Government Abandons Quest to Make Phone Chargers Less Wasteful
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy has decided to cancel a plan to update energy-saving rules for battery chargers that was proposed in 2023. This means manufacturers won’t have to meet new power limits for chargers right now, and no new costs or changes will happen yet. The decision came after lots of feedback from companies and groups worried about the impact.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposed Charger Standards Withdrawn
The Department of Energy withdrew the March 15, 2023 proposed rule on energy conservation standards for battery chargers on January 17, 2025. That withdrawal means manufacturers do not have to meet the proposed maximum active charge energy, standby, or off-mode power limits now, so no new compliance costs or design changes will occur at this time.
Future Rulemaking Remains Possible
DOE said it may propose energy conservation standards for battery chargers in the future and any new rulemaking would follow notice-and-comment procedures. The Department withdrew the current proposal on January 17, 2025 but did not preclude reissuing similar standards later.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20735, Extensions of Credit to Insiders
The FDIC is giving banks and insiders more time to share their thoughts on new rules about loans to insiders by extending the comment deadline to November 4, 2026. These rules aim to keep lending fair and safe, especially when insiders like executives or board members borrow money. If you’re involved with banks or interested in fair lending, now’s your chance to speak up before the final rules are set!
2026-20790, Application of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to the Refunded Portion of Certain Federal Refundable Tax Credits; Hearing Cancellation
The IRS canceled a public hearing set for October 14, 2026, about new rules on how certain refunded tax credits count as federal benefits under a 1996 law. This affects individuals who get refundable tax credits, clarifying how those refunds are treated but with no immediate money changes. Since no one signed up to speak, the hearing won’t happen, but the proposed rules are still out for public comment.
2026-20721, Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods: Enforcement Policy for Certain Retail Food Establishments and Restaurants; Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability
The FDA is sharing a draft plan about new food tracking rules that mostly won’t apply to certain stores and restaurants right now. If you run a retail food place or restaurant, you don’t have to worry about extra paperwork just yet, but the FDA wants your feedback by November 23, 2026. This helps them decide the final rules without causing extra costs or hassle for small businesses.
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-20660, Optional Practical Training Fees
Starting soon, international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT) will face new fees: $70,000 for their first OPT and $30,000 for any extra OPT periods. This change aims to stop fraud and protect U.S. workers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 9, 2026!
2026-20677, Airworthiness Directives; Various Helicopters
The FAA wants to update rules for helicopters with radio altimeters because 5G signals in Canada can mess with their readings. Pilots will need to follow new flight manual limits when flying in Canadian airspace to keep things safe. Comments on this change are open until November 23, 2026, and it mainly affects helicopter operators flying near Canada.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00965, Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Fans and Blowers
The Department of Energy has decided to cancel its plan to set new energy-saving rules for fans and blowers. This means manufacturers won’t have to meet new standards for now, and no changes or costs will happen yet. The withdrawal was announced on January 17, 2025, after lots of feedback from the public and industry.
Next: 2025-00974, Law Enforcement Response in Power Reactor Physical Protection Programs
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a new rule that lets nuclear power plants include local law enforcement response times in their security plans. This gives plants more flexibility to protect themselves by counting on police help during emergencies. Power plant operators should share their thoughts by March 3, 2025, as this change could affect how they design security without extra costs.