Advocacy: Miscellaneous Gas Products

Bottom Line: NPGA pushes back on DOE standards for decorative hearth products and outdoor heaters.

NPGA joined the American Public Gas Association and American Gas Association to support the advocacy of the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA) against attempts to establish efficiency standards for decorative hearth products and outdoor heaters by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  Over the last several months, DOE published rulemaking actions to identify decorative products and outdoor heaters that may be defined as “miscellaneous gas products”.  NPGA previously partnered with HPBA and other associations against attempts by DOE to set efficiency standards for these products.

In the current rulemakings, DOE is soliciting information on the marketplace for these products and the equipment configurations.  The agency has not yet proposed efficiency standards or test procedures, nor concluded that the product classes must be subject to an efficiency standard.  NPGA, however, is adamantly opposed to subjecting these propane-fueled products to efficiency standards.  These products are decorative in nature and inherently limited by the size of the container that fuels the product.  The initial rulemaking activities on these product types are among nearly a dozen active rulemakings underway by DOE with an expedited schedule.  NPGA is working hand-in-hand with other associations to demonstrate a united front on the litany of appliance rulemakings. Questions? Contact NPGA Vice President, Regulatory & Industry Affairs, Sarah Reboli.