DOCKETED  
Docket Number:  22-AAER -04 
Project Title:  2022 Amendments to the Appliance Efficiency Regulations  
TN #:  253263  
Document Title:  Notice of Proposed Action for Title 20 Update  
Description:  This document is the Notice of Proposed Action, sometimes 
abbreviated as NOPA, for the proposed update to California's 
Appliance Efficiency Standards in Title 20, Section 1601 et seq,  
 
This document provides formal notice to affected persons and 
the public  at large that California is undertaking a proceeding to 
amend the regulatory language in the specified sections, 
describes how interested persons can provide public 
commentary and feedback on the proposed amendments, and 
states the date of the currently s cheduled public workshop and 
deadline for submission of public comments. The document 
also lists all documents incorporated by reference into the 
proposed amended regulatory language.  
Filer:  Peter Strait  
Organization:  California Energy Commission  
Submitter Role : Commission Staff   
Submission Date:  11/20/2023 11:37:53 AM  
Docketed Date:  11/20/2023  
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA — NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY  Gavin Newsom, Governor  
 
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION   
715 P  Street  
Sacramento, California 95814  
 
energy.ca.gov  
 
CEC-0 57 (Revised 1/21)
NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTION  
Federal and Administrative Updates  
Appliance Efficiency Regulations  
Title 20, Article 4, Sections 1601  – 1609, California Code of Regulations  
 
Docket No . 22-AAER -04 
Notice Published on November 24 , 2023 
INTRODUCTION 
Notice is hereby given that t he California Energy Commission (CEC) proposes to 
amend the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 20, Article  4, after considering 
all comments, objections, and recommendations regarding the p roposed action.  The 
proposed federal and administrative updates  include:  
 
• Updates to align with current federal law . 
• Updates to the data submittal requirements and processes . 
• Removal of a redundant aspect of the marking requirement for commercial and 
industrial fans and blowers . 
• Updates and streamlining to CEC's product compliance review , enforcement , 
and administrative proceedings . 
• A dministrative and non -substantive changes for clarity and consistency . 
PUBLIC HEARING  
A public hearing will be held on the proposed regulations at the date and time below. 
Interested persons or their authorized representatives may present statements, 
arguments, or contentions relevant to the proposed regulations at the public hearing. The record for this hearing will be kept open until every person has had an opportunity to provide comment . 
 
Public Hearing  
January 9, 202 4 
10:00 a.m. (Pacific  Time) 
 The hearing will be held remotely  to improve and enhance public access t hrough 
teleconferencing options.  Instructions for remote participation are below.  
REMOTE ATTENDANCE  
The public hearing may be accessed by clicking the Zoom link below or visiting Zoom at https://join.zoom.us and entering the ID and password below. If you experience  
2 difficulties joining, you may contact Zoom at (888) 799- 9666 ext. 2 or the Off ice of the 
Public Advisor, Energy Equity and Tribal Affair s at publicadvisor@energy.ca.gov or 
(916) 654- 4489 or toll -free at (800) 822- 6228.  
 
Zoom Link: 
https://energy.zoom.us/j/83096131403?pwd=SGdGYVNKck5jTy9Ya29MSGk4c3hpUT
09 
Webinar ID:  830 9613 1403  
Password:  815540  
 
To participate by telephone dial (213) 338- 8477 or (888) 475-4499 (toll -free). When 
prompted, enter the Webinar ID and password listed above. To comment or ask a 
question over the telephone, dial *9 to “raise your hand” and *6 to mute/unmute your phone line.
 
