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In response to requests from stakeholders, the Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadlines for the public to submit comments in two different proceedings. The deadline to submit comments in the agency’s review of its Textile Rules will be extended 30 days until February 2. The deadline for public comments on new energy labeling requirements for residential heating and cooling equipment will be extended until February 6.

On November 1, the FTC announced it that as part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, it was seeking public comments on its Textile Rules. The Textile Rules require that all textiles sold in the United States carry labels disclosing the generic names and percentages by weight of the fibers in the product, the manufacturer or marketer name, and the country where the product was processed or manufactured. The original deadline for comments was January 3, 2012.

On November 18, the FTC announced it was seeking public comments on new energy labeling requirements for residential furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps, to help consumers and businesses install equipment appropriate for their location under the Department of Energy’s new regional efficiency standards. The original deadline for comments was January 10, 2012. The new deadline of February 6, 2012 coincides with the deadline for public comments in a related rulemaking proceeding underway at the Department of Energy.

To file a comment on the Textile Rules, write “Textile Rules, 16 CFR Part 303, Project No. P948404” on your comment, and file your comment here by following the instructions on the web-based form. To file a comment on the energy labeling requirements, write, ”Regional Labeling for Heating and Cooling Equipment (16 CFR Part 305) (Project No. P114202)” on
your comment, and file your comment here, by following the instructions on the web-based
form. To file your comment on paper, mail or deliver your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Room H-113 (Annex G), 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.

The Commission votes to extend both deadlines were 4-0.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(Comment Extensions)