Department of Energy

Agency

1. federal executive division responsible for coordinating and administering national energy policy. The department promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy through various research and financial assistance programs. Its national security and environmental management programs serve to develop nuclear energy resources, including nuclear power plants and weapons, while its Office of Environmental Management oversees waste management and cleanup activities at inactive facilities, including sites with chemical and nuclear waste. Its Office of Fossil Energy develops policies and regulations concerning the use of natural gas, coal, and electric energy, and its regional power administrations transmit electric power produced at federal hydroelectric projects. The DOE also conducts investigations in cases involving whistle-blower reprisal complaints, and it holds hearings and listens to appeals in cases involving complaints about its regulations. Included in the DOE is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (q.v.).