EPA To Hold Public Meeting on Biotechnology Algae

On August 25, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing a Public Meeting and Opportunity for Public Comment on Considerations for Risk Assessment of Genetically Engineered Algae. The public meeting, entitled "Workshop for Public Input on Considerations for Risk Assessment of Genetically Engineered Algae," is intended to receive public input and comments on the data needs of EPA to support risk assessments of biotechnology products using genetically engineered algae and cyanobacteria under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Feedback from the workshop will also be used to update the EPA guidance document "Points to Consider in the Preparation of TSCA Biotechnology Submissions for Microorganisms."

The public workshop will be held on September 30, 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to noon (EDT) in Washington D.C., and will also be available online for registered participants. Advance registration will close on September 25, 2015, and written comments are due by October 31, 2015. More information regarding the workshop is available in Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.'s (B&C^®) memorandum EPA Schedules Workshop on Considerations for Risk Assessment of Biotechnology Algae.