The United States has conflicting policy objectives; to lead 
in both technology and environmental protection. Jingoistic 
statements will not contribute to an informed debate on this 
subject. 
Limiting federal funding of recombinant research is 
an important alternative not discussed. One policy choice 
v/ould be to fund certain experiments designed to develop 
information on biological risks. As more information becomes 
known, additional grants could be awarded. Initial work could 
be limited to P 4 facilities. After hazards are more clearly 
assessed, subsequent grants could assign experiments to 
different risk categories with more assurance. In a research 
area such as this, we can not afford to proceed blindly. 
On pp. 50-51 an interesting list of factors is set out 
which would bear on the decision to initially establish a few 
research centers, Unfortianately , none of these factors are 
discussed and more importantly, they are not weighed. We note 
with concern that listed as a "disadvantage" is the need for 
long-range planning. This office sees such planning is an 
essential federal responsibility and a prime purpose of the 
NEPA process. 
-23- 
Appendix K — 103 
