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August 4

Department of Energy Created (1977)


On August 4, 1977, the United States Department of Energy was formed.

During World War II, the United States was eager to make a nuclear bomb before any other nation, and started the Manhattan Project with that goal in mind. After the war ended, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was created to control the future of the project. In 1974, the AEC was abolished and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission was founded. The Commission was tasked with regulating the nuclear power industry. Further, the Energy Research and Development Administration formed, which was tasked to manage the nuclear weapon, naval reactor, and energy development programs.

The Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, which President Carter signed on August 4, 1977, created the Department of Energy by combining the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration. The Department of Energy was formed mainly to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government. The DOE oversees the United States’ policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material. Its responsibilities include maintaining the nation’s nuclear weapons program, producing nuclear reactors for the United States Navy, encouraging energy conservation, performing energy-related research, disposing of radioactive waste, and producing energy domestically.

The agency is administered by the United States Secretary of Energy, who is appointed by the President.