The Department of Energy (DOE) finalized its repeal of regulations issued in 2017 that would have expanded the number of light bulbs subject to energy efficiency standards to encompass additional types of bulbs–including candle- and globe-shaped bulbs, candelabra-based bulbs, and reflector bulbs used in ceiling fixtures or track lighting.

The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed determination that prevent energy efficiency standards, which were slated to take effect in 2020, from applying to “a-lamps” the “classic” pear-shaped lightbulb.

The Department of Energy has a proposed rule to define a new product class under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for residential dishwashers, thereby granting a petition for rulemaking from the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) who argues that the new class is needed because current energy conservation standards have led to washing machines with long run-times resulting in customer dissatisfaction.

DOE issued a proposal which would make it easier for manufacturers of appliances subject to federal energy efficiency requirements to acquire a temporary exemption from federal test procedure requirements.

DOE issued a proposal to repeal regulations that expanded the number of light bulbs subject to energy efficiency standards.

DOE revised its regulations to provide that the department will approve natural gas exports to countries which which the US has not entered into a free trade agreement provided that the export application meets two criteria: the export volume does not exceed 51.75 billion cubic feet per year, and the DOE approval does not require preparation of an EIS or EA.

On May 26, 2017, DOE published a notice confirming the adoption of the energy conservation standards for residential air conditioners and heat pumps. DOE noted that it had “determined that the comments received in response to that direct final rule do not provide a reasonable basis for withdrawing it.”

DOE published a notice in the Federal Register confirming that there will be no further delays in the implementation of the energy efficiency standards for ceiling fans and that the effective date of the energy efficiency standard for ceiling fans will be September 30, 2017.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the further postponement of five energy efficiency and conservation rules, including test procedures for walk-in coolers and freezers, central air conditioners and heat pumps, and compressors, and conservation standards for ceiling fans and construction standards for federal buildings.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has postponed the effective date of five energy efficiency and conservation standards until March 21, consistent with a recent memorandum calling for a freeze of new and pending regulations. The postponed rules include test procedures for walk-in coolers and freezers, central air conditioners and heat pumps, and compressors, and conservation standards for ceiling fans and construction standards for federal buildings.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has withdrawn a final rule to implement the requirement under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 to establish energy conservation standards for manufactured housing, pursuant to President Trump’s memorandum calling for a regulatory freeze pending review of regulations.

The Trump Administration issued a Presidential Memorandum entitled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review” which directs all agencies to postpone the publication of new and pending regulations to give the administration time to review those regulations. The freeze affects the latest renewable fuel standards from EPA as well as energy efficiency standards recently finalized by DOE.