USDA - APHIS - Biotechnology

Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Public Participation

January 2004 Notice of Intent (NOI)
On January 23, 2004, BRS published a notice of intent (NOI), advising the public that APHIS intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) in connection with potential changes to the regulations for the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms. This was the first opportunity for public comments in the EIS process. The notice identified potential issues and alternatives that will be studied in the EIS and requested public comment to further shape the scope of the issues and alternatives. APHIS gathered comments through March 23, 2004, and reopned the comment period on March 29, 2004 through April 13, 2004.

BRS received approximately 2,340 comments on its notice of intent (NOI) through e-mail and postal mail.

View summary of NOI comments

View individual comments received:

Public Comments Received by E-mail
Public Comments Received by Postal Mail (pdf file)

2004 Stakeholder Meetings
BRS also held a series of stakeholder meetings in February and March 2004 to discuss issues associated with the program’s proposal to revise its regulations.
Learn more about the stakeholder meetings and view the meeting transcripts.

July 2007 Notice of Availiability of the Draft EIS
In July 2007, APHIS published in the Federal Register the Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS. APHIS gathered written comments through September 11, 2007.

2007 Public Forums
In 2007, APHIS held four public forums in three locations to gather public feedback:

August 1, 2007—Riverdale, MD
August 3, 2007—Riverdale, MD
August 16, 2007—Davis, CA
August 30, 2007—Kansas City, MO

View the posters displayed at the public forums:

Learn more about Programmatic EIS public participation:
Factsheet: Public Comment: Programmatic Draft Environmental Impact Statement.