Recombinant DNA: Prospect of New US Regulation

Abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency's latest proposal to regulate genetic engineering activity has received a more favorable response from the White House and the biotechnology industry than did an earlier version. EPA's new proposal is seen as an improvement over its earlier draft in that it demonstrates a better understanding of the scientific issues involved and sets out a logical approach for filling the gaps in authority of the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health. Budiansky discusses how, under the EPA plan, existing legislation such as the Toxic Substances Control Act will be applied to different categories of genetically modified organisms. (KIE abstract)