The general assembly finds and declares that it is an essential government function and public purpose of the state to promote the efficient utilization of energy, encourage the increased utilization of the state’s indigeneous energy resources, promote the development of renewable energy resources, and foster increased cooperation amoung all levels of government for the preservation or creation of jobs and employment opportunities, the encouragement of economic growth, the promotion of the general welfare, the protection of the public health and safety, and the protection of environmental quality.