90-4-1003. Energy policy development process. (1) The department and the council, in cooperation with the consumer counsel and the public service commission, shall maintain a continual process to develop the components of a comprehensive state energy policy.
     (2) Because of limited state resources and the need to focus intensive effort on specific issues of importance, the development of a comprehensive state energy policy must occur on an incremental basis. As the need arises, the department, in cooperation with the appropriate state agencies and with extensive public involvement, shall identify and recommend to the council specific components of a state energy policy for development under the consensus process described in subsection (3).
     (3) (a) Upon selection of a specific energy policy component, the council shall assign to a working group composed of representatives of the parties with a stake in that specific component the task of developing consensus recommendations for that component of state energy policy.
     (b) The working group must include the broadest possible representation of stakeholders in the issues to be included within the specific component of state energy policy.
     (c) Whenever possible, the working group shall use a consensus process to develop recommendations for a specific energy policy component to be submitted to the council. Recommendations that are not based upon consensus must be so noted by the working group. Upon consideration of the working group's recommendations, the council shall forward its recommendations to the legislature and to the appropriate state agencies for adoption.
     (d) The department shall:
     (i) provide staff support to the working group, including policy analysis, data gathering, research, technical analysis, and administrative support;
     (ii) provide administrative coordination among the appropriate state agencies in the energy policy development process;
     (iii) prepare reports for and make recommendations to the council; and
     (iv) consult regularly with the council to coordinate each agency's activities.
     (4) In carrying out their responsibilities under this section, the department and the council may contract with experts, consultants, and facilitators and may seek funding from a variety of private and public sources for technical and other assistance necessary to accomplish their responsibilities.

     History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 242, L. 1993.