A technique is demonstrated for evaluating benefits of subsidies and examples are given for using it to determine the cost-benefit ratio. Examples use two preferential tax treatments as opposed to direct research grants for the high-temperature, low-salinity hydrothermal resources. Results are compared and some conclusions are given. (PCS)

Logbook from the KXAS-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, documenting the names, locations, and run-times of video-taped news segments that aired each day from January through July in 1976.

The areas of environmental and socio-political concern are addressed as viewed by the actors in the geothermal process in Lake County, where the actors are the governmental jurisdictions involved in the permitting process, and the various groups concerned about the social, economic, and environmental conditions in Lake County. Those interviewed included all local and state governmental entities involved in the geothermal permitting process, representatives of industry and utilities, the Lake County Energy Council, and with Lake County citizens involved in the geothermal debate. The topics discussed relate directly to the impediments seen to geothermal development by those involved in the process. Environmental concerns center around land use, air quality, and flora and fauna impact, with land use being of major concern. The major socio-political problem is the overlapping or conflicting governmental jurisdictions, although the Environmental Impact Reporting Process, the prospect of industrialization, and social attitudes are also of concern. (MHR)

Drilling is integral to the exploration, development, and production of most energy resources. Oil and natural gas, which are dependent on drilling technology, together account for about 77% of the energy sources consumed in the US. Thus, the limitations of current drilling technology also restrict the rate at which new energy supplies can be found, extracted, and brought to the marketplace. The purpose of the study reported was to examine current drilling technology, suggest areas where additional research and development (R and D) might significantly increase drilling rates and capabilities, and suggest a strategy for improving drilling technology. An overview is provided of the US drilling industry. The drilling equipment and techniques now used for finding and recovering oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil, nuclear fuels, and geothermal energy are described. Although by no means exhaustive, these descriptions provide the background necessary to adequately understand the problems inherent in attempts to increase instantaneous and overall drilling rates.

The internal operating procedures are discussed for those agencies (local and state) having permitting responsibility over private lands. A flow diagram is presented which illustrates minimum permitting time requirements as well as agency operating processes and interdependence. (MHR)

The ACIR Library is composed of publications that study the interactions between different levels of government. This document is an annual report.

Interview with Democratic Texas Senator Tom Creighton, who was an attorney from Mineral Wells, Texas. The interview includes the Senator's personal views and experiences as a member of the Sixty-fourth Texas Legislature. The interview also includes the Senator's thoughts on fellow politicians, committee assignments, lobbying, reform of the local and uncontested calendar, constitutional revision, the public school finance bill, public utilities legislation, and personal legislation.