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DOE/EE RIN: 1904-AD59 Publication ID: Spring 2017 
Title: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers 
Abstract:

In 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a rule setting performance-based energy conservation standards for a variety of walk-in cooler and freezer (walk-in) components. See 79 FR 32050 (June 3, 2014). That rule was challenged by a group of walk-in refrigeration system manufacturers and walk-in installers, which led to a settlement agreement regarding certain refrigeration equipment classes addressed in that 2014 rule and certain aspects related to that rule’s analysis. See Lennox Int’l v. DOE, Case No. 14-60535 (5th Cir. 2014). Consistent with the settlement agreement, and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, a working group was established under the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ASRAC) to engage in a negotiated rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards to replace those that had been vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. As a result of those negotiations, a Term Sheet was produced containing a series of recommendations to ASRAC for its approval and submission to DOE for the agency’s further consideration. Using the Term Sheet’s recommendations, DOE is establishing energy conservation standards for the six equipment classes of walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers that were vacated by the Fifth Circuit and remanded to DOE for further action.  Those standards at issue involve: (1) the two standards applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures; and (2) the four standards applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures. Also consistent with the settlement agreement, DOE explicitly considered the potential impacts of these six standards on installers. DOE also considered and addressed the potential impacts of these six standards on installers in its Manufacturer Impact Analysis, consistent with its regulatory definition of "manufacturer," and, as appropriate, in its analysis of impacts on small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. As part of this rulemaking (and consistent with its obligations under the settlement agreement), DOE provided an opportunity for all interested parties to submit comments concerning any proposed standards. 

 
Agency: Department of Energy(DOE)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: Yes  Unfunded Mandates: Private Sector 
CFR Citation: 10 CFR 431.306   
Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6311    42 U.S.C. 6313(f)   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Judicial  Best efforts to complete the rulemaking by 12/01/2016.   
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM and Notice of Public Meeting  09/13/2016  81 FR 62980   
NPRM Comment Period End  11/14/2016 
Final Action  09/00/2017 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Information URL: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=56&action=viewlive  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
John Cymbalsky
Building Technologies Office, EE-5B
Department of Energy
Departmental and Others
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585
Phone:202 287-1692
Email: john.cymbalsky@ee.doe.gov