On July 12, 2013, the Department of Energy released two new rules expanding the agency's authority to establish energy efficiency standards to computers and computer servers.

The proposed rules stem from the DOE's authority to establish efficiency standards for consumer products that use more than 100 kilowatt-hours per year on average. DOE is initiating a 30-day comment period on its determination that computer and computer server products should be covered under efficiency standards. If the agency decides to move forward, it would then develop the actual standards and testing procedures for such products.

Interested stakeholders should take advantage of this opportunity to weigh in with the DOE. If one or both these proposed federal rules is important to your company's business strategy and profitability, then you should share comments with key decision makers in the federal government. For more information on these proposed rules or how you can submit comments to the DOE, please contact Andy Ehrlich or Josh Andrews.