Full Definition of Energy Law

The body of energy law focuses on the use of energy resources, such as gas, electric, atomic and solar power. The federal government has established energy laws to promote competition in the energy industry and create a more affordable market for energy resources, while addressing the environmental, economic, and security concerns of the U.S.

A national energy plan was created with the establishment of the Department of Energy in 1977. Federal energy laws and regulations aim provide affordable energy by promoting competition in energy markets, while protecting the economic, environmental, and security interests of the United States.

Along with the Department of Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) was established. FERC is an independent regulatory agency that oversees the natural gas, oil, and electricity markets in the U.S. FERC regulates the transmission and sale of these energies (except the sale of oil), provides licenses for hydroelectric plants, and deals with related environmental matters. The nuclear power industry is regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), whose mission it is to protect the public health and safety from nuclear radiation and waste and promote the common defense through rulemaking, inspection, and licensing.