ENERGY

Energy Department Outlines $1.7 Billion in Cuts: The department plans to close 24 offices and reduce its staff by 3,788 workers over five years to realign for the post-Cold War era, Energy Secretary Hazel O’Leary said. The plan should stifle calls to eliminate the department, which “deserves to exist” in its new form, she said. Under the plan, the department would also cut back on travel and sell excess precious metals and uranium. O’Leary also proposed several privatizations and removal of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from the department to save another $5.3 billion. O’Leary promised in February to cut costs in the department.