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 (5^th 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 proposing to establish 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 will consider any comments (including any accompanying data) regarding any potential impacts of these six standards on installers. DOE will also consider and substantively address any 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 will provide an opportunity for all interested parties to submit comments concerning any proposed standards. DOE will use its best efforts to issue a final rule establishing the remanded standards by December 1, 2016.