Conduct of DOE's Gasohol Study Group: Issues and Observations

GAO evaluated 12 allegations concerning the establishment and conduct of the Energy Research Advisory Board's Gasohol Study Group. The allegations concerned nonadherence to requirements governing federal advisory committees, questions regarding the selection and qualifications of the Study Group members, and problems with the technical quality of the Study Group's report. Regulations require that each of the advisory committees of the Department of Energy (DOE) have an approved charter, publicly announced meetings, detailed minutes of advisory committee meetings, and representation of affected industry viewpoints and functions. DOE did not regard the Gasohol Study Group as an advisory committee and thus did not feel that it was bound by the requirements of the legislation.