Energy Department Solicits Public Feedback on Proposal to Lift Regulations on Portable Electric Spas

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on the proposed withdrawal of determination of portable electric spas as a covered consumer product under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). If implemented, this action would exempt the market from a range of unnecessary regulations on the manufacture and sale of portable electric spas, furthering the Trump Administration's effort to promote choice and affordability for American consumers.

"If any American wishes to enjoy the comforts of a hot tub in their home or backyard, this government will not stand in the way," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lou Hrkman. "This may seem like a small change to our regulatory framework, but its effects will be palpable to the consumer. With President Trump's leadership, expanding consumer choice will always be a point of emphasis in our effort to curb overregulation." 

"Portable electric spas" refers to a wide range of factory-built hot tubs or spas that are currently available on the market, including standard spas, exercise spas, combination spas, and inflatable spas. These are presently classified as covered products under Part A of Title III of the EPCA, and therefore subject to burdensome standards for energy and water conservation. The proposed withdrawal of this classification would allow the market for portable electric spas to freely develop without accounting for new conservation standards from DOE. 

This action marks another step in President Trump's commitment to lower costs and expand choice for American consumers. In addition to this proposed withdrawal, DOE has officially withdrawn four conservation standards, including standards on electric motors, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and external power supplies, and further delayed the implementation of efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and freezers, efficiency standards for gas instantaneous water heaters, and test procedures for central air conditioning and heat pumps.

Written comments and information will be accepted for 30 days after the RFI's publication in the Federal Register. For further details, read the full request for information.