The Department of Energy directs U.S. policy on energy production, conservation, and research, and it maintains and secures the country's nuclear weapons stockpile through the National Nuclear Security Administration. It also runs the national laboratory system, funds physical-science research, and oversees the cleanup of Cold War-era nuclear sites.
Created by Congress under the Department of Energy Organization Act (Pub. L. No. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq. (establishment at 42 U.S.C. 7131)), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
