PCAST Looks at California Nanotech Policy Framework

California is a proactive national leader through its public policy frameworks for burgeoning technologies such as nanotechnology, including raising awareness of health and environmental issues across multi-sector nanotech industries.

In January 2010, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology asked CCST to present an overview of California's nanotechnology related legislation.

An overview of California legislation impacting nanotechnology over the past few years includes, but is not limited to:

AB 289, Chapter 699, Statutes of 2006: Data Call In

Authorizes specified state agencies to request a manufacturer of a chemical to provide information regarding that chemical, including fate and transport of the chemical into the environment. As a result of Chapter 699, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has launched the "California Nanotechnology Initiative" as a regulatory initiative, allowing the Department to request a California manufacturer of nanomaterials to provide, through a "Data Call In" process, specific baseline information.

AB 1879, Chapter 559, Statutes of 2008: Safer Alternatives

Requires DTSC, by January 1, 2011, to adopt regulations creating a process to identify and prioritize chemicals in consumer products that may be considered "a chemical of concern." Requires DTSC, in adopting regulations, to prepare a multimedia life cycle evaluation, as defined, conducted by affected agencies and coordinated by DTSC. (Note: Chapter 699 does not specify applications to nanotechnology, but could apply in future.)

SB 509, Chapter 560, Statutes of 2008: Online Toxics Clearinghouse

Requires DTSC to establish a Toxics Information Clearinghouse as a decentralized web-based system for collection, maintenance and distribution of specified chemical information. DTSC is required to develop standards for the clearinghouse.