45.1-390 - Division of Energy established; findings and policy; powers and duties.
§ 45.1-390. Division of Energy established; findings and policy; powers andduties.
The General Assembly finds that because energy-related issues continuallyconfront the Commonwealth, and many separate agencies are involved inproviding energy programs and services, there exists a need for a stateorganization responsible for coordinating Virginia's energy programs andensuring Virginia's commitment to the development of renewable and indigenousenergy sources, as well as the efficient use of traditional energy resources.In accordance with this need, the Division of Energy is created in theDepartment of Mines, Minerals and Energy. The Director shall have theimmediate authority to coordinate development and implementation of energypolicy in Virginia.
The Division shall coordinate the energy-related activities of the variousstate agencies and advise the Governor on energy issues that arise at thelocal, state and national levels. All state agencies and institutions shallcooperate fully with the Division to assist in the proper execution of theduties assigned by this section.
In addition, the Division is authorized to make and enter into all contractsand agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties orthe execution of its powers, including the implementation of energyinformation and conservation plans and programs.
The Division shall:
1. Consult with any or all state agencies and institutions concerningenergy-related activities or policies as needed for the proper execution ofthe duties assigned to the Division by this section;
2. Maintain liaison with appropriate agencies of the federal government onthe activities of the federal government related to energy production,consumption, transportation and energy resource management in general;
3. Provide services to encourage efforts by and among Virginia businesses,industries, utilities, academic institutions, state and local governments andprivate institutions to develop energy conservation programs and energyresources;
4. In consultation with the State Corporation Commission, the Department ofEnvironmental Quality, and the Center for Coal and Energy Research, preparethe Virginia Energy Plan pursuant to § 67-201; and
5. Observe the energy-related activities of state agencies and advise theseagencies in order to encourage conformity with established energy policy.
(1984, c. 590; 2006, c. 939.)