Plan to end genetics panel troubles EPA
Science 273(5278): 1035
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 11644823 Document Number: 463028
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and some academics are worried by a plan to abolish the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RCA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In July, when the NIH announced its proposal to eliminate the committee, it failed to clarify which body would replace the RCA in overseeing federal guidelines regarding the release of genetically engineered organisms to the environment. The EPA is concerned about this omission, as it may affect its plans to exempt from regulations research on transgenic microorganisms in contained facilities under specific conditions. Several academic researchers have also conveyed their concern to the NIH on the loss of continuity in overseeing gene therapy research.