Markets Wired

Commission approval of Federal Register notice– Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the publication of a notice in the Federal Register amending the Appliance Labeling Rule with regard to the 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 to examine the effectiveness of the current lighting disclosures required by the Commission. That rulemaking will be initiated at a later date.

The notice 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 amending the Appliance Labeling Rule to specifically address labeling rules for the fixture packaging and ballasts of such metal halide lamps. The Commission vote approving publication of the notice was 4-0. (FTC File No. R611004; the staff contact is Robert S. Kaye, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2215; see press release dated March 14, 2008.)

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.

(FYI 33.2008.wpd)