*Administration of Barack Obama, 2014 *

*January 9, 2014 *

*Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies *

*Subject:* Establishing a Quadrennial Energy Review

Affordable, clean, and secure energy and energy services are essential for improving U.S. economic productivity, enhancing our quality of life, protecting our environment, and ensuring our Nation's security. Achieving these goals requires a comprehensive and integrated energy strategy resulting from interagency dialogue and active engagement of external stakeholders. To help the Federal Government better meet this responsibility, I am directing the undertaking of a Quadrennial Energy Review.

The initial focus for the Quadrennial Energy Review will be our Nation's infrastructure for transporting, transmitting, and delivering energy. Our current infrastructure is increasingly challenged by transformations in energy supply, markets, and patterns of end use; issues of aging and capacity; impacts of climate change; and cyber and physical threats. Any vulnerability in this infrastructure may be exacerbated by the increasing interdependencies of energy systems with water, telecommunications, transportation, and emergency response systems. The first Quadrennial Energy Review Report will serve as a roadmap to help address these challenges.

The Department of Energy has a broad role in energy policy development and the largest role in implementing the Federal Government's energy research and development portfolio. Many other executive departments and agencies also play key roles in developing and implementing policies governing energy resources and consumption, as well as associated environmental impacts. In addition, non-Federal actors are crucial contributors to energy policies. Because most energy and related infrastructure is owned by private entities, investment by and engagement of the private sector is necessary to develop and implement effective policies. State and local policies; the views of nongovernmental, environmental, faith-based, labor, and other social organizations; and contributions from the academic and nonprofit sectors are also critical to the development and implementation of effective energy policies.

An interagency Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force, which includes members from all relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies), will develop an integrated review of energy policy that integrates all of these perspectives. It will build on the foundation provided in my Administration's *Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future* of March 30, 2011, and *Climate Action Plan* released on June 25, 2013. The Task Force will offer recommendations on what additional actions it believes would be appropriate. These may include recommendations on additional executive or legislative actions to address the energy challenges and opportunities facing the Nation.

Therefore, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:

*Section 1*. *Establishing the Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force*. (a) There is established the Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force (Task Force), to be co-chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Director of the Domestic Policy Council, which shall include the heads of each of the following, or their designated representatives:

(iii) the Department of Defense;

(vii) the Department of Labor;

(viii) the Department of Health and Human Services;

(xii) the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(xiii) the Department of Homeland Security;

(xiv) the Office of Management and Budget;

(xv) the National Economic Council;

(xvi) the National Security Staff;

(xvii) the Council on Environmental Quality;

(xviii) the Council of Economic Advisers;

(xix) the Environmental Protection Agency;

(xx) the Small Business Administration;

(xxi) the Army Corps of Engineers;

(xxii) the National Science Foundation; and

(xxiii) such agencies and offices as the President may designate.

*Sec. 3*. *Outreach*. In order to gather information and recommendations and to provide for a transparent process in developing the Quadrennial Energy Review Report, the Task Force shall engage with State and local governments, tribes, large and small businesses, universities, national laboratories, nongovernmental and labor organizations, and other stakeholders and interested parties. The Task Force shall develop an integrated outreach strategy that relies on both traditional meetings and the use of information technology.

*Sec. 4*. *General Provisions*. (a) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

BARACK OBAMA [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., January 13, 2014]

NOTE: This memorandum was published in the *Federal Register* on January 14.

*Categories:* Communications to Federal Agencies : Quadrennial Energy Review, establishment, memorandum*. *

*Subjects:* Economy, national : Strengthening efforts; Energy : Alternative and renewable sources and technologies :: Promotion efforts; Energy : Domestic sources; Energy : Infrastructure and grid improvements; Energy : National energy policy; Environment : Climate change; Environment : Quality and improvement efforts.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201400011.