Fossil Fuel-Generated Energy Consumption Reduction for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings

Résumé

The Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA), as amended by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, requires DOE to establish revised performance standards for the construction of new Federal buildings, including commercial buildings, multi-family high- rise residential buildings and low-rise residential buildings. On October 15, 2010, DOE issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) to establish regulations implementing the fossil fuel-generated energy provisions of the ECPA performance standards for Federal buildings. In response to the NOPR, DOE received a number of comments expressing concern and encouraging DOE to re-examine the proposed regulations. In response to these comments, DOE has identified additional areas for clarification and consideration that would benefit from further public comment. In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR), DOE responds to the comments received on the NOPR and identifies and seeks comment on additional approaches to the scope of the requirements in the context of major renovations, the potential use of renewable energy certificates for compliance, and a streamlined process for agencies to seek a downward adjust