The Department of Energy has maintained an active research and development program since its inception in 1918. The program has constantly evolved and adjusted to meet the ever-changing needs of the oil industry. The program has been highly successful and serves today as a vital resource to the nation's research and development program within the oil industry. Private industry, beginning in the 1930?s funded most of the applied research and development activities in the oil industry through the mid-1980s. Most of the major oil companies had research centers and funded major programs for the development of new technologies. These programs resulted in the creation of new technologies that kept the industry strong and competitive. However, the collapse of oil prices in 1986 has resulted in a major restructuring of the industry. The research departments of the major companies have constantly been eroded due to a long period of low oil prices. Today, most of the research departments of the major oil companies no longer exist. This decline in research activity will eventually erode the capabilities of the major companies to compete globally for the discovery and production of oil. DOE?s role in the research and development of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology has become increasingly important as the industry research activity has continued to decline. DOE?s role is expected to become even more vital as the country becomes ever more dependent upon insecure sources of foreign oil. The expertise maintained within DOE and through contractors is needed to maintain a healthy oil and gas industry within the United States and to protect the vital interests of the country. The purpose of this report is to address issues raised by the National Research Council in the review of DOE activities. The report addresses these specific issues, describes the various EOR technologies, and discusses the benefits of the program that have been accomplished over the years.