Thursday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for energy conservation, bank stress tests, and animal food additives.
Here’s what is happening:
Energy conservation: The Department of Energy is considering new energy conservation rules for certain air conditioners and heat pumps.
The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced the proposed rule Wednesday. It would review the agency’s test procedures for packaged terminal air conditioners and packaged terminal heat pumps.
The rules would require that wall sleeves be sealed, allow for the pre-filing of condensate drain pans, and require testing for 14-inch deep wall sleeves.
The agency will hold a public meeting on April 28 to discuss the proposed rules.
Dodd-Frank: Three government agencies are issuing guidance on how certain banks should implement stress tests.
The Federal Reserve board of governors, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued the joint guidance.
The guidance outlines implementation procedures for stress tests that are required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act for all banks and savings institutions with between $10 billion and $50 billion in total consolidated assets.
Food additives: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is moving forward with new regulations for food additives in animal food and water.
The new rules will allow for the safe use of benzoic acid in swine feed.
This rulemaking comes in response to a petition from DSM Nutritional Products.
Removal of regulations: The Federal Emergency Management Agency is withdrawing regulations that implemented the Federal Advisory Committee Act. This area will now be governed by new rules from the General Services Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
Electronic submission: The General Services Administration (GSA) is moving forward with changes to a rule that would require companies to submit electronic notifications for modifications of Federal Supply Schedule contracts managed by the agency
The rule from the GSA’s Office of Acquisition Policy goes into effect in one month.