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Statement of Need: EPCA requires minimum energy efficiency standards for certain appliances and commercial equipment, which has the effect of eliminating inefficient appliances and equipment from the market.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 312 of EISA 2007 establishes definitions and standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. EISA 2007 directs DOE to establish performance-based standards for this equipment (42 U.S.C. 6313 (f)(4)).

Alternatives: The statute requires DOE 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, DOE 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: DOE believes that the benefits to the Nation of the proposed energy standards for commercial refrigeration equipment (such as energy savings, consumer average lifecycle cost savings, an increase in national net present value, and emission reductions) outweigh the burdens (such as loss of industry net present value). DOE estimates that energy savings from electricity will be 5.39 quads over 30 years and the benefit to the Nation will be between $8.6 billion and $24.3 billion.