32 
(3) rhe working group felt strongly that both research and comrrercial 
releases of genetically engineered organisms should be subject to 
review. 
Dr. McXlarrity then reported on the working group response to each recommenda- 
tion of the Gore Report, tie said the first recommendation of the Gore 
Report is that: 
"The EPA should proceed with its stated intention to extend its authority 
to include all deliberately released organisms not specifically identi- 
fied as part of the legal obligation of another agency. In view of 
EPA's stated conclusion that the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 
does provide it with authority to oversee deliberate releases and the 
fact that Congress intended TSCA to be 'gap filling' legislation, no 
additional legislation or clarifying amendments are needed at this 
time. EPA should, however, establish formal communications and agree- 
ments with other agencies to ensure that gaps and redundancies in the 
regulatory structure do not occur. A major goal should be to permit 
research and commercialization to proceed with minimum interference 
while adequately addressing environmental and public health concerns." 
Dr. hcGarrity said the working group refrained from offering any comment 
whatsoever on this point. 
Dr. McGarrity said the second recommendation of the Gore Report is that: 
"Until such time as EPA's regulations are promulgated, an interagency 
task force should be established to review all proposals for deliberate 
releases. EPA should take the initiative in organizing this panel. 
The panel should be comprised of representatives from EPA, US DA, NIH, 
and any other appropriate federal agency or entity directly involved 
fran either the scientific or regulatory perspective. The panel should 
establish an environmentally oriented risk/benefit assessment program 
to evaluate current proposals for deliberate releases and to provide a 
data base for decisions on future releases. The panel should also 
develop a uniform set of guidelines to govern deliberate releases. 
The panel should, moreover, serve the function of educating the public 
about the potential risks and benefits associated with this aspect of 
biotechnology. Consideration should be given to making this panel a 
permanent oversight body even after EPA has promulgated regulations to 
ensure that the broadest possible expertise is brought to bear in 
overseeing the technology. " 
Dr. McGarrity said the Working Group on Release into the Environment responded 
"We endorse the concept of a single task force with the responsibility 
aird expertise to consider release of genetically engineered organisms, 
but for recombinant DNA-containing organisms, we believe the RAC 
currently best serves this function. 
[ 485 ] 
