(a) It is the policy of this regulation to use the patent system to promote the utilization of inventions arising from Department of Energy supported research and development.

(b) Decisions as to grants or denials of any license application will, in the discretion of the Secretary of Energy, be based on the Department of Energy's view of what is in the best interests of the United States and the general public under the provisions of these regulations. Decisions of the Department of Energy under these regulations may be made on the Secretary of Energy's behalf by the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property, except where otherwise delegated.