NEAL R. GROSS
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teacher the late Bruce DePalma.

Supposedly, this was a fuel-less, super-efficient electricity generator which DePalma called the N machine. Based on my information, this device apparently extracts energy directly from what is lately called the zero point vacuum fluctuation energy field.

Allegedly, this new genre of zero point energy technology needs no fuel, is freely available, and is free of pollution. Assuming this is true, obviously this technology would entirely replace fossil and nuclear power and form the foundation of the optimal national, even international, energy policy.

More recently, the newspaper articles, videotapes, and rumors which sparked my initial interest in this topic have been supplemented by numerous zero point internet Web sites.

I won't now bother you with the specifics of the informational sources, but unless my question is resolved, I will submit my informational sources in a forthcoming written comment before the February 27th deadline.

Perhaps my first question would best be directed to Ms. Monlyn because, assuming my information is correct, she has some familiarity with this subject on this point. On this point, I wonder whether DOE has fully investigated this alleged zero point technology. And, if so, where are the results of this investigation available?

Secondly, if the DOE has not fully debunked the zero point technology, I would like to ask Secretary Pena why no comprehensive examination of zero point technology has been concluded.

Thank you.

SECRETARY PENA: Thank you very much, Mr. Thomas.

Let me see if there is someone from the DOE team here who might be able to answer your question about this particular issue. Anybody? All right. We'll get back to you in writing on that question.

MR. THOMAS: Okay.

SECRETARY PENA: Thank you.

MR. THOMAS: Thank you.

MODERATOR WALKER: Next up is Mr. Dave Goldstein, who is the President of Electric Vehicle Association.

MR. GOLDSTEIN: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Gee, members of the panel. This is a wonderful