AGA Request More Detailed Information on the Stanford University Study: Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes.
As a follow up to the report  (see January 28, 2022 BECS Update) of the Environmental Science & Technology published study from Stanford University titled  “ Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes”,  that is critical of natural gas cooking appliances , AGA has requested additional information from the primary author of the study, Eric D. Lebel at the Department of Earth System Science at Stanford University.  AGA’s February 11, 2022 letter (attached) requested additional information on the “ data set that was generated and the methodology and analysis supporting the study’s findings”. We will report on the response from Stanford staff if and when available.
AGA and the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Filed Comments on the DOE Proposal to Modify the Test Procedures for Cooking Products.
Yesterday, AGA and APGA filed timely,  joint comments (attached)  on the DOE proposal to modify the test procedures for determining the efficiency for residential cooking products that include natural gas ranges, cooktops, and ovens.  The DOE had proposed changes to the test procedure back on November 4, 2021 that included  “recently completed test program assessing the repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed test procedure” and published the results of its testing.  The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) had concerns with the DOE proposal and suggested revisions based on testing that domestic range manufacturers have conducted with the DOE proposal to make the procedure more repeatable,  reliable and easier to conduct.  In the AGA and APGA joint comments , we reiterated the importance of the test procedure to produce consistent and meaningful results and supported the comments submitted by AHAM. We will report on the DOE responses to this rulemaking when available.
DOE Issues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Public Meeting and Request for Comment Pertaining to Test Procedures for Consumer Boilers .
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a pre-publication Federal Register notice proposing to amend the test procedures for consumer boilers to incorporate by reference the latest version of the industry standards currently referenced in the Federal test procedure. DOE proposes to relocate the test procedure in a new appendix separate from the residential furnace test procedure. DOE also proposes to remove an extraneous definition from its regulatory definitions. DOE is seeking comments on the proposal. DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NOPR until 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. DOE will send a follow-up e-mail once the notice publishes to announce the closing date of the comment period. Interested persons may submit comments identified by docket number EERE–2019–BT–TP–0037 and/or RIN 1904-AE83, by email ([email protected]), Federal eRulemaking portal (http://www.regulations.gov). DOE will hold a webinar on Thursday, April 7, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Click here to register for the webinar. Additional webinar registration information, participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be published on DOE’s website: https://energy.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines  Find product information at Consumer Boilers including current standards and test procedures, statutory authority, waivers, exceptions and contact information.