Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was a United States government agency that directed the development and use of atomic energy. Created by Congress in 1946, the AEC emphasized military over civilian operations. In 1954, however, it began to allow private companies to develop technologies that make use of atomic energy, such as nuclear power plants. Congress abolished the commission in 1974. Its research operations were transferred to the Energy Research and Development Administration and later to the Department of Energy. A new body, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, took over the AEC functions of licensing and regulating nuclear power plants.
