Keeping Pace With Nanotechnology: A Proposal for a New Approach to Environmental Accountability

摘要

The rapid growth of the nanotechnology industry that challenges traditional governance structures also calls for new approaches to accountability. Accountability mechanisms would help avoid adverse effects of the evolving technologies, foster public confidence in nanotechnology, and encourage the development of new, beneficial technologies. In this Article, Prof. Lee Paddock illustrates some of the tools of environmental accountability that may be employed in the context of nanotechnology. He discusses how traditional accountability mechanisms already inherent in the federal environmental statutes may be applied, and emphasizes the need for flexibility in permitting, public involvement, voluntary accountability programs, and opportunities for industry self-regulation. He concludes by suggesting the creation of a Nanotechnology Council to bring stakeholders together to address accountability issues.