On May 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published several notices of proposed rules that, if adopted, will rescind or amend energy regulations. DOE initially concludes that these proposed rules will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. DOE is requesting comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind these regulations. Additionally, small entities are encouraged to provide detailed information on any direct impact to their business, whether negative or positive, and whether there are any regulatory alternatives that would minimize the impact on small entities. A short description of each proposed rule is set forth below.

1. Application for Authorization to Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country – DOE is proposing to amend the provisions regarding authorization to transmit electric energy to a foreign country. DOE states the proposed rule will reduce burden and remove out of date requirements while simultaneously bolstering American energy dominance by increasing exports and subsequently the reliance of foreign nations on American energy. DOE seeks comment on all aspects of that proposal, including but not limited to the prior rule’s consistency with statutory authority and the Constitution, national security, whether the prior rules are out of date, the prior rule’s costs and benefits, and the prior rule’s effect on small business, entrepreneurship and private enterprise. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
2. Compliance with Floodplain and Wetland Environmental Review Requirements – DOE is proposing to rescind certain regulations for compliance with floodplain and wetlands environmental review requirements. The Department seeks comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind these regulations. DOE expects to issue new procedures for discharging DOE’s responsibilities under certain executive orders published outside of the Code of Federal Regulations. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
3. Consumer Furnace Fans – DOE is considering whether to revise its existing regulations regarding the energy conservation standards for consumer furnace fans adopted under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. DOE invites public input on appropriate standard levels that are technologically feasible, economically justified, and result in significant conservation of energy. Comments must be received no later than June 16, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
4. Exempt Power Supplies Under the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014 – DOE is proposing to revise its existing regulations regarding the reporting requirements imposed on exempt consumer external power supplies adopted under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments. 
5. Grant Programs for Schools and Hospitals, and Buildings Owned by Units of Local Government and Public Care Institutions Regulations – DOE is proposing to rescind the Grant Programs for Schools and Hospitals and Buildings Owned by Units of Local Government and Public Care Institutions regulations. DOE seeks comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind these regulations. Comments must be received no later than June 16, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
6. Production Incentives for Cellulosic Biofuels – DOE is proposing to rescind the Production Incentives for Cellulosic Biofuels regulations. The Department seeks comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind these regulations. Comments must be received no later than June 16, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
7. Regulations Related to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities – DOE is proposing to rescind certain regulatory provisions related to nondiscrimination based on age in federally assisted programs or activities. Comments must be received no later than June 16, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
8. Renewable Energy Production Incentives – DOE is proposing to rescind the Renewable Energy Production Incentives program regulations at the end of fiscal year 2026. DOE’s proposal is intended to parallel the program’s statutory sunset date. DOE seeks comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind these regulations. Comments must be received no later than June 16, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
9. Reporting Requirements, Certification, Independent Verification, and Review for Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reporting – DOE is proposing to rescind reporting requirements, certification, independent verification, and DOE review for the Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. DOE seeks all comments on any aspects of this proposal. Comments must be received no later than June 16, 2025. Read proposed rule and submit comments.
10. Test Procedures for Commercial Warm Air Furnaces – DOE is proposing to rescind Appendix B, “Uniform Test Method for Measurement of the Energy Efficiency of Commercial Warm Air Furnaces (Thermal Efficiency Two),” under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. DOE has tentatively determined that Appendix B is unduly burdensome to conduct, thereby failing to meet the statutory criteria for adoption of a test procedure. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
11. Test Procedures for Small Electric Scooters – DOE is proposing to rescind its regulations establishing a small electric motor nationally recognized certification and testing laboratory accreditation program. DOE seeks comments on any reason to rescind or not rescind these regulations. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
12. Withdrawal of Determination of Air Cleaners as a Covered Consumer Product – DOE is proposing to withdraw its prior determination that portable air cleaners qualify as covered products under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
13. Withdrawal of Determination of Compressors as a Covered Equipment – DOE is proposing to withdraw its prior determination that compressors qualify as covered equipment under Part A-1 of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
14. Withdrawal of Determination of Fans and Blowers as Covered Equipment – DOE is proposing to withdraw its classification of certain fans and blowers as covered products under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
15. Withdrawal of Determination of Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products as a Covered Consumer Product – DOE is proposing to withdraw its prior determination that miscellaneous refrigeration products qualify as covered products under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
16. Withdrawal of Determination of Portable Air Conditioners as a Covered Consumer Product – DOE is proposing to withdraw its prior determination that portable air conditioners qualify as covered products under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended. Comments must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Read the proposed rule and submit comments.

CONTACT:

Shanerika Flemings

EMAIL:

shanerika.flemings@sba.gov