Ray, Dixy Lee (1914-1994), was governor of the state of Washington from 1977 to 1981. She had been chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission from 1973 until it was dissolved in 1975. From January to June 1975, Ray served as assistant secretary of state for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs. In 1973, when the nation faced serious fuel shortages, President Richard M. Nixon asked Ray to prepare a plan to develop new sources of energy. She proposed a $10-billion research and development program. It included such projects as the development of new forms of nuclear power generation and new ways to manufacture gaseous and liquid fuels from coal. Ray also started a campaign to eliminate defects in nuclear power plants.