Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: NanoBusiness Alliance Commends Senator John Kerry for Introduction of Nanotechnology Bill

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Abstract:
NanoBusiness Alliance Executive Chairman Sean Murdock today commended Senator John Kerry (D-MA) for his leadership in introducing the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009.

NanoBusiness Alliance Commends Senator John Kerry for Introduction of Nanotechnology Bill

Washington, DC | Posted on July 23rd, 2009

The NanoBusiness Alliance strongly supports the passage of this legislation, as it believes that nanotechnology research and development is critical for revitalizing virtually every sector of the American economy. Senator Kerry chairs the Communications, Technology, and the Internet Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which will consider the bill.

"We salute Senator John Kerry for introducing this bill in the Senate yesterday," said Sean Murdock, Executive Chairman, NanoBusiness Alliance. "The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act was landmark legislation in 2003, and this new bill is vital to ensuring America's leadership in the global economy." Mr. Murdock also commended the bill's original cosponsors: Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Pryor (D-AR), and Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV).

The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act provided the foundation for a half-decade of American advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The legislation introduced by Senator Kerry yesterday will help America maintain and increase its lead in the global nanotechnology race by addressing the new issues and requirements that have developed over the past five years.

Mr. Murdock added, "On behalf of our members, America's nanotechnology businesses, the NanoBusiness Alliance strongly endorses the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009 introduced in the Senate yesterday, and also fully supports the recently introduced House version of the NNI Amendments Act. We look forward to working with the House and the Senate to get the reauthorization signed by the President this year."

Specifically, the new bill maintains a national commitment to basic research, while taking steps to facilitate the translation of that research into useful applications. The bill's support for goal-oriented research, access to user facilities, and translational research programs will rapidly bring the benefits of nanotechnology to consumers, while generating high-quality American jobs.

In addition, the bill reflects an ongoing commitment to science education. To be competitive in the global innovation economy, America must graduate large numbers of highly-qualified researchers, engineers, and technicians. To accomplish this, students must be inspired to study nanoscience at the high school, college, graduate, and technical college levels, as well as in science centers, and the bill makes provisions to help accomplish these important goals.

The National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act also addresses an issue of increasing importance: the need to understand and address the environmental, health, and safety impacts of nanoparticles and nanotechnology in general. The NanoBusiness Alliance has long requested a significant increase in funding for research in these areas, along with a clear, comprehensive research plan.

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About NanoBusiness Alliance
The NanoBusiness Alliance is the industry association for the emerging nanotechnology industry. Through its extensive network of leading startups, Fortune 500 companies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations and public-private partnerships, the Alliance shapes nanotechnology policy and helps accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology innovations. The NanoBusiness Alliance has offices in Chicago, New York, Connecticut and Washington, DC.

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