Following California’s lead, Wisconsin’s legislature recently formed a special committee to study the potential regulation of nanomaterials from an environmental, health, and safety perspective. Our readers will be interested in the committee’s membership and focus:
Special Committee on Nanotechnology
Chair: Rep. Chuck Benedict
Vice Chair: Sen. Mark Miller
Legislative Council Staff: Mary Matthias, Pam Shannon, and Larry Konopacki
Member List
The Special Committee is directed to examine the human health and environmental concerns related to the manufacture, use, and disposal of nanomaterials and develop legislation to address these concerns. In particular, the Special Committee shall consider the establishment of methods to monitor nanomaterials by use of a nanotechnology registry system or the imposition of other disclosure requirements. The Special Committee shall also develop strategies to facilitate the development of nanotechnology to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin, including ways in which government can help nanotechnology researchers, small firms, and start-ups address potential risks and meet regulatory requirements.
You can find prior articles about Wisconsin’s prior efforts here and here. The committee’s first meeting appears to be scheduled for September 2010.
