1. DOE Rulemaking

2. CEC Rulemaking

3. ALA Conference

4. Thank You

After a 10-month delay, the Department of Energy (DOE) has set 18-19 November as the dates for new test procedures and standards for ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. 

ALA has organized 23 ceiling fan companies into an effective coalition to speak and fight as one on this challenge.

The outcome of the rulemaking will also impact package label requirements by the Federal Trade Commission. 

We have presented strong arguments to support industry interests/concerns, and we will present testimony at the DOE rulemaking session in November. 

CEC Enforcement/Rulemaking 

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has set 20 October as the date to finalize their rulemaking on new enforcement/regulations.

ALA attended the CEC's first workshop on the issue last February and delivered testimony on behalf of the industry. 

In announcing their new enforcement proposal, they have adopted several of our recommendations, but opted to disagree with others. 

• Key "wins" to date:
• They will issue warnings before levying fines.
• They will take into account the nature of the offence: If it was a mistake, how quickly did the company respond, what is the company's history - are they usually in compliance? 

• Proposals ALA opposes:
• The CEC proposes to levy fines based on "number of units," which could become very expensive. ALA has asked they base their fines on "per occurrence." 
• The CEC did not respond to our recommendation that fairness requires internet sellers to meet the same requirements as "brick and mortar" stores.

ALA will continue to fight for industry interests.

The 2014 ALA Annual Conference held in Nashville was a great success. We enjoyed an attendance of over 560 members, plus 40 students from East Tennessee State University, who are majoring in design. The students attended the manufacturers' booth display and greatly enjoyed the experience, and members enjoyed interfacing with them. The students' participation was so popular, the activity may be repeated in future years. 

The educational seminars were very successful. Attendance rates increased by an average of 12 people per seminar over last year, and attendees rated the seminars at an average of 4.65, with 4 being "very satisfied" and 5 being "extremely satisfied."

My thanks to everyone that was involved with and attended the ALA Annual Banquet and participated in my induction into the Lighting Hall of Fame.

It was a significant honor, and I am most humbled by your action.

While my retirement as your President/CEO will occur soon (January 2015), I want you to know that until that date, I will continue to be fully engaged in meeting my responsibilities to you, the association and the industry.