PUBLIC ADVISOR 
The CEC’s Office of the  Public Advisor , Energy Equity and Tribal Affairs  provides 
public assistance in participating in CEC proceedings. For information on participation  
or to request interpreting services or reasonable accommodations, email 
publicadvisor@energy.ca.gov , call (916) 654- 4489, or toll -free (800) 822- 6228. 
Requests for interpreting services and reasonable accommodations should be made at least five days in advance. The CEC will work diligently to accommodate requests.  
 Zoom: If you experience difficulties with the Zoom platform, please contact the Office of the Public Advisor, Energy Equity and Tribal Affairs  via email  or phone.  
MEDIA INQUIRIES  
Direct media inquiries to the Media and Public Communications Office at  (916) 654-
4989 or mediaoffice@energy.ca.gov
. 
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD 
The public comment period for the Proposed Action will be held from  November 24, 
2023,  through January 8, 202 4. Any person  may submit written comments to the 
CEC for consideration on or prior to January 8, 202 4. The CEC  appreciates  receiving 
written comments at soon as  possible.  Comments submitted outside this comment 
period are considered untimely. The CEC may, but is not required to, respond to 
untimely comments, including those raising significant issues . 
 Written and oral comments, attachments, and associated contact information (including address, phone number, and email address  if provided in a comment ) will 
become part of the public record of this proceeding with access available via any internet search engine.  
 The CEC encourages the use of its electronic commenting system. Visit the e-
commenting page at  
https://www.energy.ca.gov/proceeding/federal -and-
administrative- updates -title-20-appliance- efficiency -regulations?auHash=yF -j6t_nS1-3 xnc9TbJ4DLLvOOOf3P4TkMg8zIbN0DNs , which links to the comment page for this 
docket. Enter your contact information and a comment title describing the subject of 
your comment(s). Comments may be included in the “Comment Text” box or attached as a downloadable, searchable document consistent with  Title 20,  CCR,  Section 
1208.1. The maximum file size allowed is 10 MB.  
 Written comments may also be email ed. Include docket number 22- AAER -04 in the 
subject line and email to docket@energy.ca.gov
. 
 A paper copy may be sent to:  
California Energy Commission  
Docket Uni t 
Docket No. 22- AAER -04 
715 P Street, MS -4 
Sacramento, CA 95814 
To ensure you receive notice of any changes to the proposed regulations in this proceeding, please follow the instructions provided at the end of this notice to join the proceeding email subscriber list  or provide a valid email or mailing address with your 
comments.
 
STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND REFERENCE  
Public Resources Code sections 25213, 25218(e), and 25402(a) -(c) authorize the 
CEC to adopt rules or regulations, as necessary, to implement, interpret, and make 
specific Public Resources Code section  25402(c).  
INFORMATIVE DIGEST  
Summary of existing laws and regulations/Policy statement overview  
 The Warren- Alquist Act establishes the CEC as California’s primary energy policy and 
planning agency. Sections 25213, 25218(e) , and 25402(c)  of the Public Resources 
Code mandate and /or authorize the CEC to adopt rules and regulations , as necessary, 
to reduce the wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy  
and water  by prescribing efficiency standards and other cost -effective measure for 
appliances whose use requires a significant amount of energy or water statewide.  
 
One of the ways the CEC satisfies this requirement is through the Appliance Efficiency Regulations, Title 20, sections 1601- 1609, which contain definitions, test procedures, 
efficiency standards, enforcement provisions , and marking and certification 
requirements for state and federally regulated appliances. Further, the regulations require that appliance manufacturers certify to the CEC that their products meet all applicable state and Federal appliance efficiency regulations before their products can be included in the CEC’s Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System (MAEDbS) of appliances approved to be sold or offered for sale within Califor nia. Over 
time, previously adopted regulations can become duplicative, out of date, or require 
updates to best implement the CEC's legislative mandate. To ensure Title 20, Article 4 4 reflects current regulatory authority consistently, CEC proposes the following federal 
and administrative updates . 
 
