PUBLIC LAW 95-91—AUG. 4, 1977
91 STAT. 567
DEFINITIONS
SEC. 2. (a) As used in this Act, unless otherwise provided or indi- 42 USC 7101. cated by the context, the term the "Department" means the Department of Energy or any component thereof, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (b) As used in this Act (1) reference to "function" includes reference to any duty, obligation, power, authority, responsibility, right, privilege, and activity, or the plural thereof, as the case may be; and (2) reference to "perform", when used in relation to functions, includes the undertaking, fulfillment, or execution of any duty or obligation; and the exercise of power, authority, rights, and privileges. (c) As used in this Act, "Federal lease" means an agreement which, for any consideration, including but not limited to, bonuses, rents, or royalties conferred and covenants to be observed, authorizes a person to explore for, or develop, or produce (or to do any or all of these) oil and gas, coal, oil shale, tar sands, and geothermal resources on lands or interests in lands under Federal jurisdiction. TITLE I—DECLARATION OF FINDINGS AND PURPOSES FINDINGS
SEC. 101. The Congress of the United States finds that— 42 USC 7111. (1) the United States faces an increasing shortage of nonrenewable energy resources; (2) this energy shortage and our increasing dependence on foreign energy supplies present a serious threat to the national security of the United States and to the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; (3) a strong national energy program is needed to meet the present and future energy needs of the Nation consistent with overall national economic, environmental and social goals; (4) responsibility for energy policy, regulation, and research, development and demonstration is fragmented in many departments and agencies and thus does not allow for the comprehensive, centralized focus necessary for effective coordination of energy supply and conservation programs; and (5) formulation and implementation of a national energy program require the integration of major Federal energy functions into a single depaitment in the executive branch. PURPOSES
SEC. 102. The Congress therefore declares that the establishment 42 USC 7112. 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 Act— (1) to establish a Department of Energy in the executive branch; (2) to achieve, throusfh 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 polic'es consistent with a coordinated energy policy, and to promote maximum possible energy conservation measures in connection with the activities within their respective jurisdictions;
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