FTC Extends Comment Period for Public Input in Review of R-Value Rule

The Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadline for submitting public comments on the R-value Rule. The FTC is seeking input on the efficiency, costs, benefits, and impact of the Rule as part of its systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides.

Issued in 1979, the Rule (formally, the “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation”) requires home insulation manufacturers, professional installers, new home sellers, and retailers to provide R-value information, based on the results of standard tests, to help inform consumers. The R-value rates a product’s ability to restrict heat flow and thus reduce energy costs. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

Based on a commenter’s request, the FTC is extending the public comment period by 90 days.

The Commission vote approving the notice to extend the public comment period on was 3-0. The notice will be published in the Federal Register soon. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received by September 6, 2016; they will be posted at www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. (FTC File No. P164800; the staff contact is Hampton Newsome, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2889)

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