Claude Brinegar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claude Brinegar
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| 3rd United States Secretary of Transportation | |
| In office February 2, 1973 – February 1, 1975 |
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| President | Richard Nixon Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | John Volpe |
| Succeeded by | William Thaddeus Coleman Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Claude Stout Brinegar
December 16, 1926 Rockport, California, U.S. |
| Died | March 13, 2009 (aged 82) Palo Alto, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Stanford University (BA, MS, PhD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  U.S. Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1945–1947 |
Claude Stout Brinegar (born December 16, 1926 – died March 13, 2009) was an important American leader. He served as the third United States Secretary of Transportation. This is a top job in the government, in charge of things like roads, trains, and planes. He held this position from February 2, 1973, to February 1, 1975. He worked under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Before his government role, Brinegar was a top executive at an oil company. He also had a special advanced degree (a PhD) in economic research from Stanford University. He was Secretary of Transportation during a big event called the 1973 oil crisis.
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Early Life and Education
Claude Brinegar was born on December 16, 1926. His birth name was Claude Rawles Stout. He was born in Rockport, California, a small town on the coast. He later took his stepfather's last name, Brinegar, in 1951.
He served in the United States Army Air Forces from 1945 to 1947. After his military service, he went to Stanford University. He was a very good student there. He earned several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics in 1950, a Master of Science (MS) in Mathematics and Statistics in 1951, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in economic research in 1953. He was also chosen for Phi Beta Kappa, which is a special honor for top students.
While studying for his PhD, Brinegar worked as a research assistant. He also helped the Emporium-Capwell Corporation in San Francisco as an economic consultant.
Early Career in Business
In 1953, Brinegar joined the Union Oil Company. This company was later called Unocal Corporation. He started as an economic analyst. Over the years, he held many different jobs in economics, planning, and research. By 1965, he was elected vice president for corporate planning.
In October 1965, Union Oil merged with another company called Pure Oil Company. Brinegar was then made president of Pure Oil. He stayed in this role even when Pure Oil became Union 76. He also became a senior vice president and a member of Union Oil's board of directors.
Leading Transportation
President Richard Nixon chose Claude Brinegar to be the United States Secretary of Transportation. Brinegar was the third person to hold this important job. He took over from John A. Volpe.
Brinegar had never held a political job before. But he believed his education and his own experiences as a traveler made him right for the job. He once said, "I've flown a million miles in the last seven years, and I've sat on the Harbor Freeway for hours in traffic jams." This meant he had seen transportation problems firsthand.
He also served under President Gerald Ford. When President Ford decided to run for president again, Brinegar resigned from his government job. He then went back to work as an executive at Union Oil. Later, in 1980–81, Brinegar was part of Ronald Reagan's team that helped with the change when Reagan became president.
Actions During the 1973 Oil Crisis
Claude Brinegar was Secretary of Transportation during a difficult time called the Arab oil embargo in 1973. This was when some countries stopped selling oil, causing a shortage. Brinegar was in charge of helping the country deal with this crisis.
To save oil, he worked with President Nixon to pass the Emergency Highway Conservation Act. This law set a speed limit of 55 miles per hour on all highways. This helped reduce how much oil cars used. Brinegar also encouraged people across the country to carpool. Carpooling means sharing rides with others, which also helps save oil.
Another important thing Brinegar helped achieve was the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973. This law provided money from the government to states. The states could then use this money to make their highways better and keep them in good condition.
Death
Dr. Claude Brinegar passed away on March 13, 2009. He was 82 years old. He died of natural causes at a retirement home in Palo Alto, California. He was survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
