TASK FORCE AND SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY, 1971-74 659 



Extremely high voltage transmission lines. 



Cryogenics, including very cold and superconducting transmission lines and 

 generators. 



HOW THE TASK FORCE WOULD OPERATE 



So far as the operation of the task force was concerned, and its 

 relation to other agencies, McCormack stated in his memorandum: 



The Task Force would attempt to determine those areas in which progress in 

 research and development is particularly needed, and make recommendations to the 

 Subcommittee on Science, Research and Development with regard to funding require- 

 ments and feasible development schedules. 



The Task Force would cooperate with rather than duplicate existing studies 

 underway in the House and the Senate and the Congressional Research Service, and 

 would draw on their staff and expertise wherever possible with regard to the research 

 and development aspects of energy. In case hearings are needed, and they probably 

 will be, thev would be held under the auspices of the Subcommittee on Science, 

 Research and Development. 



No attempt will be made to report specific legislation; rather the objective of the 

 Task Force is to produce reports and communications which may include recommen- 

 dations to a number of Congressional committees, including the Committee on Science 

 and Astronautics, and various executive agencies. 



There is a growing need for the research community, the executive branch, the 

 Committee on Science and Astronautics and the Congress in general to understand 

 what research and development is needed if the Nation is to cope with the impend- 

 ing energy crisis. This understanding should include not only estimates of the cost 

 of the R&D, but a short and long range schedule of needed research and the inter- 

 relationships between the R&D being performed in various fields. The Task Force 

 can provide a valuable contribution by helping to determine a rational set of priorities 

 for energy research and development, and by demonstrating needs for funding specific 

 R&D programs. 



ENLISTING TEAGUE'S HELP 



Now it was time to talk strategy with Teague and Davis: how 

 to overcome the Miller road block? In more modern days, the way to 

 do it would be to organize committee members, perhaps supported 

 by outside groups, and challenge the chairman with a majority of the 

 committee. Such an approach cannot be done every day, of course, 

 but it could not be done at all back in the Miller years when the power 

 of the committee chairman was virtually absolute, even when 

 arbitrary. 



Teague advised that the time had come for a direct confrontation. 

 Because of the schedules of the Members and the frequency of rollcalls 

 in the House, it was decided that the best time for a meeting would 

 be "after the first quorum call*' which usually occurred shortly after 

 the House convened at noon. It was also decided that the meeting 

 should take place in the Capitol, where the participants would be 

 undisturbed by staff wandering in and out and listening to what 



