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Statement of Need: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act requires minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances, which has the effect of eliminating inefficient appliances and equipment from the market.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The EPCA, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, establishes initial energy efficiency standard levels for fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps. The EPCA also requires DOE to undertake two subsequent rulemakings to determine whether the standard for a covered product should be amended.

Alternatives: The statute requires the Department to conduct rulemakings to review standards and to revise standards to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. In making this determination, the Department conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard levels, including the existing standard, based on the criteria specified by the statute.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: More efficient lamps may be more costly to purchase initially but will be economically justified over the life of the lamps. Benefits that may result from higher efficiency standards for these lighting products include significant energy savings along with a reduction in environmental impacts. The specific costs and benefits have not been established because DOE is still in the early stages of the rulemaking and has not yet proposed a standard level. Estimates of energy savings will be provided when the DOE issues the notice of proposed rulemaking for this regulatory action.