42 U.S.C. § 7112 - Congressional declaration of purpose

• Cite as: 42 U.S.C. § 7112

The Congress therefore declares that the establishment of a Department of Energy is in the public interest and will promote the general welfare by assuring coordinated and effective administration of Federal energy policy and programs. It is the purpose of this chapter:

(1) To establish a Department of Energy in the executive branch.

(2) To achieve, through the Department, effective management of energy functions of the Federal Government, including consultation with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies in order to encourage them to establish and observe policies consistent with a coordinated energy policy, and to promote maximum possible energy conservation measures in connection with the activities within their respective jurisdictions.

(3) To provide for a mechanism through which a coordinated national energy policy can be formulated and implemented to deal with the short-, mid- and long-term energy problems of the Nation; and to develop plans and programs for dealing with domestic energy production and import shortages.

(4) To create and implement a comprehensive energy conservation strategy that will receive the highest priority in the national energy program.

(5) To carry out the planning, coordination, support, and management of a balanced and comprehensive energy research and development program, including-

(A) assessing the requirements for energy research and development;

(B) developing priorities necessary to meet those requirements;

(C) undertaking programs for the optimal development of the various forms of energy production and conservation; and

(D) disseminating information resulting from such programs, including disseminating information on the commercial feasibility and use of energy from fossil, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and other energy technologies.

(6) To place major emphasis on the development and commercial use of solar, geothermal, recycling and other technologies utilizing renewable energy resources.

(7) To continue and improve the effectiveness and objectivity of a central energy data collection and analysis program within the Department.

(8) To facilitate establishment of an effective strategy for distributing and allocating fuels in periods of short supply and to provide for the administration of a national energy supply reserve.

(9) To promote the interests of consumers through the provision of an adequate and reliable supply of energy at the lowest reasonable cost.