Energy Research and Development Administration Authorization Act of 1977 and 1978—Military Applications

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 95-775)

Energy Research and Development Administration Authorization of 1977 and 1978 - Military Application - =Title I: National Security Programs= - =Fiscal Year 1977= - Authorizes the appropriation of funds already appropriated for national security programs in fiscal year 1977.

=Title II: National Security Programs= - =Fiscal Year 1978= - Authorizes appropriations to the Energy Research and Development Administration for fiscal year 1978 for: (1) weapons activities; (2) special materials production; (3) laser fusion; (4) naval reactor development; and (5) program management and support.

Lists amounts authorized for plant and capital equipment on a project-by-project basis. Amends prior authorization acts to increase the amount authorized for specific projects.

=Title III: General Provisions= - Prohibits the use of authorized funds in excess of the amounts authorized for a particular program which has not been requested of the Congress.

Stipulates that a project shall not be started if the current estimate of its cost exceeds by 25 percent the amount authorized.

Restricts the start of any general plant project which exceeds an estimated cost of $750,000 for the project or $300,000 for any building.

Provides that amounts appropriated pursuant to the Act for plant projects and for construction and design purposes may be available for use in connection with all national security programs within ERDA.

Authorizes ERDA to design any project subject to the total amount authorized for such activity.