Calling Out Proposed Rules on Federal Appliance Standards ASAP

US Department of Energy (US DOE) actions to weaken efficiency standards for gas furnaces, water heaters, dishwashers and light bulbs are being called out by The Appliance Standards Awareness Project  (ASAP) and ACEEE. A 2016 report by ASAP on how national energy efficiency standards can drive energy economic and environmental benefits “found that condensing technology has the potential to save consumers and businesses over $100 billion on their utility bills by 2050”.

The proposed rule for gas furnaces and water heaters, published July 11, is supported by the gas industry.  The proposed rule for dishwashers is opposed by manufacturers and energy efficiency supporters. Comments on DOE’s proposed rules are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. ACEEEutilitydive