House hearing on fusion

The House (of Reps) Subcommittee on Energy & Environment Hearing on “The Next Generation of Fusion Energy Research” was held Thursday, Oct. 29 from 10-12.  This event can be seen here (RealPlayer required).

As you see from their Hearing Charter (pdf file)- aneutronic fusion is not yet a gleam in the House’s eye.  The title is “Next Generation”, but the bulk of information is about deuterium/tritium and tokomaks and other toroidal approaches.  Aneutronic may come up in the section under one of those “other” items tacked on near the end of the charter.  Perhaps as they discuss plasma research in general.

I do hope the topic of aneutronic fusion gets some valid discussion during the session.  The deck seems pretty stacked.

If any of you catch it, let us know what you thought.  Will any aneutronic cracks appear in the national approach to fusion energy research?