Experimental work on microwave absorption in oil shale materials is continuing. The experimental work done so far concerns the propagation of electromagnetic waves perpendicular to the layering. To study the anisotropy effect we are now studying effects for propagation parallel to the layering. The frequency response of a sample cored across the shale layers exhibits behavior characteristic of a medium with effective dielectric constant. In a sample cored along the shale layers, the frequency response points to the generation of a multiple set of resonances by few dominent layers. This experimental work will continue during the next quarter. The dielectric modeling work is also being continued. The work done on the effect of water on the dielectric properties of oil shales is now available as a preprint submitted to fuel for publication. The modeling work is also continuing. The numerical model developed so far is being optimized to speed up the processing time. Detailed documentation of the computer programs will be given during the next quarter. Preliminary work started for the design for heating large blocks of oil shale by electromagnetic methods.