WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established the preliminary agenda for its public hearing regarding the proposed 12-SEER energy-efficiency standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps.

The hearing will take place at the Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Ave. SW, Room 1E-245, Washington, DC, on September 13, starting at 9:00 a.m. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the DOE to hear the views of interested persons, and to consider those views in preparing its final rule.

After opening remarks and intro-ductions, participants’ comments are to begin at 9:30 a.m. Each person will have 5 minutes to present his or her viewpoint. A discussion of legal issues will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A clarification of the proposed standard will be given from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. A discussion of other concerns will follow, with adjournment tentatively scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

Publication date: 09/10/2001