DOE proposal to change how it sets efficiency standards creates new hurdles, advocates say

Utility Dive: There was a time when energy efficiency standards were widely seen as a bipartisan success, but now is not that time. On their face, the DOE's proposed changes appear benign and dull. The rule at issue is "Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Products," which does not roll off the tongue.

But advocates say the changes to the process rule would make it significantly more difficult to develop standards, and a new threshold on energy savings would mean smaller improvements could be ignored.

Read article