible for such a product. (42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(1)) Accordingly, in the 
engineering analysis, DOE determined the maximum technologically 
feasible (``max-tech'') improvements in energy efficiency for 
commercial prerinse spray valves, using the design parameters for the 
most efficient products available on the market or in working 
prototypes. The max-tech levels that DOE determined for this analysis 
are described in section IV.B of this document and in chapter 5 of the 
NOPD TSD.

D. Energy Savings

1. Determination of Savings
    For each efficiency level (``EL'') evaluated, DOE projected energy 
savings from application of the efficiency level to the commercial 
prerinse spray valves purchased in the 30-year period that begins in 
the assumed year of compliance with the potential standards (2027-
2056). The savings are measured over the entire lifetime of the 
commercial prerinse spray valves purchased in the previous 30-year 
period. DOE quantified the energy savings attributable to each 
efficiency level as the difference in energy consumption between each 
standards case and the no-new-standards case. The no-new-standards case 
represents a

[[Page 46334]]

projection of energy consumption that reflects how the market for a 
product would likely evolve in the absence of amended energy 
conservation standards.
    DOE used its NIA spreadsheet model to estimate national energy 
savings (``NES'') from potential amended or new standards for 
commercial prerinse spray valves. The NIA spreadsheet model (described 
in section IV.G of this document) calculates energy savings in terms of 
site energy, which is the energy directly consumed by products at the 
locations where they are used. For electricity, DOE reports NES in 
terms of both site and primary energy savings, which is the savings in 
the energy that is used to generate and transmit the site electricity. 
DOE also calculates NES in terms of full-fuel-cycle (``FFC'') energy 
savings. The FFC metric includes the energy consumed in extracting, 
processing, and transporting primary fuels (i.e., coal, natural gas, 
petroleum fuels), and thus presents a more complete picture of the 
impacts of energy conservation standards.\5\ DOE's approach is based on 
the calculation of an FFC multiplier for each of the energy types used 
by covered products or equipment. For more information on FFC energy 
savings, see section IV.G of this document.
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    \5\ The FFC metric is discussed in DOE's statement of policy and 
notice of policy amendment. 76 FR 51282 (Aug. 18, 2011), as amended 
at 77 FR 49701 (Aug. 17, 2012).
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2. Significance of Savings
    In determining whether amended standards are needed, DOE must 
consider whether such standards will result in significant conservation 
of energy. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A)) On February 14, 2020, DOE 
published an update to its procedures, interpretations, and policies 
for consideration in new or revised energy conservation standards and 
test procedure, i.e., ``Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for 
Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test 
Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial 
Equipment'' (see 10 CFR part 430, subpart C, appendix A).\6\ 85 FR 
8626. In the updated Process Rule, DOE established a significance 
threshold for energy savings under which DOE employs a two-step 
approach that considers both an absolute site energy savings threshold 
and a threshold that is a percent reduction in the energy use of the 
covered product. Section 6(a) of the appendix A to 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart C.
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    \6\ On January 20, 2021, the President issued Executive Order 
13990, Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring 
Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis. Exec. Order No. 13,990, 86 FR 
7037 (Jan. 25, 2021) (``E.O. 13990''). E.O. 13990 affirms the 
Nation's commitment to empower our workers and communities; promote 
and protect our public health and the environment; and conserve our 
national treasures and monuments. To that end, the stated policies 
of E.O. 13990 include: Improving public health and protecting our 
environment; ensuring access to clean air and water; and reducing 
greenhouse gas emissions. E.O. 13990 section 1. Section 2 of E.O. 
13990 directs agencies, in part, to immediately review all existing 
regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, and any other 
similar agency actions (``agency actions'') promulgated, issued, or 
adopted between January 20, 2017, and January 20, 2021, that are or 
may be inconsistent with, or present obstacles to, the policy set 
forth in the Executive Order. E.O. 13990 section 2. In addition, 
section 2(iii) of E.O. 13990 specifically directs DOE to, as 
appropriate and consistent with applicable law, publishing for 
notice and comment a proposed rule suspending, revising, or 
rescinding the updated Process Rule. In response to this directive, 
DOE has undertaken a review of the updated Process Rule. See, 86 FR 
18901 (Apr. 12, 2021) and 86 FR 35668 (July 7, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE first evaluates the projected energy savings from a potential 
max-tech standard over a 30-year period against a 0.3 quadrillion 
British thermal units (``quads'') of site energy savings threshold. 
Section 6(b)(2) of appendix A to 10 CFR part 430, subpart C. If the 
0.3-quad threshold is not met, DOE then compares the max-tech savings 
to the total energy usage of the covered product to calculate a 
percentage reduction in energy usage. Section 6(b)(3) of appendix A to 
10 CFR part 430, subpart C. If this comparison does not yield a 
reduction in site energy use of at least 10 percent over a 30-year 
period, the analysis will end and DOE will propose to determine that no 
significant energy savings would likely result from setting new or 
amended standards. Section 6(b)(4) of appendix A to 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart C. If either one of the thresholds is reached, DOE will conduct 
analyses to ascertain whether a standard can be prescribed that 
produces the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is both 
technologically feasible and economically justified and still 
constitutes significant energy savings at the level determined to be 
economically justified. Section 6(b)(5) of appendix A to 10 CFR part 
430, subpart C. This two-step approach allows DOE to ascertain whether 
a potential standard satisfies EPCA's significant energy savings 
requirements in 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B) to ensure that DOE avoids 
setting a standard that ``will not result in significant conservation 
of energy.''
    EPCA defines ``energy efficiency'' as the ratio of the useful 
output of services from a consumer product to the energy use of such 
product, measured according to the Federal test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(5), emphasis added) EPCA defines ``energy use'' as the quantity of 
energy directly consumed by a consumer product at point of use, as 
measured by the Federal test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6291(4)) Further, 
EPCA uses a household energy consumption metric as a threshold for 
setting standards for new covered products. (42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1)) 
Given this context, DOE relies on site energy as the appropriate metric 
for evaluating the significance of energy savings.
    DOE noted in the June 2020 RFI that the significant water savings 
requirement does not apply to prerinse spray valves. 85 FR 35383, 
35385. DOE cites 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B), which specifies significant 
conservation of water for only ``showerheads, faucets, water closets, 
or urinals''. DOE also stated that the prohibition on amending a 
standard to allow greater water use does not apply to prerinse spray 
valves. Id. DOE cites 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(1), which similarly prohibits 
the prescription of any amended standard that increases the maximum 
allowable water use of only showerheads, faucets, water closets, or 
urinals.
    The CA IOUs commented that because commercial prerinse spray valves 
use heated water, any standard that increased the flow rate would be in 
conflict with EPCA's prohibition on increasing maximum allowable energy 
use as specified in 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(1). (CA IOUs, No. 6 at p. 4)
    As discussed, DOE is not proposing to amend the energy conservation 
standards for commercial prerinse spray valves (i.e., DOE is not 
proposing to amend the maximum flow rates). For this proposed 
determination, DOE analyzed the maximum possible savings relative to 
the potential for consumers to switch to equipment or products with a 
higher flow rate, such as faucets, in response to more stringent 
standards.

E. Cost Effectiveness

    In making a determination of whether amended energy conservation 
standards are needed, EPCA requires DOE to consider the cost 
effectiveness of amended standards in the context of the savings in 
operating costs throughout the estimated average life of the covered 
product compared to any increase in the price of, or in the initial 
charges for, or maintenance expenses of, the covered product that are 
likely to result from a standard. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A), 42 U.S.C. 
6295(n)(2), and 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(II))
    In determining cost effectiveness of amending standards for 
commercial prerinse spray valves, DOE conducted

[[Page 46335]]

LCC and PBP analyses that estimate the costs and benefits to users from 
standards. To further inform DOE's consideration of the cost 
effectiveness of amended standards, DOE considered the NPV of total 
costs and benefits estimated as part of the NIA. The inputs for 
determining the NPV of the total costs and benefits experienced by 
consumers are (1) total annual installed cost, (2) total annual 
operating costs (energy costs and repair and maintenance costs), and 
(3) a discount factor to calculate the present value of costs and 
savings.

F. Further Considerations

    As stated previously, pursuant to EPCA, absent DOE publishing a 
notification of determination that energy conservation standards for 
commercial prerinse spray valves do not need to be amended, DOE must 
issue a NOPR that includes new proposed standards. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(m)(1)(B)) The new proposed standards in any such NOPR must be 
based on the criteria established under 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and follow 
the procedures established under 42 U.S.C. 6295(p). (42 U.S.C. 
6295(m)(1)(B)) The criteria in 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) require that standards 
be designed to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency, 
which the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and 
economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) In deciding whether a 
proposed standard is economically justified, DOE must determine whether 
the benefits of the standard exceed its burdens. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(2)(B)(i)) DOE must make this determination after receiving 
comments on the proposed standard, and by considering, to the greatest 
extent practicable, the following seven statutory factors:
    (1) The economic impact of the standard on manufacturers and 
consumers of the products subject to the standard;
    (2) The savings in operating costs throughout the estimated average 
life of the covered products in the type (or class) compared to any 
increase in the price, initial charges for, or maintenance expenses of 
the covered products that are likely to result from the standard;
    (3) The total projected amount of energy (or as applicable, water) 
savings likely to result directly from the standard;
    (4) Any lessening of the utility or the performance of the covered 
products likely to result from the standard;
    (5) The impact of any lessening of competition, as determined in 
writing by the Attorney General, that is likely to result from the 
standard;
    (6) The need for national energy and water conservation; and
    (7) Other factors the Secretary considers relevant.

(42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(I)-(VII))

    As discussed in the January 2016 Final Rule, DOE found that amended 
standards at a level more stringent than those adopted would not be 
economically justified under the considerations of the seven factors 
prescribed in EPCA. 81 FR 4748, 4794. Specifically, the Secretary 
concluded that at the more stringent standards levels the benefits of 
energy savings, positive NPV of consumer benefits, emission reductions, 
and the estimated monetary value of the emissions reductions would be 
outweighed by the reduction in manufacturer industry value. Id. 
Consequently, the Secretary concluded that standards more stringent 
than those adopted were not economically justified. Id. For the 
determination proposed in this document, DOE has considered potential 
manufacturer impacts associated with amended energy conservation 
standards (See section IV.H of this document).

IV. Methodology and Discussion of Related Comments

    This section addresses the analyses DOE has performed for this 
proposed determination with regard to commercial prerinse spray valves. 
Separate subsections address each component of DOE's analyses. DOE used 
several analytical tools to estimate the impact of potential energy 
conservation standards. The first tool is a spreadsheet that calculates 
the LCC savings and PBP of potential energy conservation standards. The 
NIA uses a second spreadsheet set that provides shipments projections 
and calculates NES and NPV of total consumer costs and savings expected 
to result from potential energy conservation standards. These 
spreadsheet tools are available on the website: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2019-BT-STD-0034.

A. Market and Technology Assessment

    DOE develops information in the market and technology assessment 
that provides an overall picture of the market for the products 
concerned, including the purpose of the products, the industry 
structure, manufacturers, market characteristics, and technologies used 
in the products. This activity includes both quantitative and 
qualitative assessments, based primarily on publicly available 
information. The subjects addressed in the market and technology 
assessment for this proposed determination include (1) a determination 
of the scope and product classes, (2) manufacturers and industry 
structure, (3) existing efficiency programs, (4) shipments information, 
(5) market and industry trends, and (6) technologies or design options 
that could improve the energy efficiency of commercial prerinse spray 
valves. The key findings of DOE's market assessment are summarized in 
the following sections. See chapter 3 of the NOPD TSD for further 
discussion of the market and technology assessment.
1. Scope of Coverage
    In this analysis, DOE relied on the definition of commercial 
prerinse spray valves in 10 CFR 431.262, which defines commercial 
prerinse spray valve as ``a handheld device that has a release-to-close 
valve and is suitable for removing food residue from food service items 
before cleaning them in commercial dishwashing or ware washing 
equipment.'' Any product meeting the definition of commercial prerinse 
spray valve is included in DOE's scope of coverage.
    In response to the June 2020 RFI, NEEA and Appliance Standards 
Awareness Project (ASAP) commented that many valves marketed on online 
retailers' and manufacturers' websites appear to meet DOE's definition 
of a commercial prerinse spray valve but have flow rates above DOE's 
limits. (ASAP, No. 5 at p. 1; NEEA, No. 7 at p. 2) ASAP provided 
website links to products it asserted meet DOE's definition but have 
flow rates above DOE's energy conservation standard limits and models 
that are advertised as complying with DOE standards are not included in 
DOE's compliance database. (ASAP, No. 5 at p. 2-4) ASAP commented that 
the current definition means that a product does not have to be 
explicitly marketed as a commercial prerinse spray valve in order to be 
covered, so long as it is suitable for use in washing dishes. (Id. at 
p. 2)
    In the May 20, 2021 CPSV test procedure NOPR, DOE addressed similar 
comments and proposed to update the definition to codify in the CFR 
existing guidance on the application of the current definition in 10 
CFR 431.262. 86 FR 27298. DOE reiterated that adopting this guidance is 
not intended to change the scope of valves covered in the CPSV 
definition, only to codify existing guidance. Id.
2. Technology Options
    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE identified several technology options 
that would be expected to improve the efficiency of

[[Page 46336]]

commercial prerinse spray valves, as measured by the DOE test 
procedure. The complete list of technology options identified are as 
follows:
    (1) Addition of flow control insert,
    (2) Smaller spray hole area,
    (3) Aerators,
    (4) Additional valves,
    (5) Changing spray hole shape, and
    (6) Venturi meter to orifice plate nozzle geometries.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ A venturi meter is a nozzle where the fluid accelerates 
through a converging cone of 15-20 degrees. An orifice plate is a 
flat plate with a circular hole drilled in it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE requested comment on the applicability of these technologies to 
the efficiency and performance characteristics of commercial prerinse 
spray valves. DOE also requested comment and data on any new 
technologies that should be considered in its analysis. 85 FR 35383, 
35386-35387.
    In response to the June 2020 RFI, PMI commented that it is not 
aware of any significant technological advances that would vastly alter 
the water and energy savings from the products currently being 
produced. (PMI, No. 4 at p. 1) CA IOUs commented that pressure 
compensating aerator (``PCA'') technology represents an opportunity for 
further efficiency gains from commercial prerinse spray valves and 
recommended DOE investigate the energy saving potential of these 
technologies. (CA IOUs, No. 6 at p. 1)
    PCAs typically use an O-ring that compresses and relaxes in 
response to system pressure. When there is no pressure, the O-ring is 
relaxed and allows the aerator to be fully opened. As the pressure 
increases, the O-ring is compressed into the aerator opening to 
partially block water passage. This establishes an inverse relationship 
between the area of the aerator opening and the water pressure, and can 
be designed such that the water flow rate is approximately constant 
with pressure.
    CA IOUs commented that because the flow rate of commercial prerinse 
spray valves varies with pressure, low water pressure can reduce user 
satisfaction and result in consumers trying to alter their spray valve 
or replace it with a higher flow-rate spray valve. (Id. at p. 1-2) They 
stated that using a PCA decouples the flow rate of commercial prerinse 
spray valves from water supply pressure, increasing consumer 
satisfaction. (Id. at p. 3) CA IOUs commented that PCAs became widely 
adopted around 2010 and were not previously considered by DOE in the 
context of a CPSV rulemaking. They urged DOE to consider PCAs as a 
technology option in this rulemaking. (Id. at p. 3)
    An initial review of the technology indicates that PCAs represent 
an opportunity to increase consumer satisfaction at low water pressure, 
as PCAs would ensure that consumers get their desired spray force 
across the entire range of in-field water pressures. However, DOE does 
not initially find PCAs to represent a technology option that would 
improve the water efficiency of commercial prerinse spray valves as 
measured by DOE's test procedure. DOE's test procedure measures flow 
rate and spray force at a singular, representative water pressure. 
Adding a PCA would not change the flow rate or spray force at DOE's 
test pressure.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ In the CA IOUs comment, Figure 2 also shows that at the DOE 
test procedure test pressure (60 pounds per square inch, or psi), 
the flow rate continues to be at 1.28 gpm for fixed orifice, PCA 
high performance, and PCA basic. (CA IOUs, No. 6 at p. 3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In summary, for this analysis, DOE considers the technology options 
shown in Table IV.1. Detailed descriptions of these technology options 
can be found in chapter 3 of the NOPD TSD.

