Markets Wired

Commission approval of Federal Register notice: The Commission has approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) in the Federal Register concerning labeling requirements for metal halide lamp fixtures. As detailed in the notice, which will be published soon and is available now on the FTC’s Web site and as a link to this press release, Section 324(d) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) requires the Commission to develop labeling and reporting requirements for metal halide lamp fixtures by July 1, 2008. The EISA also requires the FTC to conduct a rulemaking within 30 months to examine the effectiveness of the current lighting disclosures required by the Commission. That rulemaking will be initiated at a later date.

The NPR announced today focuses specifically on metal halide fixtures. Metal halide lamps produce a bright white light and offer the best color rendition among high-intensity lighting types. They are used to light large outdoor areas, such as gymnasiums and sports arenas. According to the notice, the FTC is seeking comments from the public on proposed amendments to the Commission’s Appliance Labeling Rule that would specifically address labeling rules for the fixture packaging and ballasts of such metal halide lamps. The notice provides detailed information on how comments may be submitted, and sets a deadline of April 28, 2008 by which comments must be received by the FTC.

The Commission vote approving publication of the notice was 5-0. (FTC File No. R611004; the staff contact is Robert S. Kaye, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2215)

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC’s Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.