
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC5921]

 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
                          CHAPTER 88--RESEARCH
 
            SUBCHAPTER VII--MISCELLANEOUS RESEARCH PROVISIONS
 
Sec. 5921. Biotechnology risk assessment research


(a) Purpose

    It is the purpose of this section to--
        (1) authorize and support environmental assessment research to 
    the extent necessary to help address general concerns about 
    environmental effects of biotechnology; and
        (2) authorize research to help regulators develop policies, as 
    soon as practicable, concerning the introduction into the 
    environment of such technology.

(b) Grant program

    The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a grant program within 
the Cooperative State Research Service and the Agricultural Research 
Service to provide the necessary funding for environmental assessment 
research concerning the introduction of genetically engineered organisms 
into the environment.

(c) Types of research

    Types of research for which grants may be made under this section 
shall include the following:
        (1) Research designed to develop methods to physically and 
    biologically contain genetically engineered animals, plants, and 
    microorganisms once they are introduced into the environment.
        (2) Research designed to develop methods to monitor the 
    dispersal of genetically engineered animals, plants, and 
    microorganisms.
        (3) Research designed to further existing knowledge with respect 
    to the rates and methods of gene transfer that may occur between 
    genetically engineered organisms and related wild and agricultural 
    organisms.
        (4) Other areas of research designed to further the purposes of 
    this section.

(d) Eligibility requirements

    Grants under this section shall be--
        (1) made on the basis of the quality of the proposed research 
    project; and
        (2) available to any public or private research or educational 
    institution or organization.

(e) Consultation

    In considering specific areas of research for funding under this 
section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the 
Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the 
Office of Agricultural Biotechnology, and the Agricultural Biotechnology 
Research Advisory Committee.

(f) Program coordination

    The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate research funded under 
this section with the Office of Research and Development of the 
Environmental Protection Agency in order to avoid duplication of 
research activities.

(g) Authorization of appropriations

                           (1) In general

        There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as necessary 
    to carry out this section.

             (2) Withholdings from biotechnology outlays

        The Secretary of Agriculture shall withhold from outlays of the 
    Department of Agriculture for research on biotechnology, as defined 
    and determined by the Secretary, at least one percent of such amount 
    for the purpose of making grants under this section for research on 
    biotechnology risk assessment.

(Pub. L. 101-624, title XVI, Sec. 1668, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3767; 
Pub. L. 102-237, title IV, Sec. 407(9), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1865.)


                               Amendments

    1991--Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 102-237 substituted ``Withholdings'' 
for ``Witholdings'' in heading.