     Table IV.1--Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves Technology Options
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Technology Option
Addition of Flow Control Insert
Smaller Spray Hole Area
Aerators
Additional Valves
Changing Spray Hole Shape
Venturi Meter to Orifice Plate Nozzle Geometries
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE seeks comment on its determination that PCAs would not change 
the flow rate or spray force at DOE's test pressure.
3. Screening Analysis
    DOE uses the following five screening criteria to determine which 
technology options are suitable for further consideration in an energy 
conservation standards rulemaking:
    (1) Technological feasibility. Technologies that are not 
incorporated in commercial products or in working prototypes will not 
be considered further.
    (2) Practicability to manufacture, install, and service. If it is 
determined that mass production and reliable installation and servicing 
of a technology in commercial products could not be achieved on the 
scale necessary to serve the relevant market at the time of the 
projected compliance date of the standard, then that technology will 
not be considered further.
    (3) Impacts on product utility or product availability. If it is 
determined that a technology would have significant adverse impact on 
the utility of the product to significant subgroups of consumers or 
would result in the unavailability of any covered product type with 
performance characteristics (including reliability), features, sizes, 
capacities, and volumes that are substantially the same as products 
generally available in the United States at the time, it will not be 
considered further.
    (4) Adverse impacts on health or safety. If it is determined that a 
technology would have significant adverse impacts on health or safety, 
it will not be considered further.
    (5) Unique-Pathway Proprietary Technologies. If a design option 
utilizes proprietary technology that represents a unique pathway to 
achieving a given efficiency level, that technology will not be 
considered further due to the potential for monopolistic concerns.
    Sections 6(c)(3) and 7(b) of appendix A to 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
C.
    In summary, if DOE determines that a technology, or a combination 
of technologies, fails to meet one or more of the listed five criteria, 
it will be excluded from further consideration in the engineering 
analysis.
a. Screened-Out Technologies
    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE presented the screened-out technology 
options from the January 2016 Final Rule and sought comment regarding 
whether these technology options would continue to be screened out. 85 
FR 35383, 35387. In response to the June 2020 RFI, DOE did not receive 
any comments suggesting these technologies should no longer be screened 
out. DOE's review of the market also suggests that these technologies 
are not suitable for further consideration, as discussed in chapter 4 
of the TSD. Therefore, for this analysis, DOE has maintained the 
January 2016 Final Rule conclusions and has screened out the same 
technology options as presented in Table IV.2.

[[Page 46337]]



                                                       Table IV.2--Screened-Out Technology Options
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Screening criteria (X = basis for screening out)
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Screened technology option                                   Practicability to    Adverse impact                          Unique-pathway
                                                          Technological       manufacture,         on product      Adverse impacts on      proprietary
                                                           feasibility    install, and service       utility        health and safety     technologies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addition of Flow Control Insert........................               X   ....................  ................  ....................  ................
Aerators...............................................               X   ....................  ................  ....................  ................
Additional Valves......................................               X   ....................  ................  ....................  ................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. Remaining Technologies
    After reviewing each technology, DOE did not screen out the 
following technology options and considers them as design options in 
the engineering analysis:
    (1) Smaller spray hole area.
    (2) Changing spray hole shape, and
    (3) Venturi meter to orifice plate nozzle geometries.
    DOE determined that these technology options are technologically 
feasible because they are being used or have previously been used in 
commercially available products or working prototypes. Also these 
remaining technology options meet the other screening criteria (i.e., 
practicable to manufacture, install, and service and do not result in 
adverse impacts on consumer utility, product availability, health, or 
safety). For additional details, see chapter 4 of the NOPD TSD.
4. Product Classes
    In general, when evaluating and establishing energy conservation 
standards, DOE divides the covered product into classes by (1) the type 
of energy used, (2) the capacity of the product, or (3) any other 
performance-related feature that affects energy efficiency and 
justifies different standard levels, considering factors such as 
consumer utility. (42 U.S.C. 6295(q))
    For commercial prerinse spray valves, the current energy 
conservation standards specified in 10 CFR 431.266 are based on three 
product classes determined according to spray force, which is a 
performance-related feature that provides utility to the consumer. 
``Spray force'' is defined as the amount of force exerted onto the 
spray disc, measured in ounce-force (``ozf''). 10 CFR 431.262 Table 
IV.3 lists the current three product classes for commercial prerinse 
spray valves.

   Table IV.3--Current Commercial Prerinse Spray Valve Product Classes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Spray force in ounce-force,
               Product class                             ozf
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Class 1...........................  <=5.0 ozf.
Product Class 2...........................  >5.0 ozf and <=8.0 ozf.
Product Class 3...........................  >8.0 ozf.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These product classes were based on previous market research that 
identified three distinct end-user applications requiring differing 
amounts of spray force: (1) Cleaning delicate glassware and removing 
loose food particles from dishware (which require the least amount of 
spray force), (2) cleaning wet food, and (3) cleaning baked-on foods 
(which requires the greatest amount of spray force). 81 FR 4748, 4758-
4759.
    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE sought feedback regarding whether there 
had been any changes to the end-user applications of each product 
classes and if any of the existing product classes should be merged or 
separated. Further, DOE requested any data on additional performance-
related features, in addition to spray force, that provide unique 
consumer utility that would justify additional product classes. 85 FR 
35386.
    In response, PMI commented that it was not aware of any data or 
market feedback that would warrant changes to the end-user applications 
of each product class or changes to the current product class 
structure. (PMI, No. 4 at p. 4) Further, it was not aware of any data 
or market feedback that would warrant additional product classes. (Id.) 
DOE did not receive any comments or data suggesting that changes to the 
existing product class structure were needed and therefore maintained 
the existing product class structure in this analysis.
5. Market Assessment
    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE stated that preliminary research 
indicated some of the ``shower-type'' basic models since the January 
2016 Final Rule had been redesigned to have flow rates and spray force 
in product class 2 (>5.0 ozf and <=8.0 ozf), with few commercial 
prerinse spray valves remaining in product class 3 (>8.0 ozf). 85 FR 
35383, 35386.
    In response to the RFI, PMI commented that the total number of 
commercial prerinse spray valves that meet the Environmental Protection 
Agency's (``EPA's'') WaterSense standards continues to grow. (PMI, No. 
4 at p. 3) It further commented that industry needs more time to 
evaluate the impact the current DOE standards have had on the market. 
(Id. at p. 1) Specifically, PMI stated that the relatively recent 
compliance date has not allowed manufacturers time to recoup their 
investments associated with the most recent redesigns, and some 
manufacturers and distributors need time to sell-through the existing 
products they have in stock. (Id. at p. 4) PMI commented in support of 
a no-new-standards determination due to any improvement in efficiency 
being negligible when compared to the current standard's improvement 
from the previous 1.6 gpm flow rate limitation. (Id. at p. 5)
    DOE notes that EPA's WaterSense program was sunset in 2019, with 
the implementation of the energy conservation standard prescribed in 
the January 2016 Final Rule, after participants expressed an 
``overwhelming preference for canceling the WaterSense specification, 
indicating limited potential for further efficiency.'' \9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ EPA's notification of sunset of the WaterSense Specification 
for commercial prerinse spray valves can be found at the following 
link: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial-pre-rinse-spray-valves-specification-and-certification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NEEA reiterated DOE's observation that significantly fewer spray 
valves are currently manufactured in product class 3 and expressed 
concern that the absence of high flow-rate valves could drive certain 
manufacturers to select out of scope products with flow rates above 
energy conservation standards. (NEEA, No. 7 at p. 3) NEEA recommended 
DOE investigate any potential product class switching and any switching 
to equipment that may be out of scope. (Id.

[[Page 46338]]

at p. 4) DOE modeled potential product class switching and any 
switching to out-of-scope equipment as discussed in section IV.F of 
this document.
    For this proposed determination, DOE initially relied on government 
databases, retail listings, and industry publications (e.g., 
manufacturer catalogs) to assess the overall state of the industry. DOE 
used this market analysis to generate the shipments analysis, discussed 
in section IV.F of this document. DOE maintained the nearest neighbor 
switching assumptions from the previous rulemaking, as discussed in 
section IV.F of this document.

B. Engineering Analysis

    The purpose of the engineering analysis is to establish the 
relationship between the efficiency and cost of commercial prerinse 
spray valves. There are two elements to consider in the engineering 
analysis: The selection of efficiency levels to analyze (i.e., the 
``efficiency analysis'') and the determination of product cost at each 
efficiency level (i.e., the ``cost analysis''). In determining the 
performance of higher-efficiency products, DOE considers technologies 
and design option combinations not eliminated by the screening 
analysis. For each product class, DOE estimates the baseline cost, as 
well as the incremental cost for the product at efficiency levels above 
the baseline. The output of the engineering analysis is a set of cost-
efficiency ``curves'' that are used in downstream analyses (i.e., the 
LCC and PBP analyses and the NIA).
    NEEA recommended DOE set the efficiency standards to the maximum 
available flow rate currently on the market in each product class. 
(NEEA, No. 7 at p. 4) As described in the following analyses, DOE 
evaluated the savings potential of higher efficiency standards.
1. Efficiency Analysis
    DOE typically uses one of two approaches to develop energy 
efficiency levels for the engineering analysis: (1) Relying on observed 
efficiency levels in the market (i.e., the efficiency-level approach), 
or (2) determining the incremental efficiency improvements associated 
with incorporating specific design options to a baseline model (i.e., 
the design-option approach). Using the efficiency-level approach, the 
efficiency levels established for the analysis are determined based on 
the market distribution of existing products (in other words, based on 
the range of efficiencies and efficiency-level ``clusters'' that 
already exist on the market). Using the design option approach, the 
efficiency levels established for the analysis are determined through 
detailed engineering calculations and/or computer simulations of the 
efficiency improvements from implementing specific design options that 
have been identified in the technology assessment. DOE may also rely on 
a combination of these two approaches. For example, the efficiency-
level approach (based on actual products on the market) may be extended 
using the design option approach to interpolate to define ``gap fill'' 
levels (to bridge large gaps between other identified efficiency 
levels) and/or to extrapolate to the ``max-tech'' level (particularly 
in cases where the ``max tech'' level exceeds the maximum efficiency 
level currently available on the market).
    In this proposed determination, similar to the January 2016 Final 
Rule, DOE is adopting a design-option approach. The analysis is 
performed in terms of incremental increases in efficiency (decreases in 
flow rate) due to implementation of selected design options.
a. Baseline Efficiency Levels
    For each product class, DOE generally selects a baseline model as a 
reference point for each class, and measures changes resulting from 
potential energy conservation standards against the baseline. The 
baseline model in each product class represents the characteristics of 
a product typical of that class (e.g., capacity, physical size). 
Generally, a baseline model is one that just meets current energy 
conservation standards, or, if no standards are in place, the baseline 
is typically the most common or least efficient unit on the market.
    The current minimum energy conservation standards represent the 
baseline efficiency levels for each product class. The current 
standards for each product class are based on flow rate in gpm. DOE 
requested comment in the June 2020 RFI regarding whether using the 
current energy conservation standards for commercial prerinse spray 
valves are an appropriate baseline efficiency level. 85 FR 35383, 
35388. DOE did not receive any comments on this issue. Therefore, DOE 
is using the current energy conservations standards as the baseline 
efficiency level in this analysis.
b. Higher Efficiency Levels
    As part of DOE's analysis, the maximum available efficiency level 
is the highest efficiency (i.e., lowest water use in a given product 
class) unit currently available on the market. DOE also defines a 
``max-tech'' efficiency level to represent the maximum possible 
efficiency for a given product.
    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE presented the max-tech efficiency level 
from the January 2016 Final Rule and requested comment as to whether 
these max-tech options were appropriate. 85 FR 35383, 35388. DOE did 
not receive any comment suggesting they were not. Based on a review of 
recent manufacturer catalogs, DOE identified a new max-tech commercial 
prerinse spray valve for product class 1, which has a flow rate of 0.45 
gpm as compared to the flow rate of 0.62 gpm presented in the June 2020 
RFI.\10\ As such, DOE has used the max-tech efficiency level flow rates 
presented in Table IV.4 in this analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ The new max-tech model utilizes smaller spray hole area to 
further reduce flow rate. This is not a new technology option; 
rather, it is further utilizing a technology option considered 
during the January 2016 Final Rule.

