Energy Conservation Standards for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts — Proposed Determination of No Amendment
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Notice of Proposed Determination (NOPD) under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) regarding energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts (FLBs). Following its mandatory periodic review, DOE has tentatively concluded that amending the existing standards would not be cost-effective for manufacturers or consumers. FLBs are devices that regulate the electrical current supplied to fluorescent lamps. EPCA requires DOE to periodically evaluate whether tightening existing efficiency standards is technologically feasible, economically justified, and would produce significant energy savings. In this case, DOE's analysis found that the cost-benefit equation does not support raising the bar. As a result, DOE is proposing to leave current FLB energy conservation standards unchanged. This is a tentative determination — not a final rule — and DOE is actively soliciting public comments on the proposed determination, its underlying analyses, and the supporting data before issuing a final decision. Stakeholders, including manufacturers, utilities, environmental groups, and commercial building operators, have an opportunity to submit comments challenging or supporting DOE's preliminary findings during the open comment period.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- DOE proposes NO amendment to existing energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts (FLBs)
- Mandatory EPCA periodic review conducted — determination is that stricter standards are not cost-effective
- This is a proposed/tentative determination (NOPD), not a final rule — subject to public comment
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Periodically review existing fluorescent lamp ballast (FLB) energy conservation standards to determine whether more-stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings
Issue a Notice of Proposed Determination (NOPD) regarding energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts following mandatory periodic review
Solicit and accept public comments on the proposed determination, underlying analyses, and supporting data during an open comment period before issuing a final decision
Conduct cost-benefit analysis to evaluate whether amending existing FLB energy conservation standards is cost-effective for manufacturers and consumers
Issue a final rule decision on whether to amend or maintain current fluorescent lamp ballast energy conservation standards following the comment period