The NanoBusiness Alliance, the world's leading nanotechnology trade association, today announced that it is gathering over forty nanotechnology luminaries in Washington, D.C., this week for two days of meetings with dozens of top government officials. Delegates include CEOs, scientists, chief technologists, financial professionals and consultants from the foremost companies leading the nanotechnology revolution.
"Nanotechnology is poised to create significant change across multiple areas of human endeavor, from Energy to Homeland Security to Electronics," said Sean Murdock, Executive Director of the NanoBusiness Alliance. "The U.S. currently leads the world in nanotech development, but has several strong international competitors that threaten our leadership position. In addition, uncertainty over environmental, health and safety issues represents significant barriers towards manufacturing and commercialization of nanotech products. For these reasons and more, it's critical that the NanoBusiness community engages our government's thought leaders in dialog to ensure that U.S. wins the international nanotechnology race, and does so safely and responsibly."
The NanoBusiness Alliance Public Policy Tour of Washington, D.C., commences Thursday morning, February 16th, at 9 a.m. with a Senate Nanocaucus meeting and joint press conference being held by U.S. Senators George Allen (R-VA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), who will discuss emerging issues related to nanotechnology. The press conference will be held at the Russell Senate Office Building, Room SR-285.
Following morning meetings with numerous senators and representatives of the House, NanoBusiness Alliance members will gather for a lunch briefing with House Science Committee members and staff, including Chairman Sherwood Boehlert, Ranking Member Bart Gordon, and Representatives Judy Biggert and Mike Honda.
Additional meetings and briefings are scheduled through Friday, at which NanoBusiness Alliance members will present their key objectives and proposals, including a Nanotech Investment Tax Credit, the creation of a Reference Materials Library, and an increase in the budget devoted to researching the health and environmental implications of nanotechnology.
"The apparatus for effective nanotechnology regulation is largely in place through various statutes and agencies, but it lacks data and resources," Sean Murdock continued. "To enable these agencies and for the nanotech regulation effort to succeed we must increase the level of funding available to them for nanotech environmental, health and safety research; coordinate efforts between agencies; establish metrics and standards that can be used to characterize nanomaterials; conduct ongoing research; and more."
"That this technology is in its early stages, provides us with a unique opportunity to ensure that nanotechnology is going to be both safe and effective," he concluded, "and through our discussions in our nation's capital this week, we are embarking on the work required to ensure that the promise of nanotechnology realizes its full potential."
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