Lever Act of 1917, United States
The Lever Act of 1917, also known as the Food and Fuel Control Act, gave the United States federal government complete control over the coal industry including the production, pricing, sale, shipment, and distribution phases. Although the Act also included oil and natural gas, it prevented the government from having as much control over these two energy sources; they could not control the price of oil and gas.
The Act limited the government's regulatory control of food, beverages, and alcohol in a similar fashion as it did that of gas and oil. The Act outlawed the production of alcohol out of grain, initiating prohibition. It also created two new administrations, the Food Administration to control the food and beverage regulations, and the U.S. Fuel Administration (USFA) to control and monitor fuel regulations during wartime.
The USFA was dissolved in 1919 when Congress denied it further funding. However, in October of 1919, a coal strike occurred, forcing the resurrection of the administration even though it lacked financing and personnel. The USFA delegated much of its authority to the U.S. Railroad Administration before it fell again apart by the end of the same year.
Further Reading
- The Independent Institute. Summary of The Life of Herbert Hoover, vol. 3, Master of Emergencies, 1917–1918.
