Starting in January 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will begin implementing the first ever energy efficiency standards for freshwater rotodynamic (centrifugal and axial flow) pumps. These standards will directly affect pump manufacturers and, to a lesser extent, the pump repair market, while ultimately benefiting end users if the new focus can reduce their energy costs.

On October 22, 2018, the European Commission submitted its plan to expand motor and power converter efficiency regulations. As part of the EcoDesign directive, the Commission has been working on expanded motor and drive regulations for several years. The European Union directive will address both motors and variable frequency drives (VFDs) from .75 to 1,000 kW (1 to 1340 hp).

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently passed new regulations as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act regarding overtime exemption for salaried employees. These new rules are causing concerns as they contain large increases in the minimum salary requirements along with a mechanism for automatically raising these figures. Some positions that may be most impacted at EASA facilities include office personnel, shop foremen, salesmen, drivers and even company owners. Topics covered in this article include: Increase in minimum salary Increase in highly compensated employees (HCE) threshold Automatic increases Understanding the Standard Duties Test for salaried employees Relaxed standard rules for HCE Steps to consider to get ahead of the changes

Motor efficiency regulations are being amended by both Canada and Mexico. The following is a brief review of these amendments, which will provide EASA members with an understanding of what lies ahead for motor efficiency in the 1 to 500 horsepower range in these countries. 

Las normas de eficiencia de los motores eléctricos están siendo modificadas en Canadá y México. La siguiente es una breve revisión de esos cambios que permitirá a los miembros de EASA entender lo que les espera en estos países, en la eficiencia de los motores con rango de potencias desde 1 hasta 500 hp. 

The thought of dealing with government regulations always gives me the cold sweats! As a business owner, I have never had a fun experience meeting with a regulator. From the local building inspector checking my office's toilet seats, to a Federal employee telling me I will need to pay a $25,000 fine because I failed to send in the proper 401k form; not my idea of a good time. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir. We could probably all add to the "Greatest Hits of Bureaucratic Horror Stories."  Don't get me wrong. Regulations have their place. But are we overly regulated? And how do small businesses best cope with the regulations?