Energy Conservation Program: Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment

Document 2026-13674 is a Proposed Rule published by the Department of Energy in the Federal Register on July 7, 2026. The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE" or "the Department") proposes to update the Department's current rulemaking methodology titled, "Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment" ("Process Rule"). Specifically, DOE proposes to: make Appendix A binding on DOE for certain actions; amend objectives and considerations consistent with recent Executive orders and Department policies; add a definition of "significant energy savings"; re-instate the comparative analysis requirement, described as a "walk up" approach; include certain economic thresholds; re-instate the description of clear and convincing evidence; and revert to language from the 2020 Process Rule text, with minor edits, in several sections. In addition to requesting written comments on its proposal, DOE will also hold a public meeting to discuss this proposal and obtain additional input. View the original at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/07/2026-13674/energy-conservation-program-procedures-interpretations-and-policies-for-consideration-of-new-or.

No. Document 2026-13674 is not classified as economically significant under Executive Order 12866. Economically significant rules require OIRA review and are estimated to have impacts of $100 million or more per year.