Department of Energy’s General Counsel Announces New Policy Requiring Online Posting of NEPA Categorical Exclusion Determinations to Further Transparency
(October 15, 2009)  Washington, DC – Consistent with the President’s commitment to “disclose information rapidly in forms that the public can readily find and use,” DOE announced today a new policy requiring all DOE program and field offices to document certain categorical exclusion determinations and post them online.  Categorical exclusions are classes of actions that DOE has determined by regulation do not have a significant effect on the environment, and, therefore, normally do not require detailed environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  Under the new policy, DOE program and field offices must document a determination that an action is “categorically excluded” and post the determination online.  With this policy, DOE will become one of the first federal agencies to make Categorical Exclusion documentation available to the public on the internet.  For more information, see DOE’s NEPA website.

Department of Energy’s General Counsel Releases Guidance on Ex Parte Communications During Informal Rulemaking Proceedings
(October 15, 2009)  Washington, DC - The Department of Energy today announced guidance on ex parte communications during informal rulemaking proceedings.  The guidance is intended to encourage the public to provide DOE with all information necessary to develop rules that advance the public interest, while ensuring that rulemaking proceedings are not subject to improper influence from off-the-record communications.  As President Obama stated in a January 21, 2009 memorandum, “Executive departments and agencies should offer Americans increased opportunities to participate in policymaking and to provide their Government with the benefits of their collective expertise and information.”  For more information, see the Federal Register on the Ex Parte Guidance.

Department of Energy Announces Steps to Strengthen Enforcement of Energy Efficiency Standards
Steps will help ensure that manufacturers have a level playing field
(October 13, 2009)  Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced three new steps to strengthen its ability to enforce energy efficiency standards.  For more information, see the full press announcement and the Federal Register Guidance on Energy-Efficiency Enforcement Regulations.

Department of Energy Announces Testing for AeroSys, Inc. Products to Ensure Compliance with Appliance Standards
(September 24, 2009)  Washington, DC – As part of its renewed efforts to ensure compliance with national energy efficiency appliance standards, the U.S. Department of Energy today issued a test notice requiring AeroSys, Inc. to provide sample air conditioners and heat pumps for laboratory testing by DOE.
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Department of Energy Subpoenas Compliance Data from AeroSys, Inc.
DOE General Counsel Announces Renewed Focus on Enforcing Efficiency Standards
(July 24, 2009)  Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Energy issued a subpoena to AeroSys, Inc. yesterday to obtain data necessary to determine whether certain AeroSys commercial air conditioners and heat pumps comply with relevant DOE energy efficiency standards.
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