On December 11, 2020, DOE finalized a rule that makes it easier for manufacturers of appliances subject to federal energy efficiency standards to acquire a temporary exemption from federal test procedure requirements. A manufacturer can apply for a waiver from testing requirements, and can request an interim waiver during the time that DOE is evaluating and making a final determination the waiver application. Under the new rule, the interim waiver request will be deemed granted if DOE does not respond to it within 45 days.