Letter — House Committee on Small Business to Department of Energy (May 16, 2023)

Summary

A letter dated May 16, 2023 from the House Committee on Small Business, over the name of Chairman Roger Williams, to Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Committee writes to inquire about the Department of Energy's recent rule change to energy conservation standards for distribution transformers. The letter states that it appears DoE may not have properly considered small entities during this rulemaking process. It requests information no later than May 30, 2023, and asks about statutory requirements to examine the rule's impact on small businesses and the compliance costs associated with the rule. Ranking Member Nydia M. Velasquez is copied.

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Full text

                                               May 16, 2023

The Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm
Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20585

Dear Secretary Granholm:

        The House Committee on Small Business (the Committee) writes to inquire about the
Department of Energy’s (DoE) recent rule change to energy conservation standards for
distribution transformers. This rule would amend the energy conservation standards for three
categories of distribution transformers that are manufactured in, or imported into, the United
States.1 During this time of historically high energy prices, it seems this rule would have a
substantial impact on small businesses nationwide. It appears that DoE may not have properly
considered small entities during this rulemaking process.

       It is important for agencies to properly consider small businesses interests, which make
up 99.9 percent of all businesses in the United States, when passing any new rule. America’s
small businesses deserve to have their voices heard and considered. We therefore request the
following information as soon as possible but no later than May 30, 2023:

    1. What are your statutory requirements to examine this rule’s impact on small businesses?

    2. How many small businesses will be impacted by this rule?

    3. What additional compliance costs on small businesses are associated with this new rule?

    4. Where can small businesses go to examine your analysis on the impacts this rule will
       have on their operations?

    5. What alternatives have been considered to lessen the impacts on small businesses?


       To schedule the delivery of your response or ask any related follow-up questions, please
contact Committee on Small Business Majority Staff at (202) 225-5821. The Committee on

1
 Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers, 10 C.F.R. 431
(2023).
The Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm
May 16, 2023
Page 2 of 2

Small Business has broad authority to investigate “problems of all types of small business” under
House Rule X. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this inquiry.


                                           Sincerely,




                                     Roger Williams
                                         Chairman
                                 Committee on Small Business




cc:    The Honorable Nydia M. Velasquez, Ranking Member
       Committee on Small Business


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