        Table IV.4--Maximum Efficiency Levels Currently Available
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Flow rate
                       Product class                            (gpm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Class 1............................................         0.45
Product Class 2............................................         0.73
Product Class 3............................................         1.13
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE seeks comment on its new max-tech efficiency level for product 
class 1.
    In the January 2016 Final Rule, DOE presented a theoretical linear 
relationship between CPSV flow rate and spray force, derived from both 
Bernoulli's principle of incompressible flow and the concept of 
conservation of mass in a fluid system. Further, DOE had verified this 
linear relationship through market testing of available products and 
close matching between the theoretical relationship and the flow rates 
and spray forces of available products. 81 FR 4748, 4762. The 
relationship between flow rate and spray force is given below:

[[Page 46339]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18AU21.000

    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE requested comment regarding whether this 
equation was still applicable. PMI commented that this relationship was 
still accurate and that it supports using the equation for determining 
flow rate or spray force. (PMI, No. 4 at p. 5) DOE did not receive any 
other comments on the equation, and therefore continues to apply this 
equation in the engineering analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See chapter 5 of the NOPD TSD.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Cost Analysis
    The cost analysis portion of the engineering analysis is conducted 
using one or a combination of cost approaches. The selection of cost 
approach depends on a suite of factors, including the availability and 
reliability of public information, characteristics of the regulated 
product, and the availability and timeliness of purchasing the product 
on the market. The cost approaches are summarized as follows:
     Physical teardowns: Under this approach, DOE physically 
dismantles a commercially available product, component-by-component, to 
develop a detailed bill of materials (``BOM'') for the product.
     Catalog teardowns: In lieu of physically deconstructing a 
product, DOE identifies each component using parts diagrams (available 
from manufacturer websites or appliance repair websites, for example) 
to develop the BOM for the product.
     Price surveys: If neither a physical nor catalog teardown 
is feasible (for example, for tightly integrated products such as 
fluorescent lamps, which are infeasible to disassemble and for which 
parts diagrams are unavailable) or cost-prohibitive and otherwise 
impractical (e.g., large commercial boilers), DOE conducts price 
surveys using publicly available pricing data published on major online 
retailer websites and/or by soliciting prices from distributors and 
other commercial channels.
    In the January 2016 Final Rule, DOE developed cost-efficiency 
curves by creating a BOM using physical and catalog teardowns of 
commercial prerinse spray valves and concluded that manufacturing 
production cost was unaffected by efficiency level, both within product 
classes and across product classes. 81 FR 4748, 4765. In the June 2020 
RFI, DOE requested comment as to whether this conclusion had changed 
since DOE's previous analysis. 85 FR 35383, 35389. DOE did not receive 
any comment suggesting this conclusion has changed.
    As discussed in section IV.A.2 of this document, DOE did not 
observe any new technology options from the January 2016 Final Rule. 
Therefore, for this proposed determination, DOE updated the cost 
analysis from the January 2016 Final Rule to be representative of the 
market in 2020. This included updating the material prices of each 
component of the previously torn down commercial prerinse spray valves 
and updating the labor, depreciation, utilities, maintenance, tax, and 
insurance costs. DOE did not include any commercial prerinse spray 
valves that have exited the market or had their design modified since 
they were torn down. The resulting BOM provides the basis for the 
manufacturer production cost (``MPC'') estimates.
    These updated costs reaffirm that there are differences in 
manufacturing costs between units from different manufacturers. 
However, none of the differences were directly related to the 
efficiency of a commercial prerinse spray valve. Rather, the 
differences were primarily due to differences in the type and amount of 
material used (e.g., plastic versus brass or stainless steel spray 
nozzles). As such, the resulting cost analysis provided the basis for 
the MPC estimates. However, DOE has initially concluded that MPC is 
unaffected by efficiency level, similar to the conclusion from the 
January 2016 Final Rule; i.e., MPC remains constant across all product 
classes. 81 FR 4748, 4765.
    DOE seeks comment and data regarding any changes in MPC that would 
not be accounted for by updating the cost analysis of the previously 
conducted product teardowns. Specifically, DOE seeks any data that 
would contradict its determination of no incremental cost associated 
with improvements in efficiency of commercial prerinse spray valves.
a. Cost-Efficiency Results
    The results of the engineering analysis are reported as cost-
efficiency data and indicate that manufacturing production costs are 
unaffected by efficiency level within a product class and across 
product classes. Therefore, DOE assumed the final MPC as the average 
MPC of all commercial prerinse spray valves. The summary of the cost 
efficiency relationships for product class 1, 2, and 3 are presented in 
Table IV.5, Table IV.6, and Table IV.7, respectively. See TSD chapter 5 
for additional detail on the engineering analysis and complete cost-
efficiency results.

                          Table IV.5--Cost Efficiency Relationship for Product Class 1
                                             [Spray force <=5.0 ozf]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Manufacturer     Incremental
          Efficiency level                 Efficiency level          Flow rate      production       cost over
                                             description               (gpm)       cost (2020$)    baseline ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseline...........................  Current Federal standard...            1.00          $26.91           $0.00
Level 1............................  15% improvement over                   0.85           26.91            0.00
                                      Federal standard.
Level 2............................  25% improvement over                   0.75           26.91            0.00
                                      Federal standard.
Level 3............................  Maximum technologically-               0.45           26.91            0.00
                                      feasible (max-tech).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 46340]]


                          Table IV.6--Cost Efficiency Relationship for Product Class 2
                                      [Spray force >5.0 ozf and <=8.0 ozf]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Manufacturer     Incremental
           Efficiency level                 Efficiency level         Flow rate      production       cost over
                                               description             (gpm)       cost (2020$)    Baseline ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseline..............................  Current Federal standard            1.20          $26.91           $0.00
Level 1...............................  15% improvement over                1.02           26.91            0.00
                                         Federal standard.
Level 2...............................  25% improvement over                0.90           26.91            0.00
                                         Federal standard.
Level 3...............................  Maximum technologically-            0.73           26.91            0.00
                                         feasible (max-tech).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Table IV.7--Cost Efficiency Relationship for Product Class 3
                                             [Spray force >8.0 ozf]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Manufacturer     Incremental
           Efficiency level                 Efficiency level         Flow rate      production       cost over
                                               description             (gpm)       cost (2020$)    baseline ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseline..............................  Current Federal standard            1.28           26.91            0.00
Level 1...............................  Maximum technologically-            1.13           26.91            0.00
                                         feasible (max-tech).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    See chapter 5 of the NOPD TSD for additional detail on the 
engineering analysis and complete cost-efficiency results.

C. Markups Analysis

    To account for manufacturers' non-production costs and profit 
margin, DOE applies a non-production cost multiplier (the manufacturer 
markup) to the MPC. The resulting manufacturer selling price (``MSP'') 
is the price at which the manufacturer distributes a unit into 
commerce. DOE developed an average manufacturer markup by examining the 
annual Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'') 10-K reports filed 
by publicly-traded manufacturers primarily engaged in appliance 
manufacturing and whose combined product range includes commercial 
prerinse spray valves. The manufacturer mark-up is discussed in more 
detail in section IV.H.2.d of this document.
    The markups analysis also develops appropriate markups (e.g., 
retailer markups, distributor markups, contractor markups) in the 
distribution chain and sales taxes to convert the MSP estimates derived 
in the engineering analysis to consumer prices, which are then used in 
the LCC and PBP analysis and in the manufacturer impact analysis 
(``MIA''). At each step in the distribution channel, companies mark up 
the price of the product to cover business costs and profit margin.
    DOE requested comment in the June 2020 RFI regarding markups per 
distribution channel as well as the portion of equipment sold via each 
distribution channel. 85 FR 35383, 35390. DOE did not receive any 
comments related to markups per distribution channel.
    For commercial prerinse spray valves, the main parties in the 
distribution chain are manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and 
service company. Each party in the distribution chain sells to the 
final consumer. Table IV.8 provides the portion of equipment passing 
through different distribution channels.

    Table IV.8--Commercial Prerinse Spray Valve Distribution Channels
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Percentage
             Channel                     Pathway         through channel
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  Manufacturer [rarr]                17
                                    Final Consumer
                                    (Direct Sales).
B................................  Manufacturer [rarr]                33
                                    Authorized
                                    Distributor [rarr]
                                    Final Consumer.
C................................  Manufacturer [rarr]                17
                                    Retailer [rarr]
                                    Final Consumer.
D................................  Manufacturer [rarr]                33
                                    Service Company
                                    [rarr] Final
                                    Consumer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE developed baseline markups for each entity in the distribution 
chain. Baseline markups are multipliers that convert the MSP of 
equipment at the baseline efficiency level to consumer purchase price. 
Incremental markups are multipliers that convert the incremental 
increase in MSP for a product at each higher efficiency level (compared 
to the MSP at the baseline efficiency level) to the corresponding 
purchase price. In the analysis for this proposed determination, DOE 
used only baseline markups, as the engineering analysis indicated that 
there is no price increase with improvements in efficiency for 
commercial prerinse spray valves.
    DOE relied on annual reports and SEC 10-K reports from public 
companies in the different distribution channels to estimate average 
baseline markups. Table IV.9 provides the markups for each distribution 
channel.

      Table IV.9--Commercial Prerinse Spray Valve Baseline Channels
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Channel                     Pathway         Baseline markup
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................  Manufacturer [rarr]              1.72
                                    Final Consumer
                                    (Direct Sales).
B................................  Manufacturer [rarr]              1.72
                                    Authorized
                                    Distributor [rarr]
                                    Final Consumer.

[[Page 46341]]

 
C................................  Manufacturer [rarr]              1.52
                                    Retailer [rarr]
                                    Final Consumer.
D................................  Manufacturer [rarr]              1.87
                                    Service Company
                                    [rarr] Final
                                    Consumer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE seeks comment on the markup channels, the percentage through 
each channel, and the baseline markup of commercial prerinse spray 
valves.
    Chapter 6 of the NOPD TSD provides details on DOE's development of 
markups for commercial prerinse spray valves.

D. Energy and Water Use Analysis

    The purpose of the energy use analysis is to determine the annual 
energy consumption of commercial prerinse spray valves at different 
efficiencies in representative U.S. commercial buildings, and to assess 
the energy savings potential of increased CPSV efficiency. The energy 
use analysis estimates the range of energy use of commercial prerinse 
spray valves in the field (i.e., as they are actually used by 
consumers). The energy use analysis provides the basis for other 
analyses DOE performed, particularly assessments of the energy savings 
and the savings in consumer operating costs that could result from 
adoption of amended or new standards. The energy use analysis for this 
NOPD is the same process as DOE used in the January 2016 Final Rule. 81 
FR 4748, 4765-4766.
    As discussed in section IV.B.1, DOE developed flow rates for each 
efficiency level analyzed in the engineering analysis. DOE calculated 
the energy and water use by determining the representative daily 
operating time of the product by major building types that contain 
commercial kitchens found in the 2012 Commercial Building Energy 
Consumption Survey (``CBECS'').\12\ The daily CPSV operating time was 
annualized based on operating schedules for each building type. In the 
June 2020 RFI, DOE presented CPSV annual operating hours and requested 
comment on those hours. 85 FR 35383, 35390. DOE did not receive any 
comments related to operating hours.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ U.S. Department of Energy-Energy Information 
Administration. Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey. 2020. 
Washington, DC. Available at https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/data/2012/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Water use for each equipment class was determined by multiplying 
the annual operating time by the flow rate and operating pressure of 60 
pounds per square inch (``psi'') for each efficiency level. DOE 
requested comment in the June 2020 RFI requesting feedback related to 
the typical operating pressure of the water typically supplied to 
commercial prerinse spray valves and DOE's assumption of 60 psi. 85 FR 
35383, 35390. PMI concurred with this operating pressure and stated 
that 60  2 psi is representative of the average U.S. water 
pressure in commercial kitchens. (PMI, No. 4 at pp. 4-5) DOE did not 
receive any further comments and therefore maintained the 60 psi 
operating pressure for each efficiency level.
    Energy use was calculated by multiplying the annual water use in 
gallons by the energy required to heat each gallon of water to an end-
use temperature of 108 [deg]F. DOE requested comment in the June 2020 
RFI related to the end-use water temperature of the water leaving the 
prerinse spray valves and any related supporting data. 85 FR 35383, 
35390. PMI stated that it was not aware of any data or market 
information that suggested a different temperature than the 108 [deg]F 
end-use temperature. (PMI, No. 4 at p. 5) Cold water supply 
temperatures used in this calculation were derived for the nine U.S. 
census regions based on ambient air temperatures, and hot water supply 
temperature was assumed to be 140 [deg]F based on ASHRAE Standard 12-
2020.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ ASHRAE Standard 12-2020: Minimizing the Risk of 
Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems (March 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE seeks comment on the methods to improve DOE's energy-use 
analysis, as well as any supporting alternate operating hour estimates 
for operation of commercial prerinse spray valves. DOE seeks comment on 
water pressure and the end-use temperature.
    Chapter 7 of the NOPD TSD provides details on DOE's energy use 
analysis for commercial prerinse spray valves.
    Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analysis4764-4765. For purposes 
of its analysis, DOE used 2027 as the first year of compliance with any 
amended standards for commercial prerinse spray valves.
    Table IV.10 summarizes the approach and data DOE used to derive 
inputs to the LCC and PBP calculations. The subsections that follow 
provide further discussion. Details of the spreadsheet model, and of 
all the inputs to the LCC and PBP analyses, are contained in chapter 8 
of the NOPD TSD and its appendices.

 Table IV.10--Summary of Inputs and Methods for the LCC and PBP Analysis
                                    *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Inputs                           Source/method
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Cost.................  Derived by multiplying MPCs by
                                manufacturer and retailer markups and
                                sales tax, as appropriate.
Installation Costs...........  Baseline installation cost determined
                                with data from U.S. Department of Labor
                                and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
                                Assumed no change with efficiency level.
Annual Energy Use............  The energy use multiplied by the average
                                hours per year. Average number of hours
                                based on field data.
                               Variability: Based on the 2012 CBECS.
Energy Prices................  Electricity: Based on the U.S. Energy
                                Information Administration (``EIA'')
                                Form 861 data for 2020.
                               Variability: Regional energy prices
                                determined for 27 regions.
Energy Price Trends..........  Based on the Annual Energy Outlook 2021
                                (``AEO2021'') price projections.
Repair and Maintenance Costs.  Assumed no change with efficiency level.
Product Lifetime.............  Average: 5 years

[[Page 46342]]

 
Discount Rates...............  Approach involves identifying all
                                possible debt or asset classes that
                                might be used to purchase the considered
                                appliances or might be affected
                                indirectly. Primary data source was the
                                Federal Reserve Board's Survey of
                                Consumer Finances.
Compliance Date..............  2027.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* References for the data sources mentioned in this table are provided
  in the sections following the table or in chapter 8 of the NOPD TSD.

