U.S. Department of Energy
Overview
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is a cabinet-level department of the United States Government. It is responsible for policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material. Its responsibilities include the nation's nuclear weapons program, nuclear reactor production for the United States Navy, energy conservation, energy-related research, radioactive waste disposal, and domestic energy production.
History
The Department of Energy was established by President Jimmy Carter on August 4, 1977, in response to the 1973 oil crisis. The new agency was a consolidation of several energy-related agencies, including the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, the Federal Power Commission, and parts of the Interior Department, among others.
Organization
The Department of Energy operates through a system of national laboratories and technology centers, a structure that gives it a broad reach into areas of research and policy. The DOE directly manages and operates 17 National Laboratories, which are key in conducting research in physical sciences, life sciences, and engineering.
Functions
The DOE has four overarching functions: energy security, nuclear security, scientific discovery and innovation, and environmental responsibility. Each of these functions is carried out through a variety of offices and programs.
Energy Security
The DOE's role in energy security involves ensuring the reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound delivery of energy services to all sectors of the economy. This includes promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, as well as managing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Nuclear Security
The DOE is responsible for the safe and secure handling of the nation's nuclear materials. This includes overseeing the nuclear weapons program, managing nuclear waste, and ensuring the safety of nuclear reactors.
Scientific Discovery and Innovation
The DOE conducts and sponsors research to advance the frontiers of knowledge in physical sciences and areas of biological, environmental, and computational science. Through its system of National Laboratories, the DOE contributes to the expansion of scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
Environmental Responsibility
The DOE is tasked with ensuring the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex, as well as managing the environmental impact of U.S. energy policies and programs.
Budget and Operations
The DOE's budget for fiscal year 2020 was approximately $38 billion. The majority of this budget is allocated to nuclear security and environmental cleanup projects, with a significant portion also dedicated to energy and science initiatives.
Criticisms and Controversies
The Department of Energy has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly in relation to its handling of nuclear waste and its role in promoting certain energy sources over others. Despite these challenges, the DOE continues to play a key role in shaping the nation's energy policy and scientific research landscape.