The Department of Energy currently has two “direct final rules” that will adversely affect disability rights. One of these rules removes regulations requiring new buildings to be accessible, and the other would remove accessibility requirements for older buildings and alterations to buildings. Further, the rules remove highly-specific language regarding accessibility requirements, called the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards, from regulation.

“Direct final rules” (DFRs) are typically used when rule changes are routine and noncontroversial. These are anything but. If enough “significant adverse comments” are received on a rule designated as a DFR, the Department of Energy will provide notice in the Federal Register before July 15th either withdrawing the rule or issuing a new final rule which responds to significant adverse comments.

Our job is to submit those DFRs before 11:59 Eastern Time on June 16, 2025. The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund has incredible resources, including templates and step-by-step directions on how to make a comment for these rule changes. You can view them here.

This is our time to take action. We cannot allow these changes to take effect silently.