Nanotechnology governance: The current state of federal, state, and international regulation

(Nanowerk News) The American Bar Association's Pesticide Chemical Regulation, and Right to Know Committee, with support from numerous other ABA Committees, is sponsoring a January 27 afternoon conference/teleconference program entitled "Nano Governance: The Current State of Federal, State, and International Regulation", scheduled from 1:30-5:30 Eastern Time.
It will bring together experts from EPA, Cal DTSC, private industry, and the NGO community to discuss and answer questions on:
1. The Federal Regulatory Outlook for Nanotechnology;
2. Beyond the Feds: International/State Regulatory Programs and Strategies for Addressing Nanoscale Materials; and
3. Perspectives from the Field
Program Overview
States, federal agencies, and foreign governments are challenged to address the risks and promote the benefits of evolving technologies, including nanotechnology. Companies globally are continuing to harness the properties of nanomaterials for use in products from airplanes to pharmaceuticals and from cosmetics to food packaging.
Nano Governance: The Current State of Federal, State, and International Regulation will address these issues in a half-day program. This program will explore the new and creative applications of existing regulatory tools and governance approaches to address the potential risks of nanotechnologies, implement new risk assessment approaches to evolving technologies, and maximize the potential benefits of these materials. Panelists will report on new and emerging federal, State, and international nanomaterials regulations and governance strategies. Attendees will gain insight into potential public health and environmental impacts and the approaches various government agencies and industrial stakeholders are pursuing to address these issues while also promoting nanotechnology. The program is open to attorneys and other professionals with chemical regulatory compliance practices.
Educational Objectives
– Develop familiarity with new and emerging federal, State, and international nanomaterials regulations and governance strategies
– Understand Potential Public Health and Environmental Impacts and the approaches various government agencies are pursuing to promote nanotechnology while also addressing potential public health and environmental risks
– Appreciate complexities of addressing potential risks with existing governance tools and strategies while also embracing new approaches to accommodate evolving technologies
The four-hour, three-part program is available, free of charge, for in-person participation at host sites in 4 cities, including Washington, D.C.; Durham, NC; Houston, TX; and San Francisco, CA. Folks can also dial in by teleconference/webinar for a nominal fee from their own office for a nominal fee.
Source: American Bar Association