target dates for the PNGV had been articulated by the President and that the appropriate R&D programs had been launched. On the assumption that the PNGV partners will seriously pursue the objectives of the program, the committee understands its charge as providing independent advice to help the PNGV achieve its goals. Therefore, the committee has tried to identify actions that could enhance the program's chances for success. The committee continues to avoid making judgments on the value of the program to the nation and accepts the goals as given, noting that goals 1 and 2, unlike Goal 3, are open-ended and do not have quantitative targets and milestones. The committee's objective continues to be to review the R&D program as presently configured and to assess the PNGV's progress toward, and potential for, achieving its goals. However, because regulatory and market changes occur continually, the PNGV should keep abreast of relevant changes and reassess its objectives.