Us Code § 5903 - Duties and authorities of the Secretary

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5903 — Duties and authorities of the Secretary, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5903. Duties and authorities of the Secretary

The Secretary shall—

(a) review the current status of nonnuclear energy resources and current nonnuclear energy research and development activities, including research and development being conducted by Federal and non-Federal entities;

(b) formulate and carry out a comprehensive Federal nonnuclear energy research, development, and demonstration program which will expeditiously advance the policies established by this chapter and other relevant legislation establishing programs in specific energy technologies;

(c) utilize the funds authorized pursuant to this chapter to advance energy research and development by initiating and maintaining, through fund transfers, grants, or contracts, energy research, development and demonstration programs or activities utilizing the facilities, capabilities, expertise, and experience of Federal agencies, national laboratories, universities, nonprofit organizations, industrial entities, and other non-Federal entities which are appropriate to each type of research, development, and demonstration activity;

(d) establish procedures for periodic consultation with representatives of science, industry, environmental organizations, consumers, and other groups who have special expertise in the areas of energy research, development, and technology; and

(e) initiate programs to design, construct, and operate energy facilities of sufficient size to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of utilizing various forms of nonnuclear energy.

(Pub. L. 93–577, §4, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1880; Pub. L. 109–58, title X, §1009(b)(3), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 934.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–58 added section catchline, struck out former catchline, and substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" in introductory provisions.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Classification of Recipients of Awards, Contracts, or Other Financial Arrangements; Reporting Requirement

Pub. L. 95–39, title I, §111, June 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 186, provided that:

"(a) The Administrator [now Secretary of Energy] shall classify each recipient of any award, contract, or other financial arrangement in any nonnuclear research, development, or demonstration category as—

"(1) a Federal agency,

"(2) a non-Federal governmental entity,

"(3) a profitmaking enterprise (indicating whether or not it is a small business concern),

"(4) a nonprofit enterprise other than an educational institution, or

"(5) a nonprofit educational institution.

"(b) The information required by subsection (a), along with the dollar amount of each award, contract, or other financial arrangement made, shall be included as an appendix to the annual report required by section 15(a) of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 ([former] 42 U.S.C. 5914): Provided, That small purchases or contracts of less than $10,000, which are excepted from the requirements of advertising by section 252(c)(3) of [former] title 41, United States Code, shall be exempt from the reporting requirements of this section."

About This Section

42 U.S.C. § 5903 is part of Title 42 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 42 U.S.C. § 5903. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5903

What does United States Code § 5903 cover?

Section 5903 ("Duties and authorities of the Secretary") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 5903?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5903" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 5903 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.