07/29/1979
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"The creation of a Department of Energy is an important step toward dealing with our energy problems."
"The rapid progress to date of national energy legislation through the Congress reflects the determination on the part of both the Congress and this administration to end the years of delay in dealing ..."
"I've just signed an Executive order that will activate the new Department of Energy on October 1."
"I remain optimistic that a sound, workable energy policy for the United States will be a reality before this Congress goes home this year."