US Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a cabinet-level department of the United States federal government, headquartered in Washington, D.C. and led by the Secretary of Energy. Established in 1977, it consolidated federal responsibilities for energy policy, research, and the nuclear weapons program. DOE's mandate spans energy research and development, the national laboratory system, civilian and defense nuclear activities, environmental cleanup of legacy sites, and stewardship of the strategic petroleum reserve. It funds basic and applied science, supports deployment of energy technologies through loans and grants, and sets certain efficiency standards. Many of its programs operate through national laboratories and contractors. Its authority and funding are set by Congress, and energy regulation is shared with independent agencies and the states.