The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is developing a plan for enforcement of regional standards for residential furnaces and residential central air conditioners and heat pumps, as set forth by direct final rule published in the Federal Register on June 27, 2011. The Department is considering three approaches, or a combination of elements in these approaches, as a framework for developing an enforcement plan for regional standards. DOE seeks comment on the approaches to inform the rulemaking for enforcement of regional energy efficiency standards for residential furnaces and residential central air conditioners and heat pumps. DOE also seeks comment on a possible waiver process for regional standards applicability.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this notice of data availability (NODA) until February 6, 2012. For more information, see DOE's webpage about the direct final rule for residential furnaces and central air conditioners and heat pumps or the Federal Register.