(1) An adequate, reliable, and continuous supply of energy is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this State and to the sustained growth of the State's economy;

(2) Shortages of nonrenewable energy resources could threaten the reliable supply of energy in the State;

(3) Inefficient energy consumption leads to increased air pollution from traditional means of producing energy, which may be significantly mitigated by the development of efficiency programs and alternative energy resources;

(4) Growth and inefficient energy usage must be addressed programmatically to continue the social, economic and environmental vitality of the State;

(5) The State must provide for the development of a comprehensive state energy policy which will ensure an adequate, reliable and continuous supply of energy and which is protective of public health and the environment and which promotes our general welfare and economic well-being;

(6) The establishment of the State Energy Office is in the public interest and will promote the general welfare by assuring coordinated and efficient management of state energy policy.

(1) To establish the State Energy Office within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control;

(2) To provide for development and maintenance of a comprehensive state energy plan;

(3) To provide for the development and maintenance of a state emergency energy shortage contingency plan;

(4) To provide for the development of a state facilities energy management plan;

(5) To reduce, to the maximum extent possible, the environmental consequences of energy generation and use in the State;

(6) To achieve effective management of energy functions within the state government;

(7) To encourage and ensure full and effective public participation in the formulation and implementation of a state energy plan.