2024-23257. Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Clothes Dryers

Table II.1—Recommended Amended Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Clothes Dryers

Product class	Minimum CEF D2 (lb/kWh)	Compliance date
Electric, Standard (4.4 cubic feet (“ft3 ”) or greater capacity)	3.93	March 1, 2028.
Electric, Compact (120 volts (“V”)) (less than 4.4 ft3 capacity)	4.33
Vented Electric, Compact (240V) (less than 4.4 ft3 capacity)	3.57
Vented Gas, Standard (4.4 ft3 or greater capacity)	3.48
Vented Gas, Compact (less than 4.4 ft3 capacity)	2.02
Ventless Electric, Compact (240V) (less than 4.4 ft 3 capacity)	2.68
Ventless Electric, Combination Washer-Dryer	2.33

After carefully considering the recommended energy conservation standards for consumer clothes dryers in the Joint Agreement, DOE determined that these recommendations were in accordance with the statutory requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(4) for the issuance of a direct final rule and published a direct final rule on March 12, 2024 (“March 2024 Direct Final Rule”). 89 FR 18164. DOE evaluated whether the Joint Agreement satisfies 42 U.S.C. 6295(o), as applicable, and found that the recommended standard levels would result in significant energy savings and are technologically feasible and economically justified. Id. at 89 FR 18230-18240. Accordingly, DOE adopted the recommended efficiency levels for consumer clothes dryers as the amended standard levels in the March 2024 Direct Final Rule. Id.

The standards adopted in the March 2024 Direct Final Rule apply to product classes listed in table II.2 and that are manufactured in, or imported into, the United States starting on March 1, 2028. The March 2024 Direct Final Rule provides a detailed discussion of DOE's analysis of the benefits and burdens of the new and amended standards pursuant to the criteria set forth in EPCA. Id. at 89 FR 18230-18240. ( print page 81297)

Table II.2—Amended Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Clothes Dryers

[Compliance starting March 1, 2028]

Product class	Minimum CEF D2 (lb/kWh)
(i) Electric, Standard (4.4 cubic feet (“ft3 ”) or greater capacity) *	3.93
(ii) Electric, Compact (120 volts (“V”)) (less than 4.4 ft3 capacity)	4.33
(iii) Vented Electric, Compact (240V) (less than 4.4 ft3 capacity)	3.57
(iv) Vented Gas, Standard (4.4 ft3 or greater capacity) **	3.48
(v) Vented Gas, Compact (less than 4.4 ft3 capacity)	2.02
(vi) Ventless Electric, Compact (240V) (less than 4.4 ft3 capacity)	2.68
(vii) Ventless Electric, Combination Washer-Dryer	2.33
* The energy conservation standards in this product class do not apply to Vented Electric, Standard clothes dryers with a cycle time of less than 30 minutes, when tested according to appendix D2 in subpart B of this part.
** The energy conservation standards in this product class do not apply to Vented Gas, Standard clothes dryers with a cycle time of less than 30 minutes, when tested according to appendix D2 in subpart B of this part.

As required by EPCA, DOE also simultaneously published a NOPR proposing the identical standard levels contained in the March 2024 Direct Final Rule. 89 FR 18244. DOE considered whether any adverse comment received during the 110-day comment period following the publication of the March 2024 Direct Final Rule provided a reasonable basis for withdrawal of the direct final rule under the provisions in 42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(4)(C).

III. Comments on the Direct Final Rule

As discussed in section I of this document, not later than 120 days after publication of a direct final rule, DOE shall withdraw the direct final rule if: (1) DOE receives one or more adverse public comments relating to the direct final rule or any alternative joint recommendation; and (2) based on the rulemaking record relating to the direct final rule, DOE determines that such adverse public comments or alternative joint recommendation may provide a reasonable basis for withdrawing the direct final rule. (42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(4)(C)(i))

DOE received comments in response to the March 2024 Direct Final Rule from the interested parties listed in table III.1.

Table III.1—List of Commenters With Written Submissions in Response to the March 2024 Direct Final Rule

Commenter(s)	Abbreviation	Comment No. in the docket	Commenter type
Casey Smith	Smith	65	Individual.
Representative Stephanie Bice	Rep. Bice	67	Federal Government Official.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and California Energy Commission	NYSERDA and CEC	68	State Agencies.
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers	AHAM	69	Trade Association.
The Attorney General of Montana	AG of MT	70	State Government Official.
The Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, National Consumer Law Center, and U.S. Public Interest Research Group	CFA et al	71	Advocacy Organizations.
Appliance Standards Awareness Project, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, Earthjustice, National Consumer Law Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company	ASAP et al	72	Advocacy Organizations.
The Attorneys General of the States of Tennessee, Nebraska, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Iowa, South Carolina, Idaho, West Virginia, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Alabama, Kansas, Utah, Mississippi	AGs of TN et al	73	State Government Officials.