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DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of all interested parties at all stages of the rulemaking process. Early and frequent interactions among manufacturers, efficiency/environmental advocates, states, utilities, retailers, and consumers provide a balanced discussion on potential standards levels as well as critical information required to conduct the analysis.
In 1995, DOE started a comprehensive process improvement effort. Through a series of stakeholder meetings and interviews, DOE examined issues surrounding the appliance standards program. The findings from these meetings and interviews helped DOE to improve the appliance standards rulemaking process. DOE published a rule outlining the procedural and analytical changes for the appliance standards process in July 1996. The rule was published in the Federal Register (July 15, 1996, 61FR36973) and is available in the Code of Federal Regulations.
The rule establishes procedures, interpretations and policies to guide DOE in developing new or revised appliance efficiency standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
This process outlined in the rule avoids the occurrence of unnecessary problems by ensuring:
- Early involvement of stakeholders
- Increased predictability of the rulemaking timetable
- Increased use of industry expertise
- Early elimination of impractical or problematic design options
- Enhanced analysis of impacts
- Improved analytical methods
- Support of consensus rulemaking.
DOE is also exploring the relationship between market-pull approaches and standards, examining multiple paths to reach the same energy conservation goal. Among other factors, DOE wants to find alternatives that maximize consumer benefits and minimize negative impacts on manufacturers and others.
To stay informed and involved in the process, check the Web site for meeting notices, updates on rulemakings, and other standards developments.
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