Chemical Watch, November 10, 2016
EXCERPTS FROM THE ARTICLE:
The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) has released its 2016 National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Strategic Plan.
The strategic plan provides the framework for individual agencies to conduct their own mission-specific nanotechnology programmes, coordinate activities with other NNI agencies and collaborate on larger projects.
Participating agencies include the EPA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD), among others.
The regulation of nanomaterials has been a growing area of concern for NGOs and businesses. The EPA announced, in March 2015, it would propose reporting for nanomaterials in the marketplace under TSCA.
NGOs and business groups unanimously requested that the EPA better define the terms in its proposed reporting rule. While the strategic plan does not specifically touch on these regulations, it does provide guidance on how agencies like the EPA should conduct nanotechnology programmes.