This report covers the activities of the Office of Technology Assessment during the year since March 15, 1974, the date of the preceding annual report, through March 15, 1975.

These readings explore the historical, theoretical, methodological, and institutional aspects of assessment. Many of these publications represent early efforts to probe the concept and methodologies of the assessment function.

A report on an analysis done by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) on whether or not it is feasible to separate "exploration from production of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf" (p. iii).

A report prepared by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) analyzing the potential impacts of the expected natural gas shortage of the winter of 1975-76. The study's objectives are to "determine the extent to which these projected curtailments reflect the actual situation and what the impacts and potential danger points might be as a result of the natural gas shortage" (p. ix).

A report by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) assessing the Automated Guideway Transit Systems, with both detailed findings and summaries.

A report on a study conducted by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) on current economic and energy conditions. The report "summarizes a number of findings regarding recent trends in the transit industry, the effects of current economic and energy conditions on the use of transit, and the relative merits of adopting alternative transportation strategies to increase transit use and achieve energy conservation objectives" (p. 1).

A report by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) that is part of a plan to restructure the railroads of the Northeast. It "provides a conceptual framework for the evaluation of alternative approaches to federal assistance for the rehabilitation of the nation's railroad fixed plant" (p. xiv).

A review prepared by the the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) based on the Final System Plan of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (ConRail) of 1974. It "examines "the critical assumptions affecting ConRail's financial viability using background data developed by USRA, the views of the key parties and independent analysis" (p.1).

A report prepared by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) presenting "a factual background on tankers and a discussion of issues related to the safety of tanker operation and the potential presented by tankers for introducing polluting oil into the marine environment" (p. xv). The report investigates broad issues and suggests possible alternatives.

The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) prepared a report that studies how to handle the remaining bankrupt railroads after the creation of Conrail. It examines the current financial states of railroads, and possible ways to address the problem.

A report on evaluation of the automotive crash recorder program proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As the assessment progressed, the implications for automobile collision data as a “whole became apparent and the report has been so titled to provide a more accurate indication of its scope.