The Program of Energy Research and Development was implemented in 1974, that is right after the 1973 oil crisis. This is a federal program whose direction is mandated by various federal government departments. No fewer than 12 government departments work on this program and do research in all manner of energy-related fields.
As for policy decisions, the government proceeds through the budgetary process and the public service implements these decisions. So the answer is yes, some programs are mandated by the government, whether they be green plans or clean energy programs.