United States Department of Energy
Overview
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is a federal agency in the United States responsible for policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material. Its purview includes 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's roots go back to the aftermath of World War II and the Manhattan Project, which was the federal government's project to develop the atomic bomb. The success of the Manhattan Project led to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) being established in 1946 as a civilian agency to control the technology the project had produced. The AEC was later replaced by the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) in 1974. The DOE was established in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter, consolidating the responsibilities of the ERDA and several other energy-related federal agencies into a single department.
Organization
The DOE is headed by the United States Secretary of Energy, and its activities are organized into programs and administrations. Some of the most significant include the Office of Science, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Office of Science
The Office of Science is the lead federal agency supporting fundamental scientific research for energy and the nation's largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. The Office of Science oversees six interdisciplinary program offices, each focused on specific areas of science.
National Nuclear Security Administration
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a semi-autonomous agency within the DOE. It is responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science, maintaining and enhancing the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) leads the government's efforts to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy for America. It does this through a portfolio of research efforts and partnerships with state and local governments, universities, and industry.
Functions
The DOE has a broad mandate that includes the oversight of 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. It also directs research in genomics; the Human Genome Project originated in a DOE initiative.
Budget
The Department of Energy operates with a budget that fluctuates each year, depending on the priorities of the government. In recent years, the DOE's budget has been focused on nuclear security, environmental management, and energy and science innovation.
Criticisms and controversies
Over the years, the Department of Energy has faced criticism and controversy, particularly in relation to its handling of nuclear waste and the cost and necessity of some of its research programs.