42 U.S.C. § 16354 — External technical review of departmental programs

(a) The Secretary^* must establish one or more advisory boards to review Department research, development, demonstration, and commercial-application programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear energy, and fossil energy. The Secretary may designate an existing Department advisory board or arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to establish one. (b) The Secretary must continue using Office of Science scientific program advisory committees chartered under title 5, chapter 10, to oversee that Office’s research and development programs. (c) Each board must have people with suitable expertise and a diverse range of interests. (d) Each board must meet at least twice a year to review and advise on progress in the relevant programs, including measurable cost and performance goals under § 16181 and progress toward them. (e) The Secretary must arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for reviews and assessments of programs authorized by this Act and its amendments, any measurable cost and performance goals under § 16181, and progress toward them. Reviews must occur every 5 years or more often if the Secretary considers necessary, and the Secretary must report their results to Congress.