An authority may, subject to the direction of the governing body, do all of the following:

1. (a) Conduct public hearings for all energy projects.
2. (b) Hold public hearings to review and approve all projects being developed within the community that involve a substantial use of energy and may impact the economic stability of the local economy, with particular attention to the impact on low- and moderate-income households.
3. (c) Exempt specific projects from the review process.