ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and its President and CEO Stephen Yurkek issued the following statement regarding the letter released by House Democrats to Energy Secretary Rick Perry seeking information on the Department's Appliance Standards Program:

As the trade association representing manufacturers of HVACR and water heating equipment, we are working closely with both sides of the aisle in Congress, as well as with the White House and the Department of Energy (DOE), on the nation's appliance standards program. We understand the position the letter signers are taking. We believe reform of the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and its implementing regulations is long overdue.

One item that is ready for quick action is DOE's process rule.  Finalizing the process rule would create a more transparent framework for rulemakings and would achieve appropriate regulatory reform while making efficiency rulemakings more predictable and timely.