Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102

§8502 Definitions

Title 42 › CHAPTER 93 — EMERGENCY ENERGY CONSERVATION › § 8502

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

Defines key terms used in the chapter. A severe energy supply interruption is a national shortage the President finds is widespread or long, could seriously harm national security or the economy, and comes from supply cuts (including imports), sabotage, or an act of God. Other terms: international energy program—defined elsewhere; motor fuel—gasoline and diesel; person—people, companies, organizations, or governments; vehicle—motor‑fuel road vehicle; Secretary—Secretary of Energy; Governor—State chief executive; State—State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any U.S. territory or possession.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §8502

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

For purposes of this chapter—

(1)The term “severe energy supply interruption”, when used with respect to motor fuel or any other energy source, means a national energy supply shortage of such energy source which the President determines—

(A)is, or is likely to be, of significant scope and duration;

(B)may cause major adverse impact on national security or the national economy; and

(C)results, or is likely to result, from an interruption in the energy supplies of the United States, including supplies of imported petroleum products, or from sabotage or an act of God.

(2)The term “international energy program” has the meaning given that term in section 6202(7) of this title.

(3)The term “motor fuel” means gasoline and diesel fuel.

(4)The term “person” includes (A) any individual, (B) any corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, trust, joint venture, or joint stock company, and (C) the government or any agency of the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof.

(5)The term “vehicle” means any vehicle propelled by motor fuel and manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways.

(6)The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.

(7)The term “Governor” means the chief executive officer of a State.

(8)The term “State” means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 8502

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102