1. Product Cost
    To calculate consumer product costs, DOE multiplied the MSPs 
developed in the engineering analysis by the distribution channel 
markups described in section IV.C (along with sales taxes). As stated 
earlier in this notice, DOE used baseline markups, but did not apply 
incremental markups, because the engineering analysis indicated that 
there is no price increase with improvements in efficiency for 
commercial prerinse spray valves.
    In prior energy conservation standards rulemakings, DOE estimated 
the total installed costs per unit for product and then assumed that 
costs remain constant throughout the analysis period. This assumption 
is conservative because product costs tend to decrease over time. In 
2011, DOE published a notice of data availability (``NODA'') titled 
Equipment Process Forecasting in Energy Conservation Standards 
Analysis. 76 FR 9696 (Feb. 22, 2011). In the NODA, DOE proposed a 
methodology for determining whether equipment process have trended 
downward in real terms. The methodology examines so-called price or 
experimental learning, wherein, with ever-increasing experience with 
the production of a product, manufacturers are able to reduce their 
production costs through innovations in technology and process.
    Commercial prerinse spray valves are formed metal devices. Neither 
changes in technology nor process are expected to occur to change the 
price of the product in this analysis. For this analysis DOE assumed 
that product costs remain constant over the analysis period. This is 
consistent with the January 2016 Final Rule. 81 FR 4748, 4767.
2. Installation Cost
    Installation cost includes labor, overhead, and any miscellaneous 
materials and parts needed to install the product. DOE used data from 
U.S. Department of Labor to estimate the baseline installation cost for 
commercial prerinse spray valves. Consistent with the January 2016 
Final Rule, DOE found no evidence that installation costs would be 
affected by increased efficiency levels. 81 FR 4748, 4767.
3. Annual Energy Consumption
    For each sampled CPSV user, DOE determined the energy consumption 
for a commercial prerinse spray valve at different efficiency levels 
using the approach described previously in section IV.D of this 
document.
4. Energy Prices
    DOE derived average annual commercial electricity prices for 27 
geographic regions using data from the U.S. Energy Information 
Administration (``EIA'') Form EIA-861 database (based on ``Annual 
Electric Power Industry Report'').\14\ The NOPD analysis used the data 
for 2020 DOE derived average natural gas prices using data from EIA's 
natural gas prices.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Available at www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/eia861.html.
    \15\ Available at https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_pri_sum_a_EPG0_PCS_DMcf_m.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To estimate energy prices in future years, DOE multiplied the 
average regional energy prices by a projection of annual change in 
national-average commercial energy price in AEO2021.\16\ AEO2021 has an 
end year of 2050. To estimate price trends after 2050, DOE used the 
average annual rate of change in prices from 2040 through 2050.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ U.S. Department of Energy--Energy Information 
Administration. Annual Energy Outlook 2021 with Projections to 2050. 
2021. Washington, DC. (AEO2021). Available at www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Water and Wastewater Prices
    DOE obtained data on water and wastewater prices from the 2019 
American Water Works Association (``AWWA'') surveys for this 
analysis.\17\ For each state and the District of Columbia, DOE combined 
all individual utility observations within the state to develop one 
value for water and wastewater service. Because water and wastewater 
charges are frequently tied to the same metered commodity values, DOE 
combined the prices for water and wastewater into one total dollar per 
thousand gallons figure. This figure is referred to as the combined 
water price. DOE used the consumer price index (``CPI'') data for water 
related consumption (1974-2019) in developing a real growth rate for 
combined water price forecasts. DOE requested comment in the June 2020 
RFI whether a different water price dataset should be considered. 85 FR 
35383, 35391. DOE received no comments related to water price datasets. 
Chapter 8 of the NOPD TSD provides more detail about DOE's approach to 
developing water and wastewater prices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Available at https://www.awwa.org/Store/2019-Water-and-
Wastewater-Rate-Survey--Digital-Set/ProductDetail/79004009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Maintenance and Repair Costs
    Repair costs are associated with repairing or replacing product 
components that have failed in an appliance; maintenance costs are 
associated with maintaining the operation of the product. Typically, 
small incremental increases in product efficiency produce no, or only 
minor, changes in repair and maintenance costs compared to baseline 
efficiency products. DOE requested comment in the June 2020 RFI on the 
assumption of zero maintenance and repair costs upon failure. DOE 
assumed that consumers would replace the commercial prerinse spray 
valve upon failure rather than repairing the product. 85 FR 35383, 
35391. DOE also requested comment if these changes would differ per 
efficiency level. Id. DOE received no comments related to maintenance 
nor repair costs. For this NOPD, DOE modeled commercial prerinse spray 
valves as not being repaired, and no maintenance costs. Additionally, 
DOE modeled no changes in maintenance or repair costs between different 
efficiency levels.
7. Product Lifetime
    For commercial prerinse spray valves, DOE used lifetime estimates 
from manufacturer datasheets and other published data sources. DOE 
requested comment in the June 2020 RFI regarding lifetime and lifetime 
distributions. In the June 2020 RFI, DOE restated the values from the 
January 2016 Final Rule, an average lifetime of 5 years and maximum of 
10 years. 85 FR 35383, 35391. DOE did not receive any

[[Page 46343]]

comments related to lifetime of commercial prerinse spray valves. DOE 
developed a Weibull distribution with an average lifetime of 5 years 
and a maximum lifetime of 10 years. The use of a lifetime distribution 
for this analysis helps account for the variability in product 
lifetimes.
8. Discount Rates
    In the calculation of LCC, DOE applies discount rates appropriate 
to CPSV users to estimate the present value of future operating costs. 
DOE estimated a distribution of commercial discount rates for 
commercial prerinse spray valves based on consumer financing costs and 
the opportunity cost of consumer funds.
    DOE applies weighted average discount rates calculated from 
consumer debt and asset data, rather than marginal or implicit discount 
rates.\18\ DOE notes that the LCC does not analyze the appliance 
purchase decision, so the implicit discount rate is not relevant in 
this model. The LCC estimates NPV over the lifetime of the product, so 
the appropriate discount rate will reflect the general opportunity cost 
of commercial consumer funds, taking this time scale into account. 
Given the long-time horizon modeled in the LCC, the application of a 
marginal interest rate associated with an initial source of funds is 
inaccurate. Regardless of the method of purchase, consumers are 
expected to continue to rebalance their debt and asset holdings over 
the LCC analysis period, based on the restrictions consumers face in 
their debt payment requirements and the relative size of the interest 
rates available on debts and assets. DOE estimates the aggregate impact 
of this rebalancing using the historical distribution of debts and 
assets.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ The implicit discount rate is inferred from a consumer 
purchase decision between two otherwise identical goods with 
different first cost and operating cost. It is the interest rate 
that equates the increment of first cost to the difference in NPV of 
lifetime operating cost, incorporating the influence of several 
factors: transaction costs, risk premiums and response to 
uncertainty, time preferences, and interest rates at which a 
consumer is able to borrow or lend.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To establish commercial discount rates for the LCC analysis, DOE 
identified all relevant commercial consumer debt or asset classes in 
order to approximate a commercial consumer's opportunity cost of funds 
related to appliance energy cost savings. It estimated the average 
percentage shares of the various types of debt and equity by commercial 
consumer building type using data from Damodaran Online \19\ for 1998-
2019. Using Damodaran Online and the Federal Reserve, DOE developed a 
distribution of rates for each type of debt and asset by building type 
to represent the rates that may apply in the year in which amended 
standards would take effect. DOE assigned each sample building a 
specific discount rate drawn from one of the distributions. The average 
rate across all types of commercial consumer debt and equity, weighted 
by the shares of each type, given business size, is 7.0 percent. See 
chapter 8 of the NOPD TSD for further details on the development of 
consumer discount rates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ Damodaran Online. Available at http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/
~adamodar/ (accessed April 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Energy Efficiency Distribution in the No-New-Standards Case
    To accurately estimate the share of consumers that would be 
affected by a potential energy conservation standard at a particular 
efficiency level, DOE's LCC analysis considered the projected 
distribution (market shares) of product efficiencies under the no-new-
standards case (i.e., the case without amended or new energy 
conservation standards).
    To estimate the energy efficiency distribution of commercial 
prerinse spray valves for 2027 (the first year of the analysis period), 
DOE conducted general internet searches and examined manufacturer 
literature to understand the characteristics of the spray values 
currently offered on the market. DOE assumed that the no-new-standards 
case percentages in 2027 would stay the same through the analysis 
period. The estimated market shares by product class for the no-new-
standards case for commercial prerinse spray valves are shown in Table 
IV.11. The estimated market shares within each product class for the 
no-new-standards case for commercial prerinse spray valves are shown in 
Table IV.12. See chapter 8 of the NOPD TSD for further information on 
the derivation of the efficiency distributions.

    Table IV.11--Product Class Distribution in No-New-Standards Case
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Portion of
                      Product class                        shipments (%
                                                           of shipments)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1                                                                     10
2                                                                     70
3                                                                     20
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Table IV.12--Efficiency Level Distribution Within Each Product Class in No-New-Standards Case
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Product class 1    Product class 2    Product class 3
                    Efficiency level                      (% of shipments)   (% of shipments)   (% of shipments)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0......................................................                3.1               74.2               86.0
1......................................................                 --               24.2               14.0
2......................................................               87.5  .................  .................
3......................................................                9.4                1.5  .................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10. Payback Period Analysis
    The PBP is the amount of time it takes the consumer to recover the 
additional installed cost of more-efficient products, compared to 
baseline products, through energy cost savings. The PBP is expressed in 
years. The PBP that exceeds the life of the product means that the 
increased total installed cost is not recovered in reduced operating 
expenses.
    The inputs to the PBP calculation for each efficiency level are the 
change in total installed cost of the product and the change in the 
first-year annual operating expenditures relative to the baseline. The 
PBP calculation uses the same inputs as the LCC analysis, except that 
discount rates are not needed.

E. Shipments Analysis

    DOE uses projections of annual product shipments to calculate the 
national impacts of potential amended or new energy conservation 
standards on energy use, NPV, and future manufacturer cash flows.\20\ 
The shipments model takes an accounting approach in tracking market 
shares of each product class and the vintage of

[[Page 46344]]

units in the stock. Stock accounting uses product shipments as inputs 
to estimate the age distribution of in-service product stocks for all 
years. The age distribution of in-service product stocks is a key input 
to calculations of both the NES and NPV, because operating costs for 
any year depend on the number of commercial prerinse spray valves in 
operation during that year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ DOE uses data on manufacturer shipments as a proxy for 
national sales, as aggregate data on sales are lacking. In general, 
one would expect a close correspondence between shipments and sales.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Historical CPSV shipment data come from industry reports as well as 
DOE's Compliance Certification Management System.\21\ DOE used the 
commercial floorspace growth rate to make projections through year 
2056. PMI commented that at least 20,000 restaurants closed in 2020 as 
a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (PMI, No. 4 at pp. 3-4) DOE modeled 
flat growth in 2020 through 2022 for commercial prerinse spray valves. 
DOE assumes that growth will increase by the time the analysis period 
starts in 2027.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ Available at https://www.regulations.doe.gov/ccms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Previous research by the Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'') 
identified low spray force as one of the primary drivers of user 
dissatisfaction for some application of commercial prerinse spray 
valves.\22\ The relationship between consumer satisfaction and spray 
force for commercial prerinse spray valves makes it possible that 
consumers may opt to switch product classes if they are unsatisfied 
with the spray force available to them in their current product class. 
In some cases, consumers may opt to switch to a commercial prerinse 
spray valve that consumes more water and energy than their current 
product.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ EPA WaterSense, Prerinse Spray Valves Field Study Report, 
as 24-25 (Mar. 31, 2011) (Available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-02/documents/ws-background-prsv-field-study-report.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the current choices of product under the current regulations 
correspond to the consumers' optimal product, it is probable that some 
consumers would switch from product class 1 to product class 2 or from 
product class 2 to product class 3 in response to amended standards in 
order to maintain their satisfaction with the product. In more extreme 
cases, consumers may also opt to exit the CPSV market and purchase a 
different type of product (e.g., a faucet) with a higher flow rate. The 
economics resulting from product-class and product-type switching may 
result in lower optimal efficiency levels and reduced estimates of 
water and energy savings, as compared to the case without class 
switching.
    In the January 2016 Final Rule, DOE acknowledged both the 
possibility that consumers would switch between product classes and the 
possibility that a subset of consumers would exit the CPSV market and 
purchase higher flow-rate products (e.g., faucets). 81 FR 4748, 4769. 
DOE previously implemented a nearest neighbor switching mechanism and a 
product switch scenario in the shipments model to estimate such 
consumer choices.
    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE requested comment and information on 
whether product class switching occurred as a result of the previous 
amended rule as well as any potential switching as the result of a new 
amended rule. 85 FR 35883, 35392. NEEA recommended DOE examine 
potential product-class switching in the product class 3 CPSV market. 
(NEEA, No. 7 at pp. 1-2) In the shipment model in this analysis, DOE 
developed a method for modeling product class switching where consumers 
opted for the nearest neighbor and the possibility of some consumers 
exiting the CPSV market for higher flow-rate products, similar to the 
previous rulemaking.
1. Nearest Neighbor Switch Scenario
    The first scenario can be characterized as a ``nearest neighbor'' 
approach, in that consumers would choose the product with the flow rate 
that is closest to their current product flow rate, even if it has a 
higher spray force (thus product class switching). Under the nearest 
neighbor scenario, DOE assumed 100 percent of consumers would choose 
the closest flow rate. Table IV.13 lists the flow rate for the 
potential efficiency levels evaluated in this NOPD, which are the 
consumer's potential options for product switching.

