§797 Enforcement

Summary

No one may break the rules about converting or allocating coal, about energy information, or ignore any orders or regulations made under those rules. Breaking those rules can bring a civil penalty of up to $2,500 for each violation. If the break is willful, the fine can be up to $5,000 for each violation. Selling or distributing coal in violation of an official coal order is illegal; if a person knowingly and willfully repeats that after already being fined for the same rule, they can be fined up to $50,000, or jailed up to six months, or both. If the Federal Energy Administrator or an authorized official thinks a violation has happened or is about to happen, they can ask the Attorney General to go to court to stop it. A court can issue temporary or permanent orders to stop or require compliance without making the requester post a bond. Anyone harmed by a violation may sue for relief like a court ruling or an order to stop the conduct; federal district courts can hear those cases regardless of the amount involved, but money damages are not allowed.