SCIENTISTS' INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION 
49 Cost 53 Struct. Nw York. NY 1002V 21 2/G-‘J8 4050 
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
President 
Alan MeGov/an 
Past President: 
Margaret Mead. Ph D 
Chair rr.ari: 
Barry Commoner. PhD 
Vice Chairman: 
Peter J Caws. Ph 0 
Vice Chapman 
Dona d Oanlsten. PhD 
Vice Chairman • 
Allen C. Nadler. M 0 
Secretary: 
Glenn Paulson. Ph 0 
Treasurer: 
Martin Sononberg. 
M D . Ph D 
BOARO OF DIRECTORS 
George Berg. Ph 0 
Louise Beaman 
John Fowler. Pn D 
David L.. Frank. Ph 0 
Arthur W Galston Ph 0 
Richaid Garcia. Ph 0 
H. Jack Ge gcr. M.O 
Clarer.ce C Gordon. Ph 0 
Dan VV Lufkin 
An than, Maazocchi 
Michael McGmtock. Ph D 
Bernard Raooport 
Abbv Rockefeller 
David W Swetland 
Cllicoi Publication 
Environment 
Julian McCauil. 
Publisher 
November 5, 1976 
Dr. Burke Zimmerman 
Staff Scientist 
Environmental Defense Fund 
1525 18th Street N.W. 
Washington, D. C. 20036 
Dear Dr. Zimmerman: 
The controversy over recombinant DNA research 
has brought one of the most important facets of bio- 
medical research out into the open. Although there 
are substantial benefits that may accrue from the 
research, there is also the possibility of enormous 
costs, both short and long term. 
The public is being asked to support this research, 
both with its tax dollars* and by being in the physical 
vicinity of the recombinant DNA research laboratories. 
Fortunately, some public inquiry has begun in the form 
of open hearings on the subject. These public hearings 
have been held in Cambridge, New York City and San 
Diego, and have expressed deep concern over how and 
whether this research should be continued. 
The public at large, however, is still in the 
dark concerning the relevant issues in the debate. The 
scientific jargon that accompanies the discussion with- 
in the scientific community is, at best, confusing to 
non-scientists. There is an overwhelming need for 
accurate, up-to-date information, with the issues clearly 
presented in terms understandable to all of us. The 
public, government officials, and members of the Legis- 
lature are in need of this information. Only with sub- 
stantantive understanding of all the issues will effective 
programs and regulations be promulgated. 
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