National Appliance Standards Laws and Regulations
The following laws established minimum efficiency standards for appliances, lighting products, and equipment and granted the Department of Energy (DOE) the authority to review, revise, and issue standards:
- Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA)
- National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 and 1988 (NAECA)
- Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT 1992)
- Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005)
- Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA)
- American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act of 2012 (AEMTCA)
Where to Find the Laws:
The compiled laws can be found in the U.S. Code Title 42, Chapter 77, Subchapter III, Part A—Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles—and Part A-1—Certain Industrial Equipment.
Where to Find the Regulations:
The executive branch issues regulations to carry out the federal laws. Regulations pertaining to appliance standards can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Chapter II, Subchapter D, Part 430—Energy Conservation for Consumer Products—and Title 10, Chapter II, Part 431—Energy Efficiency Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment.
How to Differentiate between the Two Codes:
The US Code includes only those standards specifically enacted by Congress. DOE establishes some standards and updates all standards periodically, including those initially established by Congress. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is updated roughly annually and includes regulations currently in effect.