JAMES A. HALEY, FLA., CHAIRMAN A. TAYLOR, N.G MORRIS K. UDALL, ARIZ. ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER, WIS. RON DE LUGO, V.A. BOB ECKHARDT, TEX. GOODLDE E. BYRON, MD. JAIME BENITEZ, P.R. SEM SANTINI, NEY. PAUL E. TSONGAS, MASS. ALLAN T. HOWE, UTAM JAMES WEAVER, ORES. BOB CARR, MICH, GEORGE MILLER, CALIF. THEODORE M. (TED), RISENHOOVER, OKLA WRIGHT PATMAN, TEX. JOE SKUBITZ, KANG. KETCHUM, CALIF. Dr. Robert C. Seamans Administrator COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 Energy Research and Development Administration Washington, DC. 20545 Dear Dr. Seamans: COPY The possibility that the burgeoning technology of the laser may be applied to nuclear fusion for civil energy purposes has intrigued me ever since I became aware of the concept. STAFF DIRECTOR LEE MC ELVAIN MICHAEL C. MARDEN However, I do have some question as to whether this Sincerely, Morris K. Udall, Chairman HOW I am pleased to respond to your letter dated August 12, 1976, inquiring about the relationship of the laser fusion program with the military program of ERDA. At the present time the laser fusion program is in a research phase in which we are pursuing an ambitious but well structured program to demonstrate the feasibility of the laser fusion process. In doing so, we will be determining whether it is possible to produce a significant level of thermonuclear reactions in a target pellet. This demonstration is required before definitive plans for future applications can be made. Responsibility for management of the program rests with the Division of Laser Fusion which was created on March 21, 1976, in recognition of the great potential offered by inertial confinement fusion for a variety of possible applications. The Division directs a broadly based program which includes laser, electron beam and heavy ion fusion concepts. In such a research phase, the program cannot be considered to be either civilian or military in nature but rather it is a scientific program designed to increase our understanding of the physics of inertial confinement fusion. While it is true that there may be both civilian power and nuclear simulation applications for laser fusion, the near term emphasis of the program is not on any specific application but on developing the body of knowledge required for use in any eventual application. As you are probably aware, a detailed study of the placement of the inertial confinement fusion program within ERDA was made at the request of the Congress and the results of the study were transmitted to the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy in January, 1976. After a thorough examination of the alternatives, the recommendation of the study was that the inertial confinement fusion program remain under the direction of the Assistant Administrator for National Security. This recommendation was based on a consideration of several issues. It was felt that the key objective of any management arrangement for the program should be to ensure that the planned weapons applications and energy applications are each given the attention needed to achieve their goals. The classified aspects of the program coupled with the fact that the AMERICAN ENNIAL XX-2 OCT 4 - 1976 facilities being built to demonstrate scientific feasibility can have near term weapons application, supported the recommendation that inertial confinement fusion remain in the National Security area of ERDA. This recommendation will be reviewed before the end of FY 1977 to determine if this management arrangement does, indeed, provide the optimum direction for the program. In addition, a Laser Planning and Coordination Group (LPCG) was established to ensure coordination of the laser fusion program with the fusion program conducted by ERDA's Division of Magnetic Fusion Energy (MFE). The LPCG consists of the Assistant Administrator for Solar, Geothermal, and Advanced Energy Systems as Chairman and the Assistant Administrator for National Security. I directed that the LPCG have the following functions: ensure the early development of laser/e-beam fusion program plans that adequately provide for both military and civilian applications; monitor these programs to ensure that agreed upon plans are implemented to the extent appropriate to the research nature of the programs; be periodically briefed on the plans, technical progress, and budget projections for the laser program, as well as the MFE program; plan the laser fusion budget; and, finally, to provide a semiannual report to me on all LPCG functions. It is also important to note that some of the most promising scientific theories and techniques currently being applied in the laser fusion program have had their origins in the nation's nuclear weapons development program at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico; Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Livermore, California; and Sandia Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It should also be recognized that these laboratories, which are involved in the laser fusion program, are also engaged in other energy research and development programs and not solely in nuclear weapons development. In addition, ERDA has contracts with KMSF, Inc., and the University of Rochester for work in the laser fusion program. Because some of the laser fusion concepts are related to those employed in certain aspects of weapons design, they are, of necessity, classified. We are continuing to utilize these concepts in the program because they represent the most expeditious means of developing laser fusion to meet both civilian and military objectives. I greatly appreciate your interest in the laser fusion program and I would like to have Dr. C. Martin Stickley, the Director of the Division of Laser Fusion, discuss the program with you or your appropriate staff member in the near future. He will call your office for an appointment in a few days. |