Washington State Meddles in Appliance Efficiency Standards
Washington state commerce filed a CR-101 on Sept. 20 to initiate rulemaking that will consider updating regulations in Chapter 194-24 WAC to reflect new versions of efficiency standards for the following appliances:
- Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)
- Residential ventilating fans
- Air purifiers.
Background
Chapter 19.260 RCW establishes energy efficiency standards for multiple products (listed in RCW 19.260.030) that are sold, offered for sale, or installed in Washington state. The law also authorizes Commerce to adopt by rule a more recent version of any standard established in statute, in order to improve consistency with other comparable standards in other states. Implementing this authority, we regularly update appliance standards through rule, including after the passage of HB 1619 concerning appliance efficiency standards (2022), and in 2021 to incorporate updated appliance standards for computer equipment.
Current rulemaking
The current process will cover three standards:
- Electric vehicle charging equipment (WAC 194-24-200) – Energy Star 1.0 for EVSE takes effect Jan. 1, 2024. EPA has issued an updated EnergyStar standard. Manufacturers and advocates have encouraged Commerce to adopt the new standard.
- Residential ventilating fans (WAC 194-24-151) – An updated Washington standard takes effect Jan. 1, 2024. EPA has issued an updated EnergyStar standard. Manufacturers and advocates have encouraged Commerce to adopt the new standard.
- Air purifiers (WAC 194-24-187) – The initial Washington standard is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2024. The U.S. Department of Energy has adopted a federal standard, which will preempt the Washington standard.
Public comment opportunities
Commerce is accepting public feedback throughout this rulemaking process and will host a public workshop after draft rules are released.