Before November 30, 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will release a more detailed proposal outlining anticipated Energy Star program enhancements for 2010, according to a letter from EPA to Energy Star stakeholders. These program enhancements will include a proposed method of integrating various elements of the Energy Star lighting program.

"Among other things, it is EPA’s intention to streamline the qualification process and paperwork related to ENERGY STAR qualification of lighting products, as part of the process of integrating potentially duplicative and overlapping specifications. Please note that it is also EPA’s intention to retain key elements of the DOE-developed Energy Star specifications for Solid State Lighting and Integral LED Lamps, including testing according to the IES LM-79 standard, as appropriate”, the letter says, “The process to integrate the lighting specifications will be consistent with ENERGY STAR Guiding Principles, and open to partner and stakeholder review through a series of public comment periods resulting in final version(s) that go into effect after sufficient transition time. Until this task is complete, partners will continue to be able to qualify products using existing specifications and contracting support to the ENERGY STAR Program.”

DOE and EPA have signed an agreement designed to enhance the ENERGY STAR Program on September 30, 2009. Anticipated enhancements to the products labeling program include expanded coverage, more timely specification updates, enhanced efforts on product testing, and a new effort to recognize super efficient products.