Legal Definitions - energy

Energy refers to the power that is used to make things work. The federal government has played a role in regulating the energy industries in the United States since the Great Depression. The government's goal is to provide affordable energy while protecting the economic, environmental, and security interests of the country.

The Federal Power Act of 1920 created the Federal Power Commission, which was later replaced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 1977. FERC oversees the natural gas, oil, and electricity markets in the U.S. and regulates the transmission and sale of these energies. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the nuclear power industry to protect public health and safety from nuclear radiation and waste.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards deregulation of various energy industries to increase market competition and provide cheap, reliable energy. This trend is most progressed in the electricity market, where consumers can now choose their suppliers.

Examples of federal laws related to energy include the Federal Power Act of 1935, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), and the Natural Gas Act of 1938. State laws and regulations also play a role in energy regulation.

Overall, energy is a crucial aspect of modern life, and its regulation is essential to ensure that it is affordable, reliable, and safe for everyone.