NANOTECHNOLOGY
DECEMBER 3, 2003
President Signs Major Nanotechnology Bill
Today, President Bush signed into law the 21st Century
Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, which
authorizes $3.7 billion in federal support for nanotechnology.
This bill will give the American nanotechnology industry a
strong push, and will help bridge the gap between basic
research and commercialization. The Act has three main
components:
• It authorizes the President's National Nanotechnology
Initiative, along with necessary funding;
• It creates a series of centers to coordinate research,
promote technology transfer, and address societal,
ethical, and environmental issues; and
• It establishes advisory boards and review processes to
set national goals and ensure efficient progress.
Preston Gates is pleased to have represented the
NanoBusiness Alliance, the nation's nanotechnology
industry association, in supporting this important bill. On
behalf of the Alliance and its member companies, we worked
with Congressmen and Senators to include industry
analyses, support for regional nanotechnology initiatives,
and other changes supported by the Alliance's members.
Just as importantly, we killed language that could have led
to "grey goo" hysteria-avoiding a threat to nanotechnology
similar to the genetically-modified food scare that
decimated the industry.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Now that the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and
Development Act has become law, the programs it authorizes
will need to be funded through the appropriations process.
At the same time, funding bills for other parts of the
government-Energy, Defense, and Commerce, to name a fewwill have opportunities for funding particular projects. Being
involved in this part of the process is vital for nanotechnology
companies that want federal money.
We will be working with the NanoBusiness Alliance to ensure
that nanotechnology is fully funded. We also have been at
work on behalf of individual companies and non-profit
groups to obtain funding for specific projects. The cycle
that begins this winter will offer many opportunities for
businesses and organizations that seize them.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
In addition to our legislative work, we have a strong history
of helping clients obtain federal funds. Backed by
preeminent government contracts and IP groups, the Preston
Gates nanotechnology practice group is the clear choice for
companies that want to participate in shaping
nanotechnology policy and securing federal funding.
continued...
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TO FIND OUT MORE
If you have questions about this Alert,
or other issues related to nanotechnology
policy and federal funding, please contact:
Daniel Ritter, Washington, D.C.
(202) 662-8021
danielr@prestongates.com
Paul Stimers, Washington, D.C.
(202) 661-3883
pauls@prestongates.com
For more information about the firm, visit
www.pgerm.com.
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believe integrity must guide every representation, whether in court, with Congress,
or at federal agencies.
DISCLAIMER
This ALERT provides general information about political ethics. It is not a legal opinion or legal advice. Readers should confer with appropriate legal
counsel on the application of law to their own situations. Entire contents copyright 2003 by Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP. Reproduction
of this ALERT in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.