On February 20, 1997, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice
of a proposed rule and public hearing to outline test procedures
and certification requirements for plumbing products and residential
appliances. The rule codifies water conservation standards
and test procedures outlined in the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act (EPCA). Seven days later, a Bill was introduced in Congress
by Rep. Joe Knollenberg that would repeal the plumbing fixture
flow restrictions mandated by the EPCA.
The products covered under this program include faucets, shower
heads, water closets, and urinals. The program includes testing,
labeling, and energy/water conservation standards of these products.
Issues presented during a public hearing conducted on April 1,
1997 included:
Whether the amended maximum flow of 2.2 gallons per minute
(gpm) for faucets specified in a revised ANSI/ASME standard should
replace the 2.5 gpm requirement in EPCA.
Whether proposed statistical sampling requirements for testing
are appropriate for the regulated fixtures.
Whether the information required of manufacturers for certification
is reasonable.
Whether multiple-user faucet spray heads and trough urinals
are covered products under EPCA.
Whether the most recent versions of two ANSI/ASME standards
should be incorporated by reference.
DOE's proposal to have the plumbing industry submit metric
equivalents on compliance certification.
How the industry can lobby to defeat H.R. 859, which repeals
the flow restrictions mandated by EPCA.
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding
the proposed issues of this notice until May 6, 1997.
