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DOE/EE RIN: 1904-AF71 Publication ID: 2026 
Title: Interpretive Rulemaking Regarding Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Furnaces and Commercial Water Heaters (and Similarly-Situated Products/Equipment) 
Abstract:

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has previously published interpretive rules regarding whether the use of non-condensing technology (and associated venting) constitutes a performance-related "feature" under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), that cannot be eliminated through adoption of an energy conservation standard. 86 FR 4776, 86 FR 73947. DOE is reexamining its most recent interpretation made on December 29, 2021, in accordance with Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy,” 90 FR 8353 (Jan. 29, 2025) and the Presidential Memorandum titled Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis” (issued Jan. 20, 2025).  DOE plans to examine whether a return to its interpretation prior to the December 2021 final interpretive rule better comports with both EPCA and Administration priorities. Any rulemaking action will be consistent with the President's direction in Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy, to preserve consumer choice as well as DOE's statutory obligation to preserve appliance features in the market.

 
Agency: Department of Energy(DOE)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Prerule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
EO 14192 Designation: Deregulatory 
CFR Citation: 10 CFR part 430    10 CFR part 431     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(4) and (q)    42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(6)(B)(iii)(II)    42 U.S.C. 6316(a)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
To be Determined  10/00/2026 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Related RINs: Related to 1904-AF39 
Agency Contact:
Troy Watson
Project Manager
Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop EE-5B,
Washington, DC 20585
Phone:240 449-9387
Email: troy.watson@ee.doe.gov