OHER Mission 



Enabling Legislation 



The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 (P.L. 79-585) provided the 

 initial charter for a comprehensive program of research and 

 development related to the utilization of fissionable and 

 radioactive materials for medical, biological, and health 

 purposes. 



The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (P.L. 83-703) further 

 authorized the AEC "to conduct research on the biologic 

 effects of ionizing radiation." 



The Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-438) provided 

 that responsibilities of the Energy Research and Development 

 Administration (ERDA) shall include "engaging in and 

 supporting environmental, biomedical, physical and safety 

 research related to the development of energy resources and 

 utilization technologies." 



The Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development 

 Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577) authorized ERDA to conduct a 

 comprehensive non-nuclear energy research, development, 

 and demonstration program to include the environmental and 

 social consequences of the various technologies. 



The DOE Organization Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-91) mandated the 

 Department "to assure incorporation of national environmental 

 protection goals in the formulation and implementation of 

 energy programs; and to advance the goal of restoring, 

 protecting, and enhancing environmental quality, and assuring 

 public health and safety," and to conduct "a comprehensive 

 program of research and development on the environmental 

 effects of energy technology and program." 



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