I don't have an immediate breakdown on coal gasification, but I could----- Senator Ford. You mentioned that in your statement, the immediate supplies—and, of course, being from Kentucky, I am very interested in that. I notice that when they get on the committees, that the people start paying attention to them. I am worrying about a hospital over at the Naval Academy—and when they get to certain positions and get on certain committees, it seems like the various agencies of the Federal Government become aware of that individual's desires. And I just wanted to get it out, Dr. Teem, now—take the opportunity. Let me read to you a portion of the National Space Act of 1958, in which Congress set out the role for NASA. The Administration, in order to carry out the purpose of this Act, shall (1) plan, direct and conduct aeronautical and space activities . . . What is the rationale for giving ERDA responsibility over an area that involves rockets, satellites, ground receiving stations, the blood and guts, if I can use that terminology, of NASA's function? If NASA were to build their satellites to generate power, for instance, for manufacturing in space, would ERDA have the responsibility over that also? And if NASA were to generate the power with such a satellite and beam it to other satellites to meet their electrical needs, would ERDA want responsibility over that? Dr. Teem. No, sir. And I think the answer to your second question is no. It is ERDA's position that we have no desire nor intent to develop the capability for developing things in space or carrying out the expertise, even evaluation, there. What the President has assigned to us is the responsibility for considering this particular type of application of space technology, where the result will be put into the energy system on the ground. While this is a very recent decision of the President, I am not able to give all of—how ERDA and NASA will work out these responsibilities. But it is my judgment that we will evaluate this type of application of solar energy, or other types of approaches, together with such competitive approaches as other solar electric applications and fusion and the use of new types of fuels, synthetic fuels, in power generation, for example—electric generation. Where there is this competitive character, we are expected to make the evaluation and make the recommendations as to what priorities and levels of support. Then, as we are doing in a number of other areas, we would look to NASA to provide to ERDA management assistance in those areas and a substantial amount of technical assistance. Senator Ford. Well, let me just put out a hypothetical case. The fact that the electricity may go to electrical power companies—is that what gives ERDA the rationale to step in and take over? Dr. Teem. Just so that it is clear, Mr. Chairman, that this was an assignment to ERDA—we did not request this assignment—so that you understand that. And----- Senator Ford. Well, as I understood your statement, it was a recent decision of the President to do this. Dr. Teem. Yes. Senator Ford. What is the rationale for the President's decision?
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