90-4-301. Legislative findings and intent. (1) The legislature finds that energy in various forms is increasingly subject to possible shortages and supply disruptions, to the point that there may be foreseen an emergency situation, and that without the ability to gather information, regularly monitor energy supplies and demand, formulate plans, and institute appropriate emergency measures to reduce or allocate the usage of energy through a program of mandatory usage curtailment or allocation, a severe impact on the health, safety, and general welfare of our state's citizens may occur. The prevention or mitigation of the effects of such energy shortages or disruptions is necessary for preservation of the public health and welfare of the citizens of this state.
     (2) It is the intent of this part to:
     (a) establish necessary planning, information gathering, and energy emergency powers for the governor and define the conditions under which such powers are to be exercised;
     (b) provide for the regular monitoring of energy supplies and demand; however, nothing in this part may be construed to authorize the establishment of an independent state energy forecasting program; and
     (c) provide penalties for violations of this part.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 473, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 204, L. 1981.