Atomic Energy Commission
Proper noun A former independent agency of the United States government, established in 1946 and dissolved in 1974. Its primary responsibilities were the control and development of atomic energy, with a focus on both military applications and peaceful civilian uses.
The term "Atomic Energy Commission" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this historical U.S. government agency. It is often discussed in historical, political, and scientific contexts.
Examples * The Atomic Energy Commission was created to manage the nation's nuclear portfolio after World War II. * Much of the early research into nuclear power plants was overseen by the Atomic Energy Commission. * In 1974, the functions of the Atomic Energy Commission were split between two new agencies.
- The agency is frequently referenced by its acronym, AEC.
- The AEC's regulatory decisions were sometimes controversial.
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): One of the successor agencies created in 1974, focused on regulating civilian nuclear power.
- Department of Energy (DOE): A later cabinet-level department (established 1977) that absorbed some remaining energy research and development functions.
- AEC (acronym)
This term refers exclusively to the specific U.S. government agency that existed from 1946 to 1974. It is not a general term for any commission dealing with atomic energy in other countries or contexts.
- a former executive agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States