Old Energy Labels Retired: Mandatory Ones Take Over
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Rule
Summary
The Department of Commerce is officially ending its old voluntary energy label program for household appliances because a newer, mandatory EnergyGuide label run by other agencies already does the job better. This change clears up confusion, cuts out duplicate rules, and takes effect on January 15, 2026. Appliance makers and shoppers will now rely solely on the EnergyGuide labels to compare energy use and save money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
EnergyGuide Becomes Sole Appliance Label
On January 15, 2026, the Department of Commerce removed its voluntary appliance labeling program (15 CFR part 9). You as a shopper will now rely solely on the mandatory EnergyGuide labels administered by the Department of Energy and the Federal Trade Commission to compare appliance energy use and save money.
Voluntary Label Program Removed for Manufacturers
Effective January 15, 2026, the Department of Commerce removed 15 CFR part 9, ending its voluntary energy labeling program for household appliances that was created in 1973. Appliance manufacturers no longer have a Commerce-run voluntary labeling option and will instead operate under the mandatory EnergyGuide program administered by the Department of Energy and the Federal Trade Commission, which streamlines regulations and eliminates duplicate requirements.
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
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-14868, Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews; Correction
The U.S. Department of Commerce fixed a mistake by adding Ferrosilicon from Kazakhstan and Epoxy Resins from Korea to their review list. This means certain companies from these countries are now officially under review for possible trade duties from September 2024 to December 2025. If you’re involved, keep an eye on deadlines and potential money impacts as these reviews move forward.
2026-14939, Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 8,877,798; Centanafadine Hydrochloride
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical got a one-year extra patent life for their drug centanafadine hydrochloride because the FDA review is still going on. This means their patent, which was set to expire on July 25, 2026, now lasts until July 25, 2027. This extension helps Otsuka keep exclusive rights to their drug a bit longer while waiting for final FDA approval.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00689, Removing Outdated and Overly-Prescriptive Regulations Governing the Use of Penalty Mail in the Location and Recovery of Missing Children
The Department of Commerce is cleaning up old, complicated rules about using official mail to help find missing kids. By removing outdated steps and reports, they’re making the process simpler and more flexible, so they can act faster and smarter. This change kicks in on January 15, 2026, with no extra costs, just better teamwork to keep kids safe.
Next: 2026-00691, Survey of International Trade in Services Between U.S. and Foreign Persons and Surveys of Direct Investment
The Department of Commerce is cleaning up its rules about collecting data on trade in services and investments between the U.S. and other countries. They’re removing extra, unnecessary details to make the rules simpler and easier to understand. This change starts January 15, 2026, and helps businesses and the government get clearer info faster without extra hassle.