Atomic Energy Commission
The activities of the AEC included the production of fissionable materials, the manufacture and testing of nuclear weapons, the development of nuclear reactors for military and civilian use, and research in biological, medical, physical, and engineering sciences. Although the bulk of the AEC's work was in the field of atomic weaponry, it was also involved in projects relating to the peaceful uses of atomic energy (e.g., the development of atomic power plants for the production of electricity). The AEC was dissolved in 1974 and its responsibilities transferred to the Energy Research and Development Administration (these functions are now under the Department of Energy) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
See R. G. Hewlett and O. E. Anderson, Jr., A History of the United States Atomic Energy Commission (2 vol., 1962–69); C. Allardice and E. Trapnell, The Atomic Energy Commission (1974).
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