APHIS Announces Public Meeting on Proposed Rule on Import Permits, Etc. for Genetically Engineered Organisms
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a press release inviting interested parties to attend a public meeting on its proposed rule to revise existing regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms. The meeting will be held April 29, 30, 2009 in Riverdale, MD.
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(On October 9, 2008, APHIS published a proposed rule to revise and update certain procedures and requirements for the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain GE organisms in order to bring the regulations under 7 CFR Part 340 into alignment with the Plant Protection Act. The proposed changes include a reorganization, clarification, etc. of the import, etc. permit procedures and conditions.)
Meeting to Address Scope of Proposed Regs, Notification Procedures, Etc.
According to APHIS, issues to be discussed at the public meeting include scope of the proposed regulations, incorporation of the noxious weed provisions of the Plant Protection Act into the proposed regulations, and elimination of the notification procedure, etc.
Comment Period Extended Until June 29, 2009
APHIS notes that the comment period for the proposed rule is being extended for 60 days following the April meeting and will now end on June 29, 2009. APHIS states that a notice of the public meeting and extended public comment will soon be published in the Federal Register.
APHIS had previously extended the comment period on its proposed rule to March 17, 2009 (from November 24, 2008). (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/29/09 news, 09012930, for BP summary.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 10/16/08 news, 08101635, for initial BP summary of APHIS' proposed rule.
See ITT's Online Archives or 09/23/08 news, 08092399 18, for BP summary of APHIS' request for comments and data regarding the import or interstate movement of GE animals.
See ITT's Online Archives or 07/23/07 news, 07072399 5, for BP summary of APHIS' request for comments on a draft environmental impact statement regarding the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of GE organisms.)
APHIS press release, dated 04/08/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/04/public_meet.shtml.