Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Notice.
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)(44 U.S.C. 3501
Additional comments may be submitted on or before April 4, 2011.
Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0033 to (1) EPA online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), by email to a-and-r-
Christopher Kent, Climate Protection Partnership Division, Office of Air and Radiation, Mailcode 6202J, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202–343–9046; fax number: 202–343–2200; email address;
EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On October 5, 2010 (75 FR 61481), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). EPA received no comments. Any additional comments on this ICR should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice.
EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0033, which is available for online viewing at
Use EPA's electronic docket and comment system at
The ENERGY STAR program has determined it necessary to shift from a self-certification program to one in which we have an enhanced qualification and verification process with all testing being done in EPA recognized, accredited labs and partners participating in product specific certification programs. These changes are an effort to preserve the consumer confidence in the ENERGY STAR label and to protect the significant value it offers program partners. EPA believes that the new requirements will mean that leadership companies' participation and the ENERGY STAR label will become even more meaningful in the market. Maintaining the value of this brand requires ensuring products labeled with the ENERGY STAR deliver on their promise to the consumer. Beginning in January 2011, manufacturers must obtain third party certification for new products labeled with the ENERGY STAR mark. As with previous program requirements, program participants submit signed Partnership Agreements indicating that they will adhere to logo-use guidelines and that participating products meet specified energy performance criteria based on a standard test method.
As part of our contribution to the overall success of the program, EPA has agreed to facilitate the sale of qualifying products by providing consumers with easy-to-use information about the products. To be effective, EPA and its relevant recognized certification body must receive qualifying product information from participating manufacturers. Partners need to provide qualifying information prior to labeling so as to ensure that EPA information is recent and accurate. The information will be compiled by the certification body which will then provide EPA with the appropriate data so the product may be incorporated into a complete qualifying products list per product category, posted on the ENERGY STAR Web site, and supplied to those purchasers who request it via phone, fax, or e-mail.
In order to monitor progress and support the best allocation of resources, EPA also asks manufacturers to submit annual shipment data for their ENERGY STAR qualifying products. EPA is flexible as to the methods by which manufacturers may submit unit shipment data. For example, if manufacturers already submit this type of information to a third party, such as a trade association, they are given the option of arranging for shipment data to be sent to EPA via this third party to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure confidentiality. In using any shipment data received directly from a partner, EPA will mask the source of the data so as to protect confidentiality.
Finally, Partners that wish to receive recognition for their efforts in ENERGY STAR may submit an application for the Partner of the Year Award.