Energy, Department of, is an executive department of the United States government that works to meet the nation’s energy needs. The department develops and coordinates national energy policies and programs.
The secretary of energy, a member of the president’s Cabinet, directs the department. The secretary is appointed by the president, subject to the approval of the Senate. The department’s website at https://www.energy.gov presents information on its activities.
Functions.
The Department of Energy has four main areas of responsibility: (1) development of energy resources, (2) scientific research, (3) national security, and (4) protecting the environment. 
Development of energy resources.
The department works to develop energy technologies that private industries are not likely to develop themselves. These technologies include certain ways of increasing the nation’s energy supply and of using the current supply more efficiently.
Scientific research
is conducted in national laboratories supervised by the Department of Energy. Scientists in the laboratories work to develop cleaner and more economical energy sources and to improve the competitiveness of U.S. industries.
National security.
The department manages the nation’s nuclear-weapons development program. It also works to maintain a safe, reliable stockpile of nuclear weapons.
Protecting the environment.
The department finds ways to reduce environmental, safety, and health risks that have resulted from nuclear-weapons development and production. It also works to reduce environmental damage from the development and use of energy resources.
History.
Congress created the Department of Energy in 1977. The new department pulled together energy-related functions that had been scattered throughout the government. For example, the Department of Energy took over electric power projects and coal research programs from the Department of the Interior. In addition, the new department absorbed three independent agencies—the Energy Research and Development Administration, the Federal Energy Administration, and the Federal Power Commission.
