The new Federal Energy Bill enacted by Congress and signed by the President in December includes efficiency standards for residentail dishwashers and clothes wathers. Standard-sized dishwashers manufactured after January 1, 2010, will be limited to 6.5 gallons per cycle, and compact dishwashers will be limited to 4.5 gallons per cycle. Residential clothes washers manufactured after January 1, 2011, must meet a maximum water factor of 9.5. The new law also directs the Department of Energy to undertake new rule-makings to consider even stronger efficiency standards for clothes washers and dishwashers, which, if approved by the Secretary, would take effect in 2015 and 2018 respectively. Prior to the passage of this bill, there was no requirement in law for the Department of Energy to consider any new standards for clothes washers or dishwashers in the future.

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