First, the CEC is providing updates to reflect federal appliance efficiency laws from the Department of Energy. The CEC’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations are designed to 
provide manufacturers, retailers, and consumers of appliances with a clear and comprehensive set of both federal and state regulations in a single location. These updates will ensure the Appliance Efficiency  Regulations will reflect federal law, 
providing clarity and regulatory certainty to regulated parties. Also related to these changes is the removal of outdated state performance standards for boilers and 
furnaces. These appliances have existing federal standards that preempt state standards. As a result, those state standards are no longer in effect and can be removed from the Appliance E fficiency Regulations for clarity.  
 Second, the CEC is  modifying  the certification process and data submittal 
requirements for certain appliances to ensure that manufacturers can properly certify 
to MAEDbS that their regulated products are compliant with the most current energy performance standards and testing requirements. These modifications also help to streamline the certification process and help  maintain the usability  of MAEDbS.  
 Third, the CEC is removing the redundant text size requirement included within the labeling requirements for commercial and industrial fans and blowers. The label is already required to be legible, so the text size requirement places an unnecessary burden on manufacturers and serves no purpose.  
 Fourth, the CEC is  updat ing and streamlin ing the CEC's product compliance review 
and administrative proceedings relating to enforcement. The amendments remove a redundant process that either has been superseded by the CEC’s civil penalty 
authority or is not required under any statute. The amendments also reflect the evolution of the CEC’s compliance program and statutory changes since the passage 
of Senate Bill 454 (Sen. Bill No. 454 (2011- 2012 Reg. Sess.) , which authorized civil 
penalties, and the development of implementing regulations in 2015.   
 Finally, The CEC is proposing to make non- substantive clarification, numbering, 
ordering, cross -reference, and grammatical changes to effectively communicate the 
regulation in a precise and clear manner. None of the proposed non- substantive 
changes materially alter any requirement, right, responsibility, condition, prescription, or other regulatory element of any CCR provision, nor do they have any other regulatory effect.  
 The proposed changes will ensure that the CEC Appliance Efficiency Regulations 
reflect state and federal law, ensure that manufacturers can properly certify to 
MAEDbS that their regulated products are compliant with the most current requirements, remove outdated and redundant language, update and streamline the CEC's product compliance review and admi nistrative proceedings, and improve 5 regulatory text through clarification and formatting edits. These changes provide clarity 
and regulatory certainty to the regulated parties.  
Difference from existing comparable federal regulation s or statute  
The proposed amendments ensure that the CEC’s A ppliance Efficiency R egulations 
accurately reflect current federal regulations for the purpose of including a complete set of both state and federal regulations addressing appliance water and energy efficiency. The CEC does not enforce the federal appliance efficiency standards, and  
there is therefore no duplication in the application of the federal standards and there 
are no conflicts between state and federal law.   
Broad  objectives of the regulations and the specific benefits anticipated by the 
proposed amendments  
The broad objective of this rulemaking is to provide federal alignment and 
administrative updates to Title 20, Article 4, CCR.  This includes updates to align with 
current federal law, updates to the data submittal requirements and processes, removal of a redundant marking requirement for fans and blowers, updates and streamlining to CEC's product compliance review , enforcement  and administrative 
proceedings, and other administrative and non- substantive changes for clarity and 
consistency.  
 The benefits of the proposed regulations will be to eliminate duplicative and outdated information,  enhance the clarity and regulatory certainty of the regulations for 
stakeholders , and streamline internal compliance review and administrative process.  
Determination of inconsistency or incompatibility with existing state regulations  
The CEC has conducted a n evaluation to identify other regulations in this area and 
has found none . Therefore, the CEC has determined that the proposed regulations are 
neither inconsistent nor incompatible with existing state regulations.  
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  
The CEC proposes to incorporate by reference the following  documents  which include 
references to federal standards that preempt state law as set forth in 42 U.S.C. § 6297(a) -(c):  
 
• ANSI/AMCA Standard 214- 21 “Test Procedure for Calculating  Fan Energy  
Index (FEI) for Commercial  and Industrial Fans and Blowers ” 
• ANSI/AMCA Standard 240- 15 “Laboratory Methods of Testing Positive 
Pressure Ventilators for Aerodynamic Performance Rating”  
• ASME A112.18.1 2018/CSA B125.1- 18 “Plumbing Supply Fittings”  
• 10 C.F.R. section 429.12  
• 10 C.F.R. section 429.16  
• 11 C.F.R. section 429.32(a)  
• 10 C.F.R. section 429.69  6 • 10 C.F.R. section 429.70  
• 10 C.F.R. section 430.23(i) (Appendix I1 to subpart B of part 430)  
• 10 C.F.R. section 430.23(j) (Appendix J to subpart B of part 430)  
• 10 C.F.R. section 430.23(m) (Appendix M1 to subpart B of part 430)  
• 10 C.F.R. section 430.23(aa) (Appendix Y1 to subpart B of part 430)  
• 10 C.F.R. section 431.92  
• 10 C.F.R. section 431.154  
• 10 C.F.R. section 431.174  
• 10 C.F.R. section 431.174 (Appendix A to Subpart J of Part 431)  
 
All documents are available for review at the CEC located at 715 P Street,  
Sacramento, California 95814  
 
