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As part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the Commission issued an NPRM seeking public comment on proposed changes to its Appliance Labeling Rule (now known as the Energy Labeling Rule), which requires energy efficiency labels for major household appliances and other consumer products. 77 FR 15298 (March 15, 2012). The FTC sought comments on the Rule's benefits and costs, and on several proposed changes, including whether the Commission should eliminate duplicative reporting requirements for manufacturers, require a uniform method for attaching labels to appliances, place EnergyGuide labels on room air conditioner packages instead of on the products, improve website disclosures, and revise ceiling fan labels. On January 10, 2013, the Commission amended the rule by streamlining data reporting requirements for manufacturers, clarifying testing requirements and enforcement provisions, improving online energy label disclosures, and making several minor technical changes and corrections. 78 FR 2200.

For televisions, the Commission issued proposed amendments that would conform the rule to a new DOE test procedure for televisions. 78 FR 78305 (December 26, 2013). The comment period closed on February 10, 2014. On April 9, 2014, the Commission issued conforming amendments to ensure the rule's television labeling requirements are consistent with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which mandates that FTC labels reflect applicable DOE test procedures. 79 FR 19464. 

As part of the regulatory review of the rule, the Commission issued a supplemental NPRM on June 18, 2014, proposing to expand coverage of the Lighting Facts label, change the current label categories for refrigerators, revise the ceiling fan label design and require room air conditioner labels on packaging instead of the units themselves. 79 FR 34642. The comment period closed on August 18, 2014. On December 29, 2014, the Commission updated label requirements for heating and cooling equipment and removed information from furnace labels about regional conservation standards. 79 FR 77868. The amendments were effective on April 6, 2015.

On December 31, 2014, the Commission issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comments on labeling for several miscellaneous refrigeration products not covered by existing labeling requirements. 79 FR 78736. The Commission sought comments on whether labels for these products would assist consumers in their purchasing decisions. The comment period closed on March 3, 2015.

Overall Description of Deadline: Regional Efficiency Standards--15 months after the Department of Energy (DOE) issued its final efficiency standards on October 25, 2011.