President Truman signed the Atomic Energy Act in 1946, creating the Atomic Energy Commission -- which later became a part of the Department of Energy. Read more about the Department of Energy's role in nuclear security in our interactive timeline. | Energy Department Photo.
As long as nuclear weapons exist, the United States will maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent to keep America safe. In support of this presidential mandate, the Energy Department -- specifically the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) -- is responsible for ensuring the integrity and safety of the nation’s nuclear weapons, advancing nuclear nonproliferation and promoting international nuclear safety.
We also work with industry partners to model risks to privately owned U.S. nuclear facilities from cyber attacks and support climate change adaptation efforts to prevent overheating of nuclear reactors, an increasing threat as global temperatures rise and droughts become more common.
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From medical isotopes to nuclear energy to global security, the National Labs are nuclear experts.
Three historic sites of the Manhattan Project are on their way to becoming a national park.
Read about Secretary Chu and NNSA Administrator Tom D'Agostino's trip to Amarillo, Texas, where they visited the Pantex Plant -- where the nation's nuclear stockpile is maintained and weapons are assembled and dismantled.
TALON robots from the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory are helping the Government of Japan monitor radioactivity levels at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