                             Table IV.13--Commercial Prerinse Spray Valve Flow Rates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Product class 1    Product class 2    Product class 3
                    Efficiency level                    --------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Flow rate (gpm)    Flow rate (gpm)    Flow rate (gpm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseline...............................................               1.00               1.20               1.28
Level 1................................................             * 0.85               1.02               1.13
Level 2................................................               0.75             * 0.90  .................
Level 3................................................               0.45               0.73  .................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Market data do not indicate currently available product that meet this efficiency level.

    This scenario was included within the Reference case when DOE 
analyzed any potential amended standards, similar to the January 2016 
Final Rule. 81 FR 4748, 4769. A detailed discussion of DOE's method to 
model product class switching is contained in chapter 9 of the TSD.
    DOE seeks comment on the product-class switching methodology used 
in this analysis, including any logic consumers may employ when 
switching as well as the portion of consumers that may switch.
2. Product Switch Scenario
    In the January 2016 Final Rule, DOE include an alternate analysis 
(Trial Standard Level 4a) where consumers of product class 3 might opt 
for other products such as a faucet. 81 FR 4748, 4779. The Federal 
standard for that product has a flow rate of 2.2 gpm. 10 CFR 430.32(o)
    In response to the June 2020 RFI, NEEA requested DOE examine 
potential switching to products above DOE standards. (NEEA, No. 7 at 
pp. 1-3)
    In this NOPD, DOE also included a sensitivity analysis (known as a 
product switch scenario) in which some consumers exit the CPSV market 
and instead use other products like faucets, with greater flow rates 
than applicable to commercial prerinse spray valves. In this 
sensitivity analysis, a subset of consumers currently using the highest 
efficiency level of product class 3 (e.g., consumers currently 
purchasing valves at EL0 of product class 3) would exit the CPSV market 
and instead use faucets with a flow rate of 2.2 gpm.

[[Page 46345]]

    As noted in section IV.A.5, since the January 2016 Final Rule, some 
of the high flow rates (and correspondingly high spray force) units 
identified during the last rulemaking have been redesigned as product 
class 2 commercial prerinse spray valves, with lower spray forces. As a 
result, few units are currently available in product class 3. The lack 
of units available in product class 3 makes it more likely that 
customers seeking the product utility associated with a high spray 
force unit would not be satisfied with their commercial prerinse spray 
valve if more efficient standards are considered in product class 3. 
Therefore, the likelihood of customers opting for alternative products 
in response to amended standards is more likely during this rulemaking 
than it was during the January 2016 Final Rule.
    A detailed discussion of DOE's method to model this sensitivity 
analysis is contained in chapter 9 of the TSD.
    DOE seeks comment on the approach used to analyze the possibility 
of some consumers exiting the CPSV market for higher flow-rate 
products, including any logic consumers may employ when switching as 
well as the portion of consumers that may switch.

F. National Impact Analysis

    The NIA assesses the NES and the NPV from a national perspective of 
total consumer costs and savings that would be expected to result from 
new or amended standards at specific efficiency levels.\23\ 
(``Consumer'' in this context refers to consumers of the equipment 
being regulated.) DOE calculates the NES and NPV for the potential 
standard levels considered based on projections of annual product 
shipments, along with the annual energy consumption and total installed 
cost data from the energy use and LCC analyses. For the present 
analysis, DOE projected the energy savings, operating cost savings, 
product costs, and NPV of consumer benefits over the lifetime of 
commercial prerinse spray valves sold from 2027 through 2056.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ The NIA accounts for impacts in the 50 states and 
Washington, DC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE evaluates the effects of new or amended standards by comparing 
a case without such standards with standards-case projections. The no-
new-standards case characterizes energy use and consumer costs for each 
CPSV product class in the absence of new or amended energy conservation 
standards. For this projection, DOE considers historical trends in 
efficiency and various forces that are likely to affect the mix of 
efficiencies over time. DOE compares the no-new-standards case with 
projections characterizing the market for each CPSV product class if 
DOE adopted new or amended standards at specific energy efficiency 
levels (i.e., the ELs or standards cases) for that class. For the 
standards cases, DOE considers how a given standard would likely affect 
the market shares of commercial prerinse spray valves with lower flow 
rates than the standard.
    DOE uses a spreadsheet model to calculate the energy savings and 
the national consumer costs and savings from each EL. Interested 
parties can review DOE's analyses by changing various input quantities 
within the spreadsheet. The NIA spreadsheet model uses typical values 
(as opposed to probability distributions) as inputs.
    Table IV.14 summarizes the inputs and methods DOE used for the NIA 
analysis for the NOPD. Discussion of these inputs and methods follows 
the table. See chapter 10 of the NOPD TSD for details.

   Table IV.14--Summary of Inputs and Methods for the National Impact
                                Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Inputs                               Method
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shipments............................  Annual shipments from shipments
                                        model.
Modeled Compliance Date of Standard..  2027.
Efficiency Trends....................  No-new-standards case.
                                       Standards cases.
Annual Energy Consumption per Unit...  Annual weighted-average values
                                        are a function of energy use at
                                        each EL.
Total Installed Cost per Unit........  Annual weighted-average values
                                        are a function of cost at each
                                        EL.
Annual Energy Cost per Unit..........  Annual weighted-average values as
                                        a function of the annual energy
                                        consumption per unit and energy
                                        prices.
Repair and Maintenance Cost per Unit.  Annual values do not change with
                                        efficiency level.
Energy Prices........................  AEO2021 projections (to 2050) and
                                        extrapolation through 2056.
Energy Site-to-Primary and FFC         A time-series conversion factor
 Conversion.                            based on AEO2021.
Discount Rate........................  3 percent and 7 percent.
Present Year.........................  2021.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Product Efficiency Trends
    A key component of the NIA is the trend in energy efficiency 
projected for the no-new-standards case and each of the standards 
cases. Section IV.E.9 of this document describes how DOE developed an 
energy efficiency distribution for the no-new-standards case (which 
yields a shipment-weighted average efficiency) for each of the 
considered product classes for the year of anticipated compliance with 
an amended or new standard.
    For the standards cases, DOE used a ``roll-up'' switching scenario 
to establish the shipment-weighted efficiency for the year that 
standards are assumed to become effective (2027). In this scenario, the 
market shares of product in the no-new-standards case that do not meet 
the standard under consideration would ``roll up'' to meet the new 
standard level or switch to the ``nearest neighbor'' based on the flow 
rate of the valves that were originally used. The market share of 
product above the standard would remain unchanged.
2. National Energy Savings
    The NES analysis involves a comparison of national energy 
consumption of the considered product between each potential standards 
case (EL) and the case with no new or amended energy conservation 
standards. DOE calculated the national energy consumption by 
multiplying the number of units (stock) of each product (by vintage or 
age) by the unit energy consumption (also by vintage). DOE calculated 
annual NES based on the difference in national energy consumption for 
the no-new-standards case and for each higher efficiency standard case. 
DOE estimated energy consumption and savings based on site energy and 
converted the electricity

[[Page 46346]]

consumption and savings to primary energy (i.e., the energy consumed by 
power plants to generate site electricity) using annual conversion 
factors derived from AEO2021. Cumulative energy savings are the sum of 
the NES for each year over the timeframe of the analysis.
    The use of a higher-efficiency product is occasionally associated 
with a direct rebound effect, which refers to an increase in 
utilization of the product due to the increase in efficiency. For 
commercial prerinse spray valves, DOE did not use a rebound effect 
estimate. DOE does not include the rebound effect in the NPV analysis 
because it reasons that the increased service from greater use of the 
product has an economic value that is reflected in the value of the 
foregone energy savings.
    In 2011, in response to the recommendations of a committee on 
``Point-of-Use and Full-Fuel-Cycle Measurement Approaches to Energy 
Efficiency Standards'' appointed by the National Academy of Sciences, 
DOE announced its intention to use FFC measures of energy use and 
greenhouse gas and other emissions in the NIA and emissions analyses 
included in future energy conservation standards rulemakings. 76 FR 
51281 (Aug. 18, 2011). After evaluating the approaches discussed in the 
August 18, 2011 notice, DOE published a statement of amended policy in 
which DOE explained its determination that EIA's National Energy 
Modeling System (``NEMS'') is the most appropriate tool for its FFC 
analysis and its intention to use NEMS for that purpose. 77 FR 49701 
(Aug. 17, 2012). NEMS is a public domain, multi-sector, partial 
equilibrium model of the U.S. energy sector \24\ that EIA uses to 
prepare its AEO. The FFC factors incorporate losses in production, and 
delivery in the case of natural gas, (including fugitive emissions) and 
additional energy used to produce and deliver the various fuels used by 
power plants. The approach used for deriving FFC measures of energy use 
and emissions is described in appendix 10B of the NOPD TSD.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ For more information on NEMS, refer to The National Energy 
Modeling System: An Overview 2009, DOE/EIA-0581(2009), October 2009. 
Available at https://www.eia.gov/analysis/pdfpages/0581(2009)index.php.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Net Present Value Analysis
    The inputs for determining the NPV of the total costs and benefits 
experienced by consumers are (1) total annual installed cost, (2) total 
annual operating costs (energy costs and repair and maintenance costs), 
and (3) a discount factor to calculate the present value of costs and 
savings. DOE calculates net savings each year as the difference between 
the no-new-standards case and each standards case in terms of total 
savings in operating costs versus total increases in installed costs. 
DOE calculates operating cost savings over the lifetime of each product 
shipped during the projection period.
    The operating cost savings are energy cost savings, which are 
calculated using the estimated energy savings in each year and the 
projected price of the appropriate form of energy. To estimate energy 
prices in future years, DOE multiplied the average regional energy 
prices by the projection of annual national-average commercial energy 
price changes in the Reference case from AEO2021, which has an end year 
of 2050. To estimate price trends after 2050, DOE used the average 
annual rate of change in prices from 2020 through 2050. As part of the 
NIA, DOE also analyzed scenarios that used inputs from variants of the 
AEO2021 Reference case that have lower and higher economic growth. 
Those cases have lower and higher energy price trends compared to the 
Reference case. NIA results based on these cases are presented in 
appendix 10C of the NOPD TSD.
    In calculating the NPV, DOE multiplies the net savings in future 
years by a discount factor to determine their present value. For this 
NOPD, DOE estimated the NPV of consumer benefits using both a 3-percent 
and a 7-percent real discount rate. DOE uses these discount rates in 
accordance with guidance provided by the Office of Management and 
Budget (``OMB'') to Federal agencies on the development of regulatory 
analysis.\25\ The discount rates for the determination of NPV are in 
contrast to the discount rates used in the LCC analysis, which are 
designed to reflect a consumer's perspective. The 7-percent real value 
is an estimate of the average before-tax rate of return to private 
capital in the U.S. economy. The 3-percent real value represents the 
``social rate of time preference,'' which is the rate at which society 
discounts future consumption flows to their present value.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ United States Office of Management and Budget. Circular A-
4: Regulatory Analysis. September 17, 2003. Section E. Available at 
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/memoranda/m03-21.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

G. Manufacturer Impact Analysis

1. Overview
    DOE conducted a MIA for commercial prerinse spray valves to 
estimate the financial impacts of analyzed amended energy conservation 
standards on manufacturers of commercial prerinse spray valves. The MIA 
has both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The quantitative part of 
the MIA relies on the Government Regulatory Impact Model (``GRIM''), an 
industry cash-flow model customized for the commercial prerinse spray 
valves covered in this proposed determination. The key GRIM inputs are 
data on the industry cost structure, MPCs, and shipments, as well as 
assumptions about manufacturer markups and manufacturer conversion 
costs. The key MIA output is industry net present value (``INPV''), 
which is the sum of industry annual cash flows over the analysis 
period, discounted using the industry-weighted average cost of capital, 
and the impact to domestic manufacturing employment. The GRIM 
calculates annual cash flows using standard accounting principles. DOE 
used the GRIM to compare changes in INPV between the no-new-standards 
case and various ELs, the standards cases. The difference in INPV 
between the no-new-standards case and the standards cases represents 
the financial impact of potential amended energy conservation standards 
on CPSV manufacturers. Different sets of assumptions (conversion cost 
scenarios) produce different INPV results. The qualitative part of the 
MIA addresses factors such as manufacturing capacity; characteristics 
of, and impacts on, any particular subgroup of manufacturers, including 
small manufacturers; the cumulative regulatory burden placed on CPSV 
manufacturers; and any impacts on competition.
2. GRIM Analysis and Key Inputs
    DOE uses the GRIM to quantify the changes in cash flows over time 
due to potential amended energy conservation standards. These changes 
in cash flows result in either a higher or lower INPV for the standards 
cases compared to the no-new-standards case. The GRIM uses a standard 
annual cash-flow analysis that incorporates MPCs, manufacturer markups, 
shipments, and industry financial information as inputs. It then models 
changes in manufacturer investments that may result from the analyzed 
amended energy conservation standards. The GRIM uses these inputs to 
calculate a series of annual cash flows beginning with the reference 
year of the analysis, 2021, and continuing to the terminal year of the 
analysis, 2056. DOE computes INPV by summing the stream of annual 
discounted cash flows during the analysis period. DOE used a real 
discount rate of 6.89 percent, the same discount rate used in the 
January 2016 Final Rule, for CPSV manufacturers in this NOPD. 81 FR 
4748, 4749. Many of

