DOE hits brakes on efficiency rules

The Department of Energy (DOE) is hitting the brakes on a couple of energy conservation standards.

The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is reversing course and will not regulate high-intensity discharge lamps that are often used in gymnasiums, warehouses and parking lots.

Energy conservation standards would not be technology feasible or economically justified for high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, the DOE said Monday in what is shaping up to be a busy day for the agency.

This comes after the Energy Department determined in 2010 that energy conservation standards and test procedures for these devices would, in fact, result in significant energy savings.

But upon further consideration, the agency changed course Monday, backing away from any such rules.

The Energy Department reversed course only after holding a series of public meetings, reviewing public comments, and speaking with manufacturers.

“Based upon this new information, DOE revised its analyses for potential HID lamp energy conservation standards,” the agency wrote.

The public has 60 days to comment on high-intensity discharge lamps.

Meanwhile, the Energy Department is also delaying new efficiency standards for commercial pre-rinse spray valves, which are used at restaurants to rinse dishes before they are placed in the dishwasher.

The DOE proposed the rules in September but said Monday it is extending the comment period through Nov. 12 to give the public more time to consider the changes. 

The efficiency standards for pre-rinse spray valves haven’t been updated since 2005.

Both decisions will be announced in Tuesday’s edition of the Federal Register.