The Energy Reorganization Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1974.  Its purpose was to launch a non-nuclear federal research program and to separate nuclear power research from regulation.

The Act created two agencies: the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  The NRC was given responsibilities for the regulation of nuclear power and the ERDA was to carry out research.  These two groups replaced the Atomic Energy Commission, which, until this point, had been the force behind most nuclear policy. 

The ERDA worked to expand U.S. energy research beyond the limits of purely nuclear power.  It explored other power sources such as solar energy and conversion of solid wastes into various fuels.  It also worked in the areas of environmental, safety, and health research.

The NRC was in charge of regulating nuclear power use in the best interest of the American public and environment.  Its responsibilities included inspecting nuclear power plants and establishing standards for nuclear radiation exposure.

In 1977, the ERDA became the U.S. Department of Energy.