John C. Stennis papers, Series 012: Atomic Energy Commission

This series contains correspondence ranging from the years 1949-1975. Specific subjects include Newton, the Mid-Mississippi Development District, and the Tatum Salt Dome.

The Atomic Energy Commission was created as a result of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946. Its purpose was to regulate nuclear developments. The AEC was abolished in 1974 when Congress passed legislation creating the Energy Research and Development Administration and, subsequently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Congressional Record, vol. 92, 1946, pp.10274-10281, vol. 120, 1974, Index, p. 1694) The Correspondence Sub-Series contains letters dealing primarily was AEC activities in Mississippi. Topics include employment, contracts, facility construction, waste disposal, and testing. There are also a few items of correspondence of an official nature between the AEC and Senator Stennis’ office.

Correspondence and proposals regarding the efforts of five Mississippi groups to convince the Atomic Energy Commission to locate a National 200 Bev Accelerator Laboratory within the state. The five groups and sites were: Central Mississippi Development District, Rankin County; Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, Oxford; Mississippi Power Company (Gulfport), Perry and Forrest Counties; Mid-Mississippi Development District, Scott County; Delta Council, Stoneville. Copies of the Delta Council and Mississippi Power Company proposals are not included in the files.

The Tatum Salt Dome Sub-Series contains correspondence dealing with nuclear tests at the Tatu, Salt Dome in Lamar County, Mississippi. These tests were begun in the early 1960s and continued sporadically until the site was abandoned in 1970. The major correspondents are F. M. Tatum of Hattiesburg, MS, and consulting geologist Frederic F. Mellen of Jackson, MS. Major topics covered are legal problems concerning AEC use of the land and ecological ramifications of the tests.