Atomic Energy Act of 1954 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Atomic Energy Act of 1954

Long title	An Act to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1946, as amended, and for other purposes.
Enacted by	the 83rd United States Congress
Effective	August 30, 1954
Citations
Public law	83-703
Statutes at Large	68 Stat. 919
Codification
Acts amended	Atomic Energy Act of 1946
Titles amended	42 U.S.C.: Public Health and Social Welfare
U.S.C. sections amended	42 U.S.C. ch. 14
Legislative history
Introduced in the House as H.R. 9757 by William S. Cole (R-NY) on June 30, 1954 Passed the House on July 26, 1954 (231–154) Passed the Senate on July 27, 1954 (57–28, in lieu of S. 3690) Reported by the joint conference committee on August ?, 1954; agreed to by the Senate on August 17, 1954 (59–17) and by the House on August ?, 1954 (without recorded vote) Signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 30, 1954

President Eisenhower signs the bill in an official signing ceremony.

The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 is an important U.S. federal law. It helps manage how nuclear materials and facilities are used in the United States. This includes how they are developed, controlled, and even disposed of.

This law updated an earlier one from 1946. It made big changes to how nuclear energy could be used. It especially helped the idea of using nuclear power for peaceful, everyday purposes.

What the Act Changed

This new law made it possible for private companies to get special information. This information, called "Restricted Data," was about making nuclear energy. It also covered how to produce "fissile materials." Fissile materials are special substances that can be split to release a lot of energy.

Sharing Nuclear Information

The Act also allowed the U.S. government to share more nuclear information with other countries. This was part of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" program. This program aimed to use nuclear technology for good, like generating electricity.

New Rules for Inventions

Before this Act, it was impossible to get a patent for new ways to create nuclear energy. A patent protects an invention, so others can't copy it. The 1954 Act changed this rule. It allowed people to patent their inventions related to nuclear energy.

How the Law Was Passed

The U.S. Congress passed this important law. It was signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 30, 1954.

What the Act Means Today

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is a government agency. They describe the Atomic Energy Act as the main U.S. law. It covers both the peaceful and military uses of nuclear materials.

See also

In Spanish: Atomic Energy Act de 1954 para niños