MANDATED BY FEDERAL LAW OR REGULATIONS  
The proposed changes to the federal requirements in the Appliance Efficiency 
Regulations reflect current federal law. None of the proposed changes to the state-specific requirements conflict with federal law; rather changes are proposed, such as removing s tate test procedures and state standards that are preempted by federal law, 
to ensure consistency with federal regulations and statutes.  
OTHER STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS  
None 
LOCAL MANDATE DETERMINATION  
None 
FISCAL IMPACTS  
The CEC has made the following initial determinations:  
• Cost to any local agency or school district requiring reimbursement pursuant to 
Government Code Section 17500 et seq. :  None 
• Cost or savings to any state agency:  None  
• Non-discretionary cost or savings imposed upon local agencies:  None 
• Cost or savings in federal funding to the state:   None 
SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON HOUSING COSTS  
None 
 
SIGNIFICANT STATEWIDE ADVERSE ECONOMIC IMPACT DIRECTLY 
AFFECTING BUSINESS, INCLUDING ABILITY OF CALIFORNIA BUSINESSES TO COMPETE WITH BUSINESSES IN OTHER STATES  7 The CEC has made an initial determination that the proposed regulations  will not  
have a statewide adverse economic impact directly affecting business, including 
the ability of California businesses to compete with businesses in other states.  
 The proposed changes will ensure the Appliance Efficiency Regulations reflect current federal law, ensure that manufacturers can properly certify to MAEDbS that their regulated products are compliant with the most current requirements, remove outdated and redundant language, update  and streamline the CEC's product compliance review 
and administrative proceedings, and improve the regulatory text through clarification and formatting edits. These changes provide clarity and regulatory certainty to the regulated parties.  
RESULTS OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT  ANALYSIS  
The CEC concludes that:(1) the proposal will not create jobs within California, (2) the proposal will not eliminate jobs within California, (3) the proposal will not create new businesses in California, (4) the proposal will not eliminate existing business es within 
California, and (5) the proposal will not result in the expansion of businesses currently 
doing business within the state.  
 Benefit of the Proposed Action: The benefits of the proposed regulations will be to eliminate duplicative and outdated information and enhance the clarity and regulatory certainty of the regulations.  
The proposed regulations will not adversely  affect the health and welfare of California 
residents, worker safety, or the state’s environment.  
COST IMPACTS ON REPRESENTATIVE PERSON OR BUSINESS  
The CEC is not aware of any cost impacts that a representative private person or 
business would necessarily incur in reasonable compliance with the P roposed 
Action.  
 There are no cost impacts to a representative private person, as individuals are not required to comply with the regulations.  
 The proposed changes will ensure the Appliance Efficiency Regulations reflect current state and federal law, ensure that manufacturers can properly certify to MAEDbS that 
their regulated products are compliant with the most current requirements, remove 
outdated and redundant language, update and streamline the CEC's product compliance review and administrative proceedings, and improve the regulatory text through clarification and formatting edits. These changes provide clarity and regulatory 
certainty to the regulated parties.  
BUSINESS REPORT  
The proposed changes to product reporting requirements for appliances subject to federal test procedures would not require additional mandatory data reporting beyond 8 what is already required to be collected and reported to the federal government, 
except for televisions . For televisions within the scope of the amended federal test 
procedure, t he proposed regulations would amend data reporting requirements on 
manufacturers of these products . The proposed regulations would require 
manufacturers to certify each model of television within the scope of the regulations to the CEC’s Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System by submitting updated data about each television model consistent wi th the amended federal test procedure. 
This data reporting requirement is otherwise not required by federal law , unless a 
manufacturer makes a representation of the energy use or energy efficiency of their 
product.  Certifying a model with updated data would also allow customers, distributors 
and retailers to understand the energy consumption of these products. It is necessary for the health, safety, or welfare of the people of the state, that these regulations, which  require a report, apply to businesses . 
EFFECT ON SMALL BUSINESS  
The proposed regulations will not affect small businesses .  
 The proposed changes will ensure the CEC’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations reflect 
current state and federal law, ensure that manufacturers can properly certify to 
MAEDbS that their regulated products are compliant with the most current requirements, remove outdated and redundant language, update and streamline the CEC's product compliance review and admi nistrative proceedings, and improve the 
regulatory text through clarification and formatting edits. These changes provide clarity and regulatory certainty to the regulated parties.  
CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES  
In accordance with Government Code Section 11346.5, subdivision (a)(13), the 
Energy Commission must determine that no reasonable alternative considered by the agency, or that has otherwise been identified and brought to the attention of the agency, would b e more effective in carrying out the purpose for which the action is 
proposed; would be as effective and less burdensome to affected private persons than the proposed action; or would be more cost -effective to affected private persons and 
equally effective in implementing the statutory policy or other provision of law.  
 The Energy Commission invites interested persons to present statements or arguments concerning alternatives to the proposed regulations at the scheduled hearing or during the written comment period.  
CONTACT PERSON  
Questions should be addressed to:  
 
