OCR Text |
Show CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS Combustion funding has been declining worldwide for the last few years and OIT funds allocated to combustion projects have been in a slight downtrend as well. However, with industry support, orr combustion activities can grow due to the importance of combustion to the seven selected industries. The level of funding support for an area such as combustion depends on several factors. First, Agency officials must be convinced that a specific project is worthwhile and that it has end user support. orr combustion projects are generally those suggested by industry working groups or industry surveys as being needed or, the project is itself initiated by an end user industry, such as the PERF air toxics project. To reiterate, the budget process is such that orr management must be convinced of the value of a project, or it will not be proposed to Congress for funding. Support of this type is best supplied from outside of DOE. Second, Congress must be made aware of the need addressed by a project and of the value of the project itself. Members of Congress look to their constituents to recommend activities for funding. Lacking such a recommendation, especially in the current budget cutting environment, a project will probably be eliminated by Congress. Fortunately, most combustion projects which are being continued into FY 1996 and which are not scheduled to end, are being supported by OIT management for funding in FY 1997. With industry support, and only with industry support, will Congress see fit to provide funding for these projects. In summary, orr is reorienting from a technology focus to an industry focus, and working more closely with seven key, high energy consuming industries. Continuing combustion activities are being reoriented toward these industries. While funding for combustion-related projects has dropped, OIT support exists for on-going projects, but industrial support is essential if future funding is to be obtained from Congress. 7 |