July 16, 2026
Foley Viewpoints
DOE Proposes Significant Changes to Energy Conservation Standards Rulemaking Process
On July 7, 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) proposing substantial revisions to DOE’s “Process Rule,” which governs the process DOE uses to develop energy conservation standards and test procedures for consumer products and commercial/industrial equipment pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). If finalized, the proposal would significantly alter how DOE develops and evaluates new and amended energy conservation standards, with important implications for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of products subject to DOE’s energy efficiency regulations.
