Energy Law: Agency Websites

The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. Regulates the transmission and wholesale sales of electricity in interstate commerce; Regulates the transmission and sale of natural gas for resale in interstate commerce; Regulates the transportation of oil by pipeline in interstate commerce; Monitors and investigates energy markets.

The Department of Transportation's (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA), acting through the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), administers the Department's national regulatory program to assure the safe transportation of natural gas, petroleum, and other hazardous materials by pipeline. OPS develops regulations and other approaches to risk management to assure safety in design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and emergency response of pipeline facilities. Since 1986, the entire pipeline safety program has been funded by a user fee assessed on a per-mile basis on each pipeline operator OPS regulates.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists utilities and state and local governments with economic development.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates electricity and natural gas. The PUC sets rates and regulates service quality, approves large-scale building plans and issues Certificates of Need and state Site or Route Permits. The website contains the PUC's calendar and meeting agendas, offers opportunities for public comment and provides links to commission reports and relevant statutes and rules.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) monitors environmental quality, offers technical and financial assistance, and enforces environmental regulations. The MPCA finds and cleans up spills or leaks that can affect our health and environment. Staff develop statewide policy, and support environmental education. The MPCA works with many partners — citizens, communities, businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators — to prevent pollution and conserve resources. The website contains legislative and regulatory information, public notices, and permitting information and forms.