Corrine Fishman, Regulations Manager  
Efficiency Division  
Corrine.fishman@energy.ca.gov  
 
OR 9  
Carlos Baez  
Efficiency Division  
Carlos.baez@energy.ca.gov  
COPIES OF THE INITIAL STATEMENT OF REASONS, THE EXPRESS TERMS, 
AND RULEMAKING FILE  
The CEC will have the entire rulemaking file available for inspection and copying 
throughout the rulemaking process at its office located at 715 P Street, Sacramento CA 95814 As of the date this notice is published in the Notice Register, the rulemaking 
file consists of this notice, the express terms, the Initial Statement of Reasons  and any 
documents relied upon. Copies may be obtained by contacting Corrine Fishman or accessed through the CEC website at 
https://www.energy.ca.gov/proceeding/federal -
and-administrative -updates -title-20-appliance- efficiency -regulations?auHash=yF -
j6t_nS1- xnc9TbJ4DLLvOOOf3P4TkMg8zIbN0DNs   
 
AVAILABILITY OF CHANGES TO ORIGINAL PROPOSAL FOR AT LEAST 15 DAYS PRIOR TO AGENCY ADOPTION/REPEAL/AMENDMENT OF RESULTING REGULATIONS  
Participants should be aware that any of the proposed regulations could be changed as a result of public comment, staff recommendation, or recommendations from Commissioners. Moreover, changes to the proposed regulations not indicated in the express terms could be considered if they improve the clarity or effectiveness of the regulations. If the CEC  considers changes to the proposed regulations pursuant to 
Government Code Section 11346.8, a full copy of the text and any additional 
documents relied upon will be available for review at least 15 days prior to the date on 
which the CEC adopts or amends the resulting regulations.  
COPY OF THE FINAL STATEMENT OF REASONS  
At the conclusion of the rulemaking, persons may obtain a copy of the Final Statement of Reasons once it has been prepared, by visiting the CEC website at  
https://www.energy.ca.gov/proceeding/federal -and-administrative -updates -title-20-
appliance- efficiency -regulations?auHash=yF -j6t_nS1-
xnc9TbJ4DLLvOOOf3P4TkMg8zIbN0DNs  or  contacting Corrine Fishman. 
AVAILABILITY OF DOCUMENTS ON THE INTERNET  
The CEC maintains a website to facilitate public access to documents prepared and 
considered as part of this rulemaking proceeding. Documents prepared by the CEC for 
this rulemaking  have been posted on our website at 
https://www.energy.ca.gov/proceeding/federal -and-administrative -updates -title-20-
appliance- efficiency -regulations?auHash=yF -j6t_nS1-
xnc9TbJ4DLLvOOOf3P4TkMg8zIbN0DNs  
 INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECEIVING NOTICES AND DOCUMENTS IN THIS PROCEEDING  10 To stay informed about this proceeding and receive documents and notices of upcoming 
workshops and hearings as they are filed,  please subscribe to the proceeding email , 
which can be accessed  here: https://www.energy.ca.gov/proceeding/federal -and-
administrative- updates -title-20-appliance- efficiency -regulations?auHash=yF -j6t_nS1-
xnc9TbJ4DLLvOOOf3P4TkMg8zIbN0DNs.  Th e subscription email  sends out email 
notifications and direct links when documents and notices are filed in the proceeding docket. If you are unable or do not wish to sign up for the list serve but still would like to 
receive documents and notices  by other means , please contact 
corrine.fishman@energy.ca.gov .  
 