Regulating Nanotechnology: A Long-Term View

J. Clarence (Terry) Davies, one of the nation's most thoughtful, well-informed, and experienced experts on environmental regulation, has completed a provocative report: Oversight of Next Generation Nanotechnology

http://www.nanotechproject.org/publications/archive/pen18/

Davies, who has published three earlier reports on nanotechnology regulation through the Woodrow Wilson Center's excellent Project on Emerging Technologies, outlines a plan for a new Department of Environmental and Consumer Protection. Although half-baked plans for new federal agencies are far too common, this proposal is something quite different. Davies played a role in the creation of EPA, served as its assistant administrator for Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, and has held several other key government and think tank positions. This proposal deserves serious attention. Davies acknowledges that he does not expect to see anything like this happening for many years, but the time to start thinking about it is now.