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U.S. Department of Energy
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The official seal of the United States Department of Energy, featuring a bald eagle above a green shield with symbols of energy including a sun, atom, oil derrick, windmill, dynamo, and a yellow lightning bolt. The outer ring reads Department of Energy United States of America. laser-activated fusion
Quick Facts
Date:
1977 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
energy conversion
renewable energy
pollution control
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The official seal of the United States Department of Energy, featuring a bald eagle above a green shield with symbols of energy including a sun, atom, oil derrick, windmill, dynamo, and a yellow lightning bolt. The outer ring reads Department of Energy United States of America.
Department of Energy

U.S. Department of Energy

United States government
Also known as: DOE
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

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U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), executive division of the U.S. federal government responsible for administering national energy policy. Established in 1977, it promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. Its national security programs serve to develop and oversee nuclear-energy resources. Its Office of Environmental Management oversees waste management and cleanup activities at inactive facilities. The Fossil Energy Office develops policies and regulations concerning the use of natural gas, coal, and electric energy. Its regional power administrations transmit electric power produced at federal hydroelectric projects.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Tracy Grant.