A Review of the Department of Energy Classification

With the end of the Cold War, the Department of Energy is engaged in a review of its policies regarding the classification of information. In 1994, the Secretary of Energy requested the assistance of the National Research Council in an effort to "lift the veil of Cold War secrecy." This book recommends fundamental principles to guide declassification policy. It also offers specific suggestions of ways to improve public access while protecting truly sensitive information.

• FRONT MATTER
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• INTRODUCTION
• 1 CONTEXT
• 2 A DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM
• 3 BASIC PRINCIPLES AND PRIORITIES
• 4 ISSUES IN CLASSIFICATION POLICY
• 5 DECLASSIFYING DOCUMENTS
• 6 INCENTIVES AND ACCOUNTABILITY
• 7 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
• ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE REPORT
• REFERENCES CITED
• APPENDIX A: CHARGE TO THE COMMITTEE
• APPENDIX B: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• APPENDIX C: WORK SESSION AGENDA AND LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
• APPENDIX D: LIST OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS