A. As used in this chapter, "public uses" means the mining, production and marketing of coal for the purpose of providing and furnishing heat and power to the people of Virginia.
B. Any imminent threat of substantial interruption or existing substantial interruption of such service is hereby declared to be contrary to the public policy of the Commonwealth, and it is the duty of the government of the Commonwealth to exercise all available means and every power at its command to prevent the same so as to protect its citizens from any dangers, perils, calamities or catastrophes which would result therefrom.
Code 1950, § 45-146; 1950, p. 29; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-146; 1994, c. 28.