### §7131. Establishment

There is established at the seat of government an executive department to be known as the Department of Energy. There shall be at the head of the Department a Secretary of Energy (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the "Secretary"), who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Department shall be administered, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, under the supervision and direction of the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 95–91, title II, §201, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 569.)

#### **Editorial Notes**

#### References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 95–91, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 565, known as the Department of Energy Organization Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7101 of this title and Tables.

#### **Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries**

#### Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Department of Energy, including the functions of the Secretary of Energy relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 121(g)(4), 183(1), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

#### Emergency Preparedness for Energy Supply Disruptions

Pub. L. 114–94, div. F, §61001, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1771, provided that:

"(a) Finding.—Congress finds that recent natural disasters have underscored the importance of having resilient oil and natural gas infrastructure and effective ways for industry and government to communicate to address energy supply disruptions.

"(b) Authorization for Activities to Enhance Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters.—The Secretary of Energy shall develop and adopt procedures to—

"(1) improve communication and coordination between the Department of Energy's energy response team, Federal partners, and industry;

"(2) leverage the Energy Information Administration's subject matter expertise within the Department's energy response team to improve supply chain situation assessments;

"(3) establish company liaisons and direct communication with the Department's energy response team to improve situation assessments;

"(4) streamline and enhance processes for obtaining temporary regulatory relief to speed up emergency response and recovery;

"(5) facilitate and increase engagement among States, the oil and natural gas industry, and the Department in developing State and local energy assurance plans;

"(6) establish routine education and training programs for key government emergency response positions with the Department and States; and

"(7) involve States and the oil and natural gas industry in comprehensive drill and exercise programs.

"(c) Cooperation.—The activities carried out under subsection (b) shall include collaborative efforts with State and local government officials and the private sector.

"(d) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 4, 2015], the Secretary of Energy shall submit to Congress a report describing the effectiveness of the activities authorized under this section."