Energy Department Wants Rules to Expire Unless You Notice
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy wants to add expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient, following a new White House order. This means certain regulations will automatically end unless reviewed and renewed, helping save time and money. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 29, 2026, because your input could shape the future of energy rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Five‑Year Sunset for Classified and Safety Rules
For specific parts (10 CFR parts 712, 725, 860, 862, 1016, 1045, and 1046), DOE proposes a conditional sunset date of five years from the effective date instead of 365 days. These parts cover access to classified information, the Human Reliability Program, worker health and safety, and standards for protective force personnel.
Automatic 1‑Year Sunset for Many DOE Rules
DOE proposes to add a rule that many sections in the listed 10 CFR parts will automatically expire 365 days from the rule's effective date unless the section is rescinded or the Secretary extends it. If a section expires, it will cease to be effective and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, be removed from the Code of Federal Regulations.
Safety‑Critical Regulations Kept Outside Sunset Rule
DOE says certain 10 CFR parts (including parts 820, 830, and 835) are excluded from this sunset rule because they are required by Congress or needed for Price‑Anderson indemnification. DOE states that allowing those parts to sunset could be inconsistent with statutory requirements and could negatively affect DOE's ability to secure contractors.
Future DOE Rules Will Include Time Limits
E.O. 14270 and DOE's proposal direct that future covered regulations issued under the identified statutes will include a conditional sunset date not more than five years after the regulation's effective date. The Executive Order also required that regulations in effect on April 9, 2025 have a conditional sunset of one year after the sunset rule's effective date.
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Key Dates
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