The Atomic Energy Commission, or AEC, was a regulatory agency responsible for promoting and controlling the development of nuclear weapon science and technology. This agency was created by the United States Government in the 20th century.
In 1986, after Pavel Chekov had been apprehended aboard the USS Enterprise, this agency was contacted by the United States Navy. The agency sent a representative to the aircraft carrier. He observed the interrogation of Chekov by a FBI agent. When the interrogation proved unfruitful, both government employees conferred about what the next step should be. The AEC representative suggested that they should contact Washington, DC. Before the suggestion was carried through, Chekov escaped from the interrogation room. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)
The Atomic Energy Commission was mentioned in the film's script as AEC. [1] In the real world, the AEC was dissolved by a law of the United States Congress in 1975. In 1977, the tasks assigned to the AEC relating to nuclear weapons were assumed by the newly-created Department of Energy, while regulation of civilian uses of nuclear materials was transferred to the newly created Nuclear Regulatory Commission.