[[Page 46347]]

the GRIM inputs come from the engineering analysis, the shipments 
analysis, and other research conducted during the MIA. The major GRIM 
inputs are described in detail in the following sections.
    DOE seeks comment on the use of 6.89 as a real discount rate for 
CPSV manufacturers.
a. Manufacturer Product Costs
    Manufacturing more efficient products is typically more expensive 
than manufacturing baseline products. However, as discussed in section 
IV.B.2 of this document, the MPCs for all commercial prerinse spray 
valves is constant at every efficiency level and for every product 
class. In the MIA, DOE used the MPCs calculated in the engineering 
analysis, as described in section IV.B.2 of this document and further 
detailed in chapter 5 of the TSD for this NOPD.
b. Shipment Projections
    INPV, the key GRIM output, depends on industry revenue, which 
depends on the quantity and prices of commercial prerinse spray valves 
shipped in each year of the analysis period. Industry revenue 
calculations require forecasts of (1) total annual shipment volume of 
commercial prerinse spray valves, (2) the distribution of shipments 
across the product classes, and (3) the distribution of shipments 
across ELs.
    In the MIA, DOE used the shipments calculated as part of the 
shipments analysis discussion in section IV.F of this document and 
chapter 9 of the TSD for this NOPD.
c. Product and Capital Conversion Costs
    DOE expects the analyzed amended CPSV energy conservation standards 
would cause manufacturers to incur conversion costs to bring their 
production facilities and product designs into compliance with 
potential amended standards. For the MIA, DOE classified these 
conversion costs into two groups: (1) Capital conversion costs and (2) 
product conversion costs. Capital conversion costs are investments in 
property, plant, and equipment necessary to adapt or change existing 
production facilities so new product designs can be fabricated and 
assembled. Product conversion costs are investments in research, 
development, testing, marketing, certification, and other non-
capitalized costs necessary to make product designs comply with 
potential amended standards.
    In general, DOE assumes all conversion-related investments occur 
between the year of publication of a potential final rule and the year 
by which manufacturers must comply with potential amended standards. 
DOE created estimates of industry capital and product conversion costs 
using the engineering cost model and information gained during product 
teardowns. Product conversion costs depend on the number of CPSV models 
that need to be redesigned and re-tested as well as the number of 
manufacturers that need to update brochures and marketing materials. 
Capital conversion costs are based on the number of plastic spray 
patterns that would need to be fabricated by CPSV manufacturers. The 
conversion cost estimates are presented in section V.B of this 
document.
d. Manufacturer Markup
    As discussed in section IV.H.2.a of this document, the MPCs for 
commercial prerinse spray valves are the manufacturers' costs for those 
products. The MPCs include materials, direct labor, depreciation, and 
overhead, which are collectively referred to as the cost of goods sold. 
The MSP is the price received by CPSV manufacturers from the first sale 
of those products, typically to a distributor, regardless of the 
downstream distribution channel through which the commercial prerinse 
spray valves are ultimately sold. The MSP is not the price the end-user 
pays for commercial prerinse spray valves because there are typically 
multiple sales along the distribution chain and various markups applied 
to each sale. The MSP equals the MPC multiplied by the manufacturer 
markup. The manufacturer markup covers all the CPSV manufacturer's non-
production costs (i.e., selling, general, and administrative expenses; 
research and development; and interest) as well as profit. Total 
industry revenue for CPSV manufacturers equals the MSPs at each 
efficiency level multiplied by the number of shipments at that 
efficiency level for all product classes. As previously discussed in 
section IV.B.2 of this document, the MPC for all commercial prerinse 
spray valves is the same at each ELs for all product classes. 
Therefore, total industry revenue equals the MSP multiplied by the 
number of shipments.
    In the June 2020 RFI, DOE requested comment on whether the 
manufacturer markup of 1.30 from the January 2016 Final Rule is still 
appropriate to represent the market share weighted average value. 85 FR 
35383, 35389. DOE did not receive any comments on this topic. 
Therefore, in this NOPD MIA, DOE used the same manufacturer markup of 
1.30 that was used in the January 2016 Final Rule.

V. Analytical Results and Conclusions

    The following section addresses the results from DOE's analyses 
with respect to the considered energy conservation standards for 
commercial prerinse spray valves. It addresses the ELs examined by DOE 
and the projected impacts of each of these levels. Additional details 
regarding DOE's analyses are contained in the NOPD TSD supporting this 
document.

A. Economic Impacts on Individual Consumers

    DOE analyzed the cost effectiveness (i.e., the savings in operating 
costs throughout the estimated average life of commercial prerinse 
spray valves compared to any increase in the price of, or in the 
initial charges for, or maintenance expenses of, the commercial 
prerinse spray valves) that is likely to result from the imposition of 
a standard at an efficiency level by considering the LCC and PBP at 
each EL. DOE also examined the impacts of potential standards on 
selected consumer subgroups. These analyses are discussed in the 
following sections.
    Typically, a higher-efficiency product can affect consumers in two 
ways: (1) Purchase price increases and (2) annual operating costs 
decrease. In the case of commercial prerinse spray valves, there is no 
incremental cost associated with the higher-efficiency product. Inputs 
used for calculating the LCC and PBP include total installed costs 
(i.e., product price plus installation costs) and operating costs 
(i.e., annual energy use, energy prices, energy price trends, repair 
costs, and maintenance costs). The LCC calculation also uses product 
lifetime and a discount rate. Chapter 8 of the NOPD TSD provides 
detailed information on the LCC and PBP analyses.
    Table V.1 shows the average LCC and PBP results for the ELs 
considered for commercial prerinse spray valves in this analysis.

       Table V.1--Average LCC and PBP Results by Efficiency Level
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             LCC savings  Simple payback
              Efficiency level                  2020$      period years
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EL 1.......................................      $379.05               0
EL 2.......................................       739.23               0
EL 3.......................................       751.50               0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The average LCC results in Table V.1 reflect the assumption of a 
consumer opting to stay within the same product class and not 
incorporating the switching between product classes that is modeled 
when assessing national impacts. The results in Table V.1 also

[[Page 46348]]

assume a consumer purchases a product from an efficiency level that 
exists in the market as shown in Table IV.13. As a result, product 
class 1 consumers at baseline efficiency level purchase efficiency 
level 2 products in the LCC analysis, and product class 2 consumers at 
efficiency level 1 purchase efficiency level 3 in the LCC analysis.

B. Economic Impacts on Manufacturers

    DOE performed a MIA to estimate the impact of potential amended 
energy conservation standards on manufacturers of commercial prerinse 
spray valves. The following sections describe the expected impacts on 
CPSV manufacturers at each EL. Chapter 11 of the NOPD TSD explains the 
MIA in further detail.
1. Industry Cash Flow Analysis Results
    In this section, DOE provides MIA results from the analysis, which 
examines changes in the industry that could result from new and amended 
standards. Table V.2 and Table V.3 depict the estimated financial 
impacts (represented by changes in INPV) of potential amended energy 
conservation standards on CPSV manufacturers, as well as the conversion 
costs that DOE estimates manufacturers would incur at each EL. To 
evaluate the range of cash flow impacts on the CPSV industry, DOE 
modeled two conversion cost scenarios that correspond to the range of 
potential manufacturer investments that may occur in responses to 
potential amended standards. Each conversion cost scenario results in a 
unique set of cash flows and corresponding industry values at each EL.
    In the following discussion, the INPV results refer to the 
difference in industry value between the no-new-standards case and the 
standards cases that result from the sum of discounted cash flows from 
the reference year (2021) through the end of the analysis period 
(2056). The results also discuss the difference in cash flows between 
the no-new-standards case and the standards cases in the year before 
the analyzed compliance date for potential amended energy conservation 
standards. This differential represents the size of the required 
conversion costs relative to the cash flow generated by the CPSV 
industry in the absence of amended energy conservation standards.
    To assess the upper (less severe) end of the range of potential 
impacts on CPSV manufacturers, DOE modeled a sourced conversion cost 
scenario. This scenario assumes that the majority of CPSV 
manufacturers, but not all CPSV manufacturers, source components 
(including the nozzle) from component suppliers and simply assemble the 
commercial prerinse spray valves. In this scenario, the CPSV 
manufacturers that DOE assumed source components would not incur 
capital conversion cost related to the fabrication of plastic nozzles 
if CPSV manufacturers must redesign nozzle molds due to the analyzed 
energy conservation standards.
    To assess the lower (more severe) end of the range of potential 
impacts on CPSV manufacturers, DOE modeled a fabricated conversion cost 
scenario. This scenario assumes that all of the CPSV manufacturers 
currently selling products with plastic spray nozzles fabricate these 
nozzles in-house. In this scenario, all CPSV manufacturers incur 
capital conversion costs related to the fabrication of plastic nozzles 
if CPSV manufacturers must redesign nozzle molds due to analyzed energy 
conservation standards.
    DOE seeks comment on the methodology for estimating manufacturer 
conversion costs used in the two conversion cost scenarios (the sourced 
conversion cost scenario and the fabricated conversion cost scenario). 
Additionally, DOE seeks comment of how many manufacturers fabricate 
plastic nozzles in-house verses how many manufacturers out-source the 
production of the plastic nozzles for their commercial prerinse spray 
valves.
    Table V.2 and Table V.3 present the projected results for 
commercial prerinse spray valves under the sourced and fabricated 
conversion cost scenarios. DOE examined results for all product classes 
together since most manufacturers sell products across a variety of the 
analyzed product classes.

 Table V.2--Manufacturer Impact Analysis for Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves--Sourced Conversion Cost Scenario
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Efficiency level *
                                      Units           No-new-    -----------------------------------------------
                                                  standards case         1               2               3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INPV..........................  (2020$ millions)            11.5            10.6            10.6            10.6
Change in INPV................  (2020$ millions)  ..............           (0.9)           (0.9)           (0.9)
                                (%).............  ..............           (7.5)           (7.5)           (7.6)
Product Conversion Costs......  (2020$ millions)  ..............             1.3             1.3             1.3
Capital Conversion Costs......  (2020$ millions)  ..............             0.1             0.1             0.1
Total Conversion Costs........  (2020$ millions)  ..............             1.4             1.4             1.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Numbers in parentheses indicate negative numbers.


    Table V.3--Manufacturer Impact Analysis for Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves--Fabricated Conversion Cost
                                                    Scenario
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Efficiency level *
                                      Units           No-new-    -----------------------------------------------
                                                  standards case         1               2               3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INPV..........................  (2020$ millions)            11.5            10.5            10.5            10.4
Change in INPV................  (2020$ millions)  ..............           (1.0)           (1.0)           (1.1)
                                (%).............  ..............           (8.5)           (8.5)           (9.5)
Product Conversion Costs......  (2020$ millions)  ..............             1.3             1.3             1.3
Capital Conversion Costs......  (2020$ millions)  ..............             0.3             0.3             0.4
Total Conversion Costs........  (2020$ millions)  ..............             1.6             1.6             1.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Numbers in parentheses indicate negative numbers.


[[Page 46349]]

    At EL 1, DOE estimates the impacts on INPV to range from -$1.0 
million to -$0.9 million, or a change in INPV of -8.5 percent to -7.5 
percent. At EL 1, industry free cash flow (operating cash flow minus 
capital expenditures) is estimated to decrease to $0.1 million, or a 
drop of up to 88.2 percent, compared to the no-new-standards case value 
of $0.7 million in 2026, the year leading up to the analyzed compliance 
date of potential amended energy conservation standards.
    Percentage impacts on INPV are moderately negative at EL 1. DOE 
projects that in the analyzed year of compliance (2027), 97 percent of 
CPSV shipments in product class 1, 26 percent of CPSV shipments in 
product class 2, and 14 percent of CPSV shipments in product class 3 
will meet EL 1. DOE expects CPSV manufacturers to incur approximately 
$1.3 million in product conversion costs to update brochures and 
marketing material and re-test and redesigned CPSV models that would 
need to be redesigned if standards were set at EL 1. Additionally, CPSV 
manufacturers would incur between $0.3 million and $0.1 million in 
capital conversion costs to fabricate new plastic nozzle molds to 
accommodate spray patterns that could meet potential standards set at 
EL 1.
    At EL 2, DOE estimates the impacts on INPV to range from -$1.0 
million to -$0.9 million, or a change in INPV of -8.5 percent to -7.5 
percent. At EL 2, industry free cash flow (operating cash flow minus 
capital expenditures) is estimated to decrease to $0.1 million, or a 
drop of up to 88.2 percent, compared to the no-new-standards case value 
of $0.7 million in 2026, the year leading up to the analyzed compliance 
date of potential amended energy conservation standards.
    Percentage impacts on INPV are moderately negative at EL 2. DOE 
projects that in the analyzed year of compliance (2027), 97 percent of 
CPSV shipments in product class 1 and 2 percent of CPSV shipments in 
product class 2 will meet or exceed EL 2. Product class 3 is already at 
max-tech, and 14 percent of product class 3 CPSV shipments will meet 
max-tech. DOE expects CPSV manufacturers to incur approximately $1.3 
million in product conversion costs to update brochures and marketing 
material and re-test and redesigned CPSV models that would need to be 
redesigned if standards were set at EL 2. Additionally, CPSV 
manufacturers would incur between $0.3 million and $0.1 million in 
capital conversion costs to fabricate new plastic nozzle molds to 
accommodate spray patterns that could meet potential standards set at 
EL 2.
    At EL 3, max-tech for all product classes, DOE estimates the 
impacts on INPV to range from -$1.1 million to -$0.9 million, or a 
change in INPV of -9.5 percent to -7.6 percent. At EL 3, industry free 
cash flow (operating cash flow minus capital expenditures) is estimated 
to decrease to less than $0.1 million, or a drop of up to 99.0 percent, 
compared to the no-new-standards case value of $0.7 million in 2026, 
the year leading up to the analyzed compliance date of potential 
amended energy conservation standards.
    Percentage impacts on INPV are moderately negative at EL 3. DOE 
projects that in the analyzed year of compliance (2027), 9 percent of 
CPSV shipments in product class 1, 2 percent of CPSV shipments in 
product class 2, and 14 percent of CPSV shipments in product class 3 
will meet max-tech. DOE expects CPSV manufacturers to incur 
approximately $1.3 million in product conversion costs to update 
brochures and marketing material and re-test and redesigned CPSV models 
that would need to be redesigned if standards were set at EL 3. 
Additionally, CPSV manufacturers would incur between $0.4 million and 
$0.1 million in capital conversion costs to fabricate new plastic 
nozzle molds to accommodate spray patterns that could meet potential 
standards set at EL 3.
2. Direct Impacts on Employment
    The design option specified for achieving greater ELs (i.e., 
changing the total spray hole area of the CPSV nozzle) does not 
increase the labor content (measured in dollars) of commercial prerinse 
spray valves at any EL, nor does it increase total MPC or labor 
associated with manufacturing commercial prerinse spray valves. 
Additionally, total industry shipments are forecasted to be constant at 
all the analyzed standard levels. Therefore, DOE predicts no change in 
domestic manufacturing employment levels due to any of the analyzed 
standard levels.
3. Impacts on Manufacturing Capacity
    Not every CPSV manufacturer makes CPSV models that could meet all 
the analyzed amended energy conservation standards for all product 
classes. However, DOE believes that manufacturers would not need to 
make substantial platform changes or significant investments for their 
CPSV products to meet any of the amended energy conservation standards 
analyzed in this rulemaking. Therefore, DOE does not foresee any 
significant impact on manufacturing capacity due to any of the analyzed 
amended energy conservation standards.
4. Impacts on Subgroups of Manufacturers
    Using average cost assumptions to develop an industry cash-flow 
estimate may not be adequate for assessing differential impacts among 
manufacturer subgroups. Small manufacturers, niche product 
manufacturers, and manufacturers exhibiting cost structures 
substantially different from the industry average could be affected 
disproportionately. DOE analyzed the impacts on small businesses in 
section VI.B of this document. DOE did not identify any other 
manufacturer subgroups for this rulemaking.
5. Cumulative Regulatory Burden
    One aspect of assessing manufacturer burden involves looking at the 
cumulative impact of multiple DOE standards and the product-specific 
regulatory actions of other Federal agencies that affect the 
manufacturers of a covered product. While any one regulation may not 
impose a significant burden on manufacturers, the combined effects of 
several existing or impending regulations may have serious consequences 
for some manufacturers, groups of manufacturers, or an entire industry. 
Assessing the impact of a single regulation may overlook this 
cumulative regulatory burden. In addition to energy conservation 
standards, other regulations can significantly affect manufacturers' 
financial operations. Multiple regulations affecting the same 
manufacturer can strain profits and lead companies to abandon product 
lines or markets with lower expected future returns than competing 
products. For these reasons, DOE typically conducts an analysis of 
cumulative regulatory burden as part of its rulemakings pertaining to 
appliance efficiency. However, given the tentative conclusion discussed 
in section V.D of this document, DOE did not conduct a cumulative 
regulatory burden analysis.

C. National Impact Analysis

    This section presents DOE's estimates of the NES and the NPV of 
consumer benefits that would result from each of the ELs considered as 
potential amended standards.
1. Significance of Energy Savings
    To estimate the energy savings attributable to potential amended 
standards for commercial prerinse spray valves, DOE compared their 
energy consumption under the no-new-

[[Page 46350]]

standards case to their anticipated energy consumption under each EL. 
The savings are measured over the entire lifetime of product purchased 
in the 30-year period that begins in the year of anticipated compliance 
with amended standards (2027-2056). Table V.4 presents DOE's 
projections of the NES for each efficiency level considered for 
commercial prerinse spray valves. The savings were calculated using the 
nearest neighbor switch scenario as described in section IV.F.1 of this 
document. The savings were calculated using the approach described in 
section IV.G of this document.

    Table V.4--Cumulative National Energy and Water Savings for Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 30 Years of
                                              Shipments (2027-2056)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      National energy savings
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------   National water
          Efficiency level               Site energy       Primary energy       FFC energy      savings (billion
                                           (quads)            (quads)            (quads)              gal)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................              0.014              0.052              0.055             53.153
2...................................              0.010              0.037              0.039             37.882
3...................................              0.011              0.039              0.041             39.435
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table V.5 presents DOE's projections of the NES for each efficiency 
level considered for commercial prerinse spray valves. The savings were 
calculated using the product switch scenario as described in section 
IV.F.2 of this document. The savings were calculated using the approach 
described in section IV.G of this document.

    Table V.5--Cumulative National Energy and Water Savings for Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 30 Years of
                                 Shipments (2027-2056)--Product Switch Scenario
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     National energy savings *
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------   National water
          Efficiency level               Site energy       Primary energy       FFC energy         savings *
                                           (quads)            (quads)            (quads)         (billion gal)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................            (0.028)            (0.102)            (0.108)          (104.043)
2...................................            (0.032)            (0.117)            (0.123)          (119.313)
3...................................            (0.032)            (0.116)            (0.122)          (117.761)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Values in parenthesis indicate negative values.

    OMB Circular A-4 \26\ requires agencies to present analytical 
results, including separate schedules of the monetized benefits and 
costs that show the type and timing of benefits and costs. Circular A-4 
also directs agencies to consider the variability of key elements 
underlying the estimates of benefits and costs. For this proposed 
determination, DOE undertook a sensitivity analysis using 9 years, 
rather than 30 years, of product shipments. The choice of a 9-year 
period is a proxy for the timeline in EPCA for the review of certain 
energy conservation standards and potential revision of and compliance 
with such revised standards.\27\ The review timeframe established in 
EPCA is generally not synchronized with the product lifetime, product 
manufacturing cycles, or other factors specific to commercial prerinse 
spray valves. Thus, such results are presented for informational 
purposes only and are not indicative of any change in DOE's analytical 
methodology. The NES sensitivity analysis results based on a 9-year 
analytical period are presented in Table V.6. The saving values in 
Table V.6 were calculated using the nearest neighbor product class 
switching scenario as described in section IV.F.1 of this document. The 
impacts are counted over the lifetime of commercial prerinse spray 
valves purchased in 2027-2035.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Circular A-4: 
Regulatory Analysis. September 17, 2003. Available at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/circulars_a004_a-4/.
    \27\ Section 325(m) of EPCA requires DOE to review its standards 
at least once every 6 years, and requires, for certain products, a 
3-year period after any new standard is promulgated before 
compliance is required, except that in no case may any new standards 
be required within 6 years of the compliance date of the previous 
standards. If DOE makes a determination that amended standards are 
not needed, it must conduct a subsequent review within three years 
following such a determination. As DOE is evaluating the need to 
amend the standards, the sensitivity analysis is based on the review 
timeframe associated with amended standards. While adding a 6-year 
review to the 3-year compliance period adds up to 9 years, DOE notes 
that it may undertake reviews at any time within the 6-year period 
and that the 3-year compliance date may yield to the 6-year 
backstop. A 9-year analysis period may not be appropriate given the 
variability that occurs in the timing of standards reviews and the 
fact that for some products, the compliance period is 5 years rather 
than 3 years.

    Table V.6--Cumulative National Energy and Water Savings for Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 9 Years of
                                              Shipments (2027-2035)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      National energy savings
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------   National water
          Efficiency level               Site energy       Primary energy       FFC energy      savings (billion
                                           (quads)            (quads)            (quads)              gal)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................              0.004              0.014              0.015             14.315
2...................................              0.003              0.010              0.011             10.203

[[Page 46351]]

 
3...................................              0.003              0.010              0.011             10.621
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The savings in Table V.7 were calculated using the product switch 
scenario as described in section IV.F.2 of this document. The impacts 
are counted over the lifetime of commercial prerinse spray valves 
purchased in 2027-2035.

    Table V.7--Cumulative National Energy and Water Savings for Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 9 Years of
                                 Shipments (2027-2035)--Product Switch Scenario
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     National energy savings *
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------   National water
          Efficiency level               Site energy       Primary energy       FFC energy         savings *
                                           (quads)            (quads)            (quads)         (billion gal)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................................            (0.008)            (0.028)            (0.029)           (28.022)
2...................................            (0.009)            (0.032)            (0.033)           (32.134)
3...................................            (0.009)            (0.031)            (0.033)           (31.716)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Values in parenthesis indicate negative values.

2. Net Present Value of Consumer Costs and Benefits
    DOE estimated the cumulative NPV of the total costs and savings for 
consumers that would result from the ELs considered for commercial 
prerinse spray valves. In accordance with OMB's guidelines on 
regulatory analysis,\28\ DOE calculated NPV using both a 7-percent and 
a 3-percent real discount rate. Table V.8 shows the consumer NPV 
results with impacts counted over the lifetime of product purchased in 
2027-2056. Values in Table V.8 are based on the shipments as described 
in section IV.F.1 of this document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Circular A-4: 
Regulatory Analysis. September 17, 2003. Available at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/circulars_a004_a-4/.

    Table V.8--Cumulative Net Present Value of Consumer Benefits for
   Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 30 Years of Shipments (2027-2056)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Net present value (billion $2020)
                                   -------------------------------------
         Efficiency level               7-percent          3-percent
                                      discount rate      discount rate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................              0.350              0.770
2.................................              0.249              0.549
3.................................              0.259              0.572
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE also calculated the NPV for the alternate shipment scenario (as 
described in section IV.F.1) using both a 7-percent and a 3-percent 
real discount rate. Table V.9 shows the consumer NPV results with 
impacts counted over the lifetime of product purchased in 2027-2056.

    Table V.9--Cumulative Net Present Value of Consumer Benefits for
  Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 30 Years of Shipments (2027-2056)--
                         Product Switch Scenario
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Net present value (billion $2020) *
                                   -------------------------------------
         Efficiency level               7-percent          3-percent
                                      discount rate      discount rate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................            (0.684)            (1.508)
2.................................            (0.785)            (1.729)
3.................................            (0.774)            (1.707)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Values in parenthesis indicate negative values.


[[Page 46352]]

    The NPV results based on the aforementioned 9-year analytical 
period are presented in Table V.10. The impacts are counted over the 
lifetime of product purchased in 2027-2035. As mentioned previously, 
such results are presented for informational purposes only and are not 
indicative of any change in DOE's analytical methodology or decision 
criteria.

    Table V.10--Cumulative Net Present Value of Consumer Benefits for
   Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 9 Years of Shipments (2027-2035)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Net present value (billion $2020)
                                   -------------------------------------
         Efficiency level               7-percent          3-percent
                                      discount rate      discount rate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................              0.160              0.246
2.................................              0.112              0.176
3.................................              0.116              0.183
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The NPV results based on the 9-year analytical period (2027-2035) 
for the alternate shipment scenario (as described in section IV.F.1) 
are presented in Table V.11.

    Table V.11--Cumulative Net Present Value of Consumer Benefits for
  Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves; 9 Years of Shipments (2027-2035)--
                         Product Switch Scenario
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Net present value (billion $2020) *
                                   -------------------------------------
         Efficiency level               7-percent          3-percent
                                      discount rate      discount rate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.................................            (0.306)            (0.482)
2.................................            (0.351)            (0.553)
3.................................            (0.347)            (0.546)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Values in parenthesis indicate negative values.

D. Proposed Determination

    As required by EPCA, this NOPD analyzes whether amended standards 
for commercial prerinse spray valves would result in significant 
conservation of energy, be technologically feasible, and be cost 
effective. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 6295(n)(2)) 
Additionally, DOE also estimated the impact on manufacturers. The 
criteria considered under 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A) and the additional 
analysis are discussed in the following subsections. Because an 
analysis of potential cost effectiveness and energy savings first 
require an evaluation of the relevant technology, DOE first discusses 
the technological feasibility of amended standards. DOE then addresses 
the cost effectiveness and energy savings associated with potential 
amended standards.
1. Technological Feasibility
    EPCA mandates that DOE consider whether amended energy conservation 
standards for commercial prerinse spray valves would be technologically 
feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 6295(n)(2)(B)) DOE has 
tentatively determined that there are technology options that would 
improve the efficiency of commercial prerinse spray valves. These 
technology options are being used in commercially available commercial 
prerinse spray valves and therefore are technologically feasible. (See 
section IV.A.2 for further information.) Hence, DOE has tentatively 
determined that amended energy conservation standards for commercial 
prerinse spray valves are technologically feasible.
2. Cost Effectiveness
    EPCA requires DOE to consider whether energy conservation standards 
for commercial prerinse spray valves would be cost effective through an 
evaluation of the savings in operating costs throughout the estimated 
average life of the covered product compared to any increase in the 
price of, or in the initial charges for, or maintenance expenses of, 
the covered product which are likely to result from the imposition of 
an amended standard. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6295(n)(2)(C), 
and 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(II)) DOE conducted an LCC analysis to 
estimate the net costs/benefits to users from increased efficiency in 
the considered commercial prerinse spray valves. (See results in Table 
V.1.) DOE then aggregated the results from the LCC analysis to estimate 
the NPV of the total costs and benefits experienced by the Nation. (See 
results in Table V.8 and Table V.10.) As noted, the inputs for 
determining the NPV are (1) total annual installed cost, (2) total 
annual operating costs (energy costs and repair and maintenance costs), 
and (3) a discount factor to calculate the present value of costs and 
savings.
    DOE considered each of the efficiency levels. All efficiency levels 
would result in positive NPV at the 3-percent and 7-percent discount 
rates. However, in DOE's sensitivity analysis, wherein a subset of 
consumers exit the CPSV market and switch to higher flow-rate products 
such as faucets (product switch scenario), all efficiency levels would 
result in a negative NPV at the 3-percent and 7-percent discount rates.
    DOE notes that the lack of incremental costs to consumers 
associated with higher-efficiency products makes LCC and NPV values 
cost-effective. However, the potential reduction in consumer utility 
risks driving consumers to alternative products with higher flow-rates. 
As discussed in section IV.F.2 of this document, the change in product 
availability since the January 2016 Final Rule makes it more likely 
that certain

