Title: An act relating to adding products to the energy efficiency code.

Brief Description: Adding products to the energy efficiency code.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Morrell and Hudgins).

Brief History:

Technology, Energy & Communications: 1/23/08, 2/1/08 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/14/08, 76-19.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives McCoy, Chair; Eddy, Vice Chair; Crouse, Ranking Minority Member; Hankins, Herrera, Hudgins, Hurst, Kelley, Morris, Takko and Van De Wege.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative McCune, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

In 2005 the Legislature adopted minimum energy efficiency standards and testing procedures for 12 electrical products that were not covered by federal law. The efficiency standards apply to products sold, offered for sale, or installed in the state.

The 12 electrical products were:

• automatic commercial ice cube machines, such as those found in motels and restaurants;
• commercial clothes washers, such as those found in apartments and coin laundries;
• commercial pre-rinse spray valves, such as those used in restaurants to remove food residue from plates prior to their cleaning;
• commercial refrigerators and freezers, such as those used in large institutional kitchens;
• illuminated exit signs, such as those used in public buildings to mark exit doors;
• low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers, which are devices that reduce electrical voltage and are often found in electrical closets of office buildings;
• metal halide lamp fixtures, such as those found on the high ceilings of industrial buildings and gymnasiums;
• single-voltage external AC to DC power supplies, such as the small boxes attached to

   power cords that allow battery-operated appliances to use power from electrical outlets;

• incandescent reflector lamps, such as the light bulbs that are typically used in "recessed can" lights;
• torchieres, which are portable lamps used to provide indirect lighting;
• traffic signal modules, which are used in street and highway traffic signals; and
• commercial space heaters that use natural gas or propane.

In 2006 the Legislature removed from state law efficiency standards for the following four products, which had been preempted by federal law: illuminated exit signs, low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers, torchieres, and traffic signal modules. The state's efficiency standards for certain incandescent reflector lamps were changed to conform with proposed California standards.

New products, except commercial ice-makers, single-voltage external AC to DC power supplies, and halide lamps, that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, may not be sold if they do not meet or exceed specified energy efficiency standards. The applicable manufacturing date for new ice-makers, single-voltage external AC to DC power supplies, and halide lamps is on or after January 1, 2008.

New products, except commercial ice-makers and metal halide lamp fixtures, that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, may not be installed for compensation on or after January 1, 2008, if they do not meet the specified standards. The applicable date for new ice-makers and halide lamps that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2008, is January 1, 2009.

Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill:

Minimum efficiency standards are established for eight categories of electrical products that may be sold, offered, or installed in the state:

(1) wine chillers sold for use by an individual;
(2) internal illumination of certain cabinets and wine chillers that are not consumer products;
(3) hot water dispensers and mini-tank electric water heaters;
(4) pool heaters, pool pump motors, and portable electric spas;
(5) showerhead-tub spout diverters;
(6) bottle-type water dispensers and point-of-use water dispensers; and
(7) commercial hot food holding cabinets.

By July 1, 2009, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development Energy Policy Division must develop minimum energy efficiency standards by rule for new consumer audio and video equipment. These rules must be consistent with standards adopted by other states on the West Coast.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available. Fiscal note requested on substitute bill on February 1, 2008.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) California has adopted these efficiency standards and it is worth our time to consider the list here. It is important to push the federal government in this area. Some of these standards may be preempted by federal law, but the overall intent of this bill is worthwhile and will deliver great energy efficiency to the citizens of this state.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Morris, prime sponsor; and Carrie Dolwick, Northwest Energy Coalition.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.