On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a proposed rule titled: “Test Procedure Interim Waiver Process.” This proposed rule would require that DOE notify interim waiver applicants of a disposition of a request within 30 business days of receipt of the application. If the agency fails to render a decision within this timeframe, the waiver would be deemed granted based on applicable criteria.
The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) believes that streamlining the test procedure interim waiver process, thereby eliminating delays for considering requests for interim waivers, will reduce a serious regulatory burden on small business. Advocacy urges the agency to act quickly to finalize this rule to ensure that small businesses receive a decision on their applications in a timely manner.