[[Page 46353]]

consumers would switch to higher flow-rate products in response to 
amended standards. This shift increases the likelihood that amended 
standards could result in a negative NPV. Therefore, DOE has 
tentatively determined that amended standards would not be economically 
justified at any efficiency level due to the increased likelihood of 
consumers switching products to higher flow-rate products as a result 
of decreased consumer utility due to potential amended standards, and 
the corresponding negative NPV of this product switch scenario.
3. Significant Conservation of Energy
    EPCA also mandates that DOE consider whether amended energy 
conservation standards for commercial prerinse spray valves would 
result in significant conservation of energy. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)(A) 
and 42 U.S.C. 6295(n)(2)(A)) To estimate the energy savings 
attributable to potential amended standards for commercial prerinse 
spray valves, DOE compared their energy consumption under the no-new-
standards case to their anticipated energy consumption under each 
potential standard level. The savings are measured over the entire 
lifetime of product purchased in the 30-year period that begins in the 
year of anticipated compliance with amended standards (2027-2056).
    DOE estimates that amended standards for commercial prerinse spray 
valves would result in maximum energy savings of 0.014 site energy 
quads and 0.055 FFC energy savings at EL1 over a 30-year analysis 
period (2027-2056). (See results in Table V.4 of this document.) 
However, in DOE's sensitivity analysis, wherein a subset of consumers 
exit the CPSV market and switch to higher flow-rate products such as 
faucets (product switch scenario), amended standards could result in an 
increase in national site energy use between 0.028 (EL1) and 0.032 
(EL3) quads and an increase in FFC energy use between 0.108 (EL1) and 
0.124 (EL3) quads over a 30-year analysis period (2027-2056). (See 
results in Table V.5.) As discussed in section IV.F.2 of this document, 
the change in product availability since the January 2016 Final Rule 
makes it more likely that certain consumers would switch to higher 
flow-rate products in response to amended standards. This shift 
increases the likelihood that amended standards could result in 
increased energy and water usage.
4. Additional Consideration
    EPCA lists several additional factors for DOE to consider in 
deciding whether to amend energy conservation standards. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(I)-(VII)) In this analysis, DOE investigated the 
manufacturer impacts of any potential amended standards. DOE estimates 
that amended standards for commercial prerinse spray valves would 
result in a reduction in INPV between 7.5 and 9.5 percent. (See results 
in Table V.2 and Table V.3 of this document)
    DOE also considers any lessening of the utility or the performance 
of the covered products likely to result from the imposition of the 
standard. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(IV)) As noted in section IV.F, 
spray force is a driving factor of consumer utility and consumer 
satisfaction. As discussed in section IV.B.1.b, there is a direct 
relationship between flow rate and spray force. Therefore, the 
relationship between consumer satisfaction and spray force for 
commercial prerinse spray valves makes it possible that consumers may 
opt to switch product classes if they are unsatisfied with the spray 
force available to them in their current product class due to amended 
standards. In some cases, consumers react to amended standards by 
switching to a commercial prerinse spray valve, or alternative product, 
that consumes more water and energy than their current product. DOE 
accounted for this potential reduction in utility in its shipments 
analysis by considering the possibility of both the nearest neighbor 
switch scenario (section IV.F.1) and the product switch scenario 
(section IV.F.2).
5. Summary
    In this proposed determination, although some energy savings are 
possible in the standards case analysis, there is risk that amended 
standards could result in increased energy consumption if consumers 
switch to higher water usage products, like faucets (product switch 
scenario). Similarly, the product switch scenario would also result in 
a negative NPV for the total costs and savings for consumers. As 
discussed in section IV.F.2 of this document, the change in product 
availability since the 2016 Final Rule makes in more likely that 
consumers would switch to higher water usage products in the presence 
of amended standards. Therefore, it is more likely that amended 
standards could result in increases in water, energy, and costs. The 
risk of these potential increases outweigh the cost effectiveness of 
any new or amended standards.
    As such, any potential benefits from amended standards are 
outweighed by this risk and the additional burden on manufacturers. DOE 
has tentatively determined based on the estimated negative NIA values 
resulting from product switching and the estimated additional burden on 
manufacturers, new or amended standards would not be economically 
justified. Therefore, DOE has tentatively determined that amended 
standards for commercial prerinse spray valves are not needed. DOE will 
consider all comments received on this proposed determination in 
issuing any final determination.

VI. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    This proposed determination has been determined to be not 
significant for purposes of Executive Order (``E.O.'') 12866, 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). As a 
result, the OMB did not review this proposed determination.

B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires 
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (``IRFA'') 
for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless 
the agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
As required by E.O. 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in 
Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), DOE published 
procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the 
potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly 
considered during the rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made its 
procedures and policies available on the Office of the General 
Counsel's website (https://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel).
    DOE reviewed this proposed determination under the provisions of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the policies and procedures 
published on February 19, 2003. Because DOE is proposing not to amend 
standards for commercial prerinse spray valves, if adopted, the 
determination would not amend any energy conservation standards. On the 
basis of the foregoing, DOE certifies that the proposed determination, 
if adopted, would have no significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared an IRFA for 
this proposed determination. DOE will transmit this certification and 
supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy 
of the

[[Page 46354]]

Small Business Administration for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

    Manufacturers of commercial prerinse spray valves must certify to 
DOE that their products comply with any applicable energy conservation 
standards. To certify compliance, manufacturers must first obtain test 
data for their products according to the DOE test procedures, including 
any amendments adopted for those test procedures. DOE has established 
regulations for the certification and recordkeeping requirements for 
all covered consumer products and commercial product, including 
commercial prerinse spray valves. (See generally 10 CFR part 429.) The 
collection-of-information requirement for the certification and 
recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by OMB under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA''). This requirement has been approved 
by OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for 
the certification is estimated to average 35 hours per response, 
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    DOE is analyzing this proposed action in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (``NEPA'') and DOE's NEPA 
implementing regulations. 10 CFR part 1021 DOE's regulations include a 
categorical exclusion for actions which are interpretations or rulings 
with respect to existing regulations. 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, 
appendix A4 DOE anticipates that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion A4 because it is an interpretation or ruling in regards to an 
existing regulation and otherwise meets the requirements for 
application of a categorical exclusion. See 10 CFR 1021.410. DOE will 
complete its NEPA review before issuing the final action.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    E.O. 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999), imposes 
certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and implementing 
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have Federalism 
implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to examine the 
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would 
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess 
the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order also requires 
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely 
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory 
policies that have Federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE 
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental 
consultation process it will follow in the development of such 
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this proposed determination 
and has tentatively determined that it would not have a substantial 
direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. EPCA governs 
and prescribes Federal preemption of State regulations as to energy 
conservation for the products that are the subject of this proposed 
rule. States can petition DOE for exemption from such preemption to the 
extent, and based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297) 
Therefore, no further action is required by E.O. 13132.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    With respect to the review of existing regulations and the 
promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of E.O. 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' imposes on Federal agencies the general duty to 
adhere to the following requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and 
ambiguity, (2) write regulations to minimize litigation, (3) provide a 
clear legal standard for affected conduct rather than a general 
standard, and (4) promote simplification and burden reduction. 61 FR 
4729 (Feb. 7, 1996). Regarding the review required by section 3(a), 
section 3(b) of E.O. 12988 specifically requires that Executive 
agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: 
(1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any, (2) clearly 
specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation, (3) 
provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting 
simplification and burden reduction, (4) specifies the retroactive 
effect, if any, (5) adequately defines key terms, and (6) addresses 
other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship 
under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of 
E.O. 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations in light 
of applicable standards in section 3(a) and section 3(b) to determine 
whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. 
DOE has completed the required review and determined that, to the 
extent permitted by law, this proposed determination meets the relevant 
standards of E.O. 12988.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``UMRA'') 
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the 
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). 
For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may 
cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one 
year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a 
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the 
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. 
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a)-(b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers 
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving 
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect them. On March 18, 1997, DOE published 
a statement of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation 
under UMRA. 62 FR 12820. DOE's policy statement is also available at 
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/umra_97.pdf.
    DOE examined this proposed determination according to UMRA and its 
statement of policy and determined that the proposed determination does 
not contain a Federal intergovernmental mandate, nor is it expected to 
require expenditures of $100 million or more in any one year by State, 
local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector. As a result, the analytical requirements of UMRA do not apply.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family

[[Page 46355]]

Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. 
This proposed determination would not have any impact on the autonomy 
or integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has 
concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking 
Assessment.

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630

    Pursuant to E.O. 12630, ``Governmental Actions and Interference 
with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights,'' 53 FR 8859 (Mar. 15, 
1988), DOE has determined that this proposed determination would not 
result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth 
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for Federal agencies to review 
most disseminations of information to the public under information 
quality guidelines established by each agency pursuant to general 
guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 
(Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 
(Oct. 7, 2002). Pursuant to OMB Memorandum M-19-15, Improving 
Implementation of the Information Quality Act (April 24, 2019), DOE 
published updated guidelines which are available at https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2019/12/f70/DOE%20Final%20Updated%20IQA%20Guidelines%20Dec%202019.pdf. DOE has 
reviewed this NOPD under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded 
that it is consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

    E.O. 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly 
Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 
2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (``OIRA'') at OMB, a Statement of 
Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy action. A 
``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency 
that promulgates or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final 
rule, and that (1) is a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, 
or any successor Executive Order; and (2) is likely to have a 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy, or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a 
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action, 
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on 
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, 
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected 
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
    This proposed determination, which does not propose to amend energy 
conservation standards for commercial prerinse spray valves, is not a 
significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866. Moreover, it would not 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy, nor has it been designated as such by the Administrator at 
OIRA. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects.

L. Review Under the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review

    On December 16, 2004, OMB, in consultation with the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy (``OSTP''), issued its Final Information 
Quality Bulletin for Peer Review (``the Bulletin''). 70 FR 2664 (Jan. 
14, 2005). The Bulletin establishes that certain scientific information 
shall be peer reviewed by qualified specialists before it is 
disseminated by the Federal Government, including influential 
scientific information related to agency regulatory actions. The 
purpose of the bulletin is to enhance the quality and credibility of 
the Government's scientific information. Under the Bulletin, the energy 
conservation standards rulemaking analyses are ``influential scientific 
information,'' which the Bulletin defines as ``scientific information 
the agency reasonably can determine will have, or does have, a clear 
and substantial impact on important public policies or private sector 
decisions.'' 70 FR 2664, 2667.
    In response to OMB's Bulletin, DOE conducted formal peer reviews of 
the energy conservation standards development process and the analyses 
that are typically used and has prepared Peer Review report pertaining 
to the energy conservation standards rulemaking analyses.\29\ 
Generation of this report involved a rigorous, formal, and documented 
evaluation using objective criteria and qualified and independent 
reviewers to make a judgment as to the technical/scientific/business 
merit, the actual or anticipated results, and the productivity and 
management effectiveness of programs and/or projects. DOE has 
determined that the peer-reviewed analytical process continues to 
reflect current practice, and the Department followed that process for 
considering amended energy conservation standards in the case of the 
present action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ ``Energy Conservation Standards Rulemaking Peer Review 
Report.'' 2007. Available at https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/downloads/energy-conservation-standards-rulemaking-peer-review-report-0.
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VII. Public Participation

A. Participation in the Webinar

    The time and date of the webinar are listed in the DATES section at 
the beginning of this document. Webinar registration information, 
participant instructions, and information about the capabilities 
available to webinar participants will be published on DOE's website at 
https://cms.doe.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines. Participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are 
compatible with the webinar software.

B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for 
Distribution

    Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this 
notice, or who is representative of a group or class of persons that 
has an interest in these issues, may request an opportunity to make an 
oral presentation at the webinar. Such persons may submit such request 
to [email protected]. Persons who wish to speak 
should include with their request a computer file in WordPerfect, 
Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format that briefly describes 
the nature of their interest in this rulemaking and the topics they 
wish to discuss. Such persons should also provide a daytime telephone 
number where they can be reached.
    Persons requesting to speak should briefly describe the nature of 
their interest in this rulemaking and provide a telephone number for 
contact. DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to 
submit an advance copy of their statements at least two weeks before 
the webinar. At its discretion, DOE may permit persons who cannot 
supply an advance copy of their statement to participate, if those 
persons have made advance alternative arrangements with the Building 
Technologies Office. As necessary, requests to give an oral 
presentation should ask for such alternative arrangements.

C. Conduct of the Webinar

    DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the webinar/public 
meeting and may also use a professional

[[Page 46356]]

facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will not be a judicial or 
evidentiary-type public hearing, but DOE will conduct it in accordance 
with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6306). A court reporter will be 
present to record the proceedings and prepare a transcript. DOE 
reserves the right to schedule the order of presentations and to 
establish the procedures governing the conduct of the webinar. There 
shall not be discussion of proprietary information, costs or prices, 
market share, or other commercial matters regulated by U.S. anti-trust 
laws. After the webinar and until the end of the comment period, 
interested parties may submit further comments on the proceedings and 
any aspect of the proposed determination.
    The webinar will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE 
will present summaries of comments received before the webinar, allow 
time for prepared general statements by participants, and encourage all 
interested parties to share their views on issues affecting this 
proposed determination. Each participant will be allowed to make a 
general statement (within time limits determined by DOE), before the 
discussion of specific topics. DOE will permit, as time permits, other 
participants to comment briefly on any general statements.
    At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit 
participants to clarify their statements briefly. Participants should 
be prepared to answer questions by DOE and by other participants 
concerning these issues. DOE representatives may also ask questions of 
participants concerning other matters relevant to this proposed 
determination. The official conducting the webinar/public meeting will 
accept additional comments or questions from those attending, as time 
permits. The presiding official will announce any further procedural 
rules or modification of the above procedures that may be needed for 
the proper conduct of the webinar.
    A transcript of the webinar will be included in the docket, which 
can be viewed as described in the Docket section at the beginning of 
this NOPD and will be accessible on the DOE website. In addition, any 
person may buy a copy of the transcript from the transcribing reporter.

D. Submission of Comments

    DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
proposed determination no later than the date provided in the DATES 
section at the beginning of this proposed rule. Interested parties may 
submit comments, data, and other information using any of the methods 
described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this document.
    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 itself 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. Otherwise, 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 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 also 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 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 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. 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).

E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment

    Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE 
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of 
interested parties concerning the following issues:

    1. DOE seeks comment on its determination that PCAs would not 
change the flow rate or spray force at DOE's test pressure.
    2. DOE seeks comment on its new max-tech efficiency level for 
product class 1.

[[Page 46357]]

    3. DOE seeks comment and data regarding any changes in MPC that 
would not be accounted for by updating the cost analysis of the 
previously conducted product teardowns. Specifically, DOE seeks any 
data that would contradict its determination of no incremental cost 
associated with improvements in efficiency of commercial prerinse 
spray valves.
    4. DOE seeks comment on the markup channels, the percentage 
through each channel, and the baseline markup of commercial prerinse 
spray valves.
    5. DOE seeks comment on the methods to improve DOE's energy-use 
analysis, as well as any supporting alternate operating hour 
estimates for operation of commercial prerinse spray valves. DOE 
seeks comment on water pressure and the end-use temperature.
    6. DOE seeks comment on the product-class switching methodology 
used in this analysis, including any logic consumers may employ when 
switching as well as the portion of consumers that may switch.
    7. DOE seeks comment on the approach used to analyze the 
possibility of some consumers exiting the CPSV market for higher 
flow-rate products, including any logic consumers may employ when 
switching as well as the portion of consumers that may switch.
    8. DOE seeks comment on the use of 6.89 as a real discount rate 
for CPSV manufacturers.
    9. DOE seeks comment on the methodology for estimating 
manufacturer conversion costs used in the two conversion cost 
scenarios (the sourced conversion cost scenario and the fabricated 
conversion cost scenario). Additionally, DOE seeks comment of how 
many manufacturers fabricate plastic nozzles in-house verses how 
many manufacturers out-source the production of the plastic nozzles 
for their commercial prerinse spray valves.

VIII. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this 
notification of proposed determination.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on August 3, 
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 August 5, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-16995 Filed 8-17-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P