Bills pertaining to energy sources, supplies, needs, and problems shall be referred to the Joint Committee on Energy. In addition, the Joint Committee on Energy shall make continuing studies and shall cooperate with the appropriate agencies of this state, agencies of the United States Government, and the Congress of the United States in the exchange and dissemination of information and in the development of legislation, designed to promote the conservation and efficient utilization of existing energy sources, and in developing new energy sources to meet the needs of this and future generations.