Energy Research and Development Administration facts for kids
| ERDA | |
 |
|
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 11, 1974 |
| Preceding agency | |
| Dissolved | October 1, 1977 |
| Superseding agency | |
| Jurisdiction | Federal government of the United States |
The United States Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) was a special part of the U.S. government. It was created in 1975 to help the country with its energy needs. ERDA took over many important jobs from the old Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).
Contents
Why ERDA Was Created
This agency was formed because of something called the 1973 oil crisis. This was a time when there wasn't enough oil, which caused problems for many countries. To help solve energy issues, the U.S. government passed a law called the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. This law was approved on October 11, 1974.
Splitting the Atomic Energy Commission
The new law split the old Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) into two new groups:
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was made to keep an eye on and control the safe use of nuclear power plants.
- The ERDA was created to handle all the other important tasks.
What ERDA Did
ERDA officially started its work on January 19, 1975. Its main jobs were to:
- Manage energy research and development. This meant finding new and better ways to create and use energy.
- Oversee programs related to nuclear weapons.
- Manage programs for naval reactors, which are the nuclear engines used in some ships and submarines.
Leaders of ERDA
The first person in charge of ERDA was Robert Seamans. After him, Robert W. Fri became the administrator.
How ERDA Ended
ERDA did not last for a very long time. In 1977, it joined together with another agency called the Federal Energy Administration. Together, they formed a brand new, larger department. This new department is known today as the United States Department of Energy.
