By Porter Wright on One June 9, the President’s Office of Budget and Management, United States Trade Representative, and Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a joint memorandum directed to all Executive branch departments and agencies entitled "Policy Principles for the U.S. Decision-Making Concerning Regulation and Oversight of Applications ofNanotechnology and Nanomaterials." The Policy Statement is important because it … Continue Reading
By Porter Wright on Monday’s Federal Register carried a notice from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council inviting the public to comment on the 2010 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan. The NNI Strategic Plan is the framework that underpins the nanotechnology work of the … Continue Reading
By Porter Wright on In an article in the September issue of Nature ("Nanotechnology: Small wonders"), Corie Lok reviews the beginnings and accomplishments of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) over the last ten years. The article attributes the creation of the NNI to four factors: – A booming US economy, particularly in the high tech sector – Support from the Clinton … Continue Reading
By Porter Wright on Earlier today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed its version of the National Nanotechnology Initiative reauthorization amendments, H.R. 554. The passage was by "voice vote," meaning there is no record of who may have voted for or against the reauthorization. This is the next step towards complete reauthorization of the NNI.… Continue Reading
By Porter Wright on J. Clarence Davies, formerly of the Environmental Protection Agency, has written and released a nanotechnology policy "roadmap" for the next White House Administration. The 28-page document outlines the immediate and long-term issues present with nanotechnology regulation and oversight. Published by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, the report focuses on use of existing laws and regulations, … Continue Reading
By Porter Wright on On May 7, 2008 the House Committee on Science and Technology unanimously approved H.R. 5940, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008. The bill now moves onto the full House, and then Senate for full consideration. As stated by the Committee, "H.R. 5940, does not substantially alter NNI, but makes adjustments to some of the … Continue Reading
By Porter Wright on The House Science and Technology Committee will hear testimony on the NNI Amendments Act of 2008 on April 16, 2008. Those scheduled to speak before the committee include: Floyd Kvamme, co-chairman of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; Sean Murdock, executive director of the NanoBusiness Alliance; Joseph Krajcik, associate dean for research … Continue Reading
