The Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-577) provides that the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) develop a National Energy Plan and a comprehensive research, development, and demonstration Implementing Program. These responsibilities have been assumed by the Department of Energy (PL 95-91). This program is designed to achieve solutions to short- and long-term energy supply problems, taking into account the economic, environmental, and technological merits of each aspect of potential energy solutions. A portion of the National Plan (ERDA 77-1, page 32) has the objective of identifying and characterizing the environmental, health, and safety issues and public concerns associated with the commercial operation of specific energy systems. The Division of Environmental Control Technology has responsibility for preparing assessments in some of these areas.
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