Bill > HB672

This bill establishes state-level minimum energy and water conservation standards for certain appliances and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) facilities if federal standards are removed or weakened. Specifically, if the U.S. Secretary of Energy or the federal government removes product categories from the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), the state's Department of Energy must adopt equivalent standards based on the last applicable federal standards with a compliance date of December 31, 2025. Products sold in the state must then meet or exceed these new state standards, and manufacturers will be required to test their products according to federal procedures and certify compliance through approved third-party databases. This provision does not apply to standards overturned by a court or products where federal law preempts state regulation, including those where federal law requires the development of a standard. The bill also mandates that the Department of Energy report on the costs and funding needed to implement these new standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB672