Jan 25 -- FTC extends comment period until January 31, 2023.
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-01429
Oct 25 -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) seeks public comment on potential amendments to the Energy Labeling Rule (Rule), including energy labels for several new consumer product categories, and other possible amendments to improve the Rule's effectiveness and reduce unnecessary burdens. Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2022.
The Commission seeks comment on amendments to its existing Energy Labeling Rule at 16 CFR part 305. As discussed below, the Commission specifically seeks comment on whether it should add new consumer product categories to the labeling program, increase the availability of online labels and other energy information, and streamline existing requirements. The Commission also seeks comment on whether any Rule changes are necessary to ensure the Rule's labeling provisions are consistent with current consumer shopping behavior. Finally, the ANPR seeks comment on whether the Commission should amend the Rule to: (1) modify its label content and format, (2) require links to online Lighting Facts labels consistent with current EnergyGuide requirements, (3) update the electricity cost figure on the Lighting Facts and ceiling fan labels, (4) update the refrigerator and clothes washer labels to remove dated information about test procedures, and (5) ensure the Rule's consistency with Department of Energy (DOE) requirements.
The Commission issued the Energy Labeling Rule in 1979, pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA). The Rule requires energy labeling for major home appliances and other consumer products to help consumers compare the energy usage and costs of competing models. It also contains labeling requirements for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers, dishwashers, water heaters, clothes washers, room and portable air conditioners, furnaces, central air conditioners, heat pumps, plumbing products, lighting products, ceiling fans, and televisions.
The Rule requires manufacturers to attach yellow EnergyGuide labels to many covered products and prohibits retailers from removing these labels or rendering them illegible. In addition, it directs sellers, including retailers, to post label information on websites and in paper catalogs from which consumers can order products. EnergyGuide labels for most covered products contain three main disclosures: estimated annual energy cost, a product's energy consumption or energy efficiency rating as determined by DOE test procedures, and a comparability range displaying the highest and lowest energy costs or efficiency ratings for all similar models. The Rule requires marketers to use national average costs for applicable energy sources (e.g., electricity, natural gas, or oil), as calculated by DOE in all cost calculations. Under the Rule, the Commission periodically updates comparability range and annual energy cost information based on manufacturer data submitted pursuant to the Rule's reporting requirements.
FRN:
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-23063 [7 pages]
