New regs for Wednesday: Nuclear, air conditioners, trucks

Wednesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new nuclear power plant guidelines, efficiency rules for air conditioners, and exemptions for truck drivers.

Here’s what is happening:

Environment: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is delaying new environmental guidelines for nuclear power plants.

The NRC drafted the guidelines in February, but is extending the comment period to give the public more time to consider the changes.

The public has until May 31 to comment.

Efficiency: The Department of Energy (DOE) is correcting a mistake made in new efficiency rules for central air conditioners and heat pumps.

The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy sought to delay the test procedures last week, but is correcting errors made in the postponement.

The corrections go into effect immediately.

Trucks: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will allow dozens of truck drivers with hearing disabilities to get behind the wheel.

The FMCSA said Tuesday it is exempting 31 truck drivers from a hearing requirement that would otherwise prohibit them from operating commercial motor vehicles between states.

The public has 30 days to comment.