The General Assembly finds that because energy-related issues continually confront the Commonwealth, and many separate agencies are involved in providing energy programs and services, there exists a need for a state organization responsible for coordinating Virginia's energy programs and ensuring Virginia's commitment to the development of renewable and indigenous energy sources, as well as the efficient use of traditional energy resources. In accordance with this need, the Division of Energy is created in the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. The Director shall have the immediate authority to coordinate development and implementation of energy policy in Virginia.

The Division shall coordinate the energy-related activities of the various state agencies and advise the Governor on energy issues that arise at the local, state and national levels. All state agencies and institutions shall cooperate fully with the Division to assist in the proper execution of the duties assigned by this section.

In addition, the Division is authorized to make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties or the execution of its powers, including the implementation of energy information and conservation plans and programs.

The Division shall:

1. Consult with any or all state agencies and institutions concerning energy-related activities or policies as needed for the proper execution of the duties assigned to the Division by this section;

2. Maintain liaison with appropriate agencies of the federal government on the activities of the federal government related to energy production, consumption, transportation and energy resource management in general;

3. Provide services to encourage efforts by and among Virginia businesses, industries, utilities, academic institutions, state and local governments and private institutions to develop energy conservation programs and energy resources;

4. In consultation with the State Corporation Commission, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Center for Coal and Energy Research, prepare the Virginia Energy Plan pursuant to § 67-201;

5. Observe the energy-related activities of state agencies and advise these agencies in order to encourage conformity with established energy policy; and

6. Serve, pursuant to § 58.1-3660, as the state certifying authority for solar energy projects and for the production of coal, oil, and gas, including gas, natural gas, and coalbed methane gas.

1984, c. 590; 2006, c. 939; 2016, c. 518.