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The Department of Energy has settled a civil penalty action it initiated against "Showerheadpower" for the manufacture and online sale of showerheads that used more water than allowed by federal law. As enacted by Congress, showerheads may not consume water in excess of 2.5 gallons per minute. The manufacturer in this matter admitted it had altered commercially available, legal showerheads to consume water in excess of this efficiency standard. The manufacturer admitted to selling at least 5,000 of these modified showerheads between June 3, 2006, and February 7, 2011.

The Department of Energy issued a notice seeking comment on its Preliminary Plan to implement Executive Order 13563, "Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review". The plan describes how the Department intends to conduct retrospective review of its regulations. The Department developed its Preliminary Plan based on public input received in response to a Request for Information and is now interested in receiving further comment to refine and improve the plan.

The Department issued guidance today advising manufacturers, importers and private labelers that DOE will not enforce the energy conservation standards and compliance certification requirements for candelabra and intermediate base lamps until January 1, 2012.

The Department of Energy's Office of Enforcement today announced that it has resolved the 20 enforcement cases it brought in April 2011 against companies for failing to certify that their products comply with the Department's energy and water use standards.  The certification requirement generates important information that allows the Department to verify compliance with its efficiency standards and ensures that consumers have the information they need to buy energy- and cost-saving products. 

The Department of Energy today announced that it has issued a new rule standardizing how private parties applying for DOE assistance should submit trade secrets and other confidential business information. The new rule will give applicants greater assurance that their confidential business information will not be inadvertently disclosed, while enabling the Department to respond more quickly to Freedom of Information Act requests.

Demonstrating its continuing commitment to rigorous enforcement of important federal efficiency requirements, the Department of Energy’s Office of Enforcement today announced 20 new enforcement cases.  These cases are against companies that the Department has reason to believe are selling products in the United States without certifying that their products comply with energy efficiency or water conservation standards.  The legally required certifications help ensure that products sold in the U.S.

Demonstrating its continuing commitment to rigorous enforcement of important federal efficiency requirements, the Department of Energy’s Office of Enforcement today announced 20 new enforcement cases.

The Department of Energy announced today that it has settled a longstanding dispute over equity rights to the Naval Petroleum Reserve-1 (commonly referred to as “Elk Hills”) located in Bakersfield, California.  Under the agreement, Chevron U.S.A., Inc. has agreed to pay $108 million to the United States to resolve all outstanding equity claims. 

Last week, the Department of Energy issued two Notices related to the application of its certification and enforcement regulations. First, the Department issued a Request for Information seeking information and data related to the use of computer simulations, mathematical methods, and other alternative methods of determining the efficiency of certain types of consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment. Comments are requested on or before May 18, 2011. Second, the Department issued a 

The Department of Energy today announces an extension of the reply comment period for its Request for Information implementing Executive Order 13563, seeking public comment on how best to review its existing regulations.