Blogs

The European Commission (EC) announced on November 26, 2025, that it adopted a new Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, “charting a way forward to build a clean, competitive and resilient European economy.” According to the EC, by using renewable biological resources and providing alternatives to critical raw materials, the European Union (EU) “will move forward towards a more circular and decarbonised economy and can decrease dependence on fossil...

On November 23, 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a policy brief entitled “Boosting biotechnology innovation through agile regulation and finance instruments.” The policy brief explores the investment and regulatory policy landscapes in the European Union (EU) and the United States, “highlighting shared challenges and lessons that can help accelerate sustainable innovation and strengthen participation in the global bioeconomy.” The policy...

On November 25, 2025, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) announced the publication of a discussion paper entitled “The Future of Science: A Playbook for Accelerating American Innovation.” According to NSCEB, the paper is “the first in a series of fresh analyses” that NSCEB will publish following the publication of its final report and action plan for Congress in April 2025. The paper represents observations from NSCEB, drawn from consultations with a range...

On November 13, 2025, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) held a webinar to discuss potential changes to its Enforcement Response Regulations set forth at 3 C.C.R. Sections 6128 and 6130. DPR also released its Discussion Document explaining the various regulatory “concepts” it is considering and posing questions for public input related to those concepts.  The proposed focus areas are designed to address areas of improvement identified in a U.S. Environmental...

On November 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is making $7 million in payments available to advanced biofuel producers nationwide through its Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, a provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill. USDA states that the funding is aimed at increasing the production of American-grown biofuels. According to USDA, the Program supports expanding the production of advanced biofuels by paying advanced biofuel producers for finished advanced...

The U.S. soybean industry remains a focal point in the intersection of American agriculture, global trade policy, and federal regulatory action. Ongoing trade tensions -- particularly between the United States and China -- have reshaped the global soybean value chain, while rising input costs, labor constraints, and regulatory uncertainty create additional pressures for farmers. In recent months, attention has turned toward how the reopening of the federal government -- after extended funding...

Headlines regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most recent proposed update to the one-time per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) reporting rule under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7) have been dominated by the rule’s new exemptions and the significant narrowing of responsibility and burden that industry stakeholders will face if the rule becomes final. But, buried in the preambular text -- Unit III.A.2 to be precise -- are a few paragraphs that...

The American Chemical Society (ACS) and Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) are pleased to present “31st Annual Green Chemistry Challenge Awards: New Categories and Expanded Opportunities,” on December 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (EST).  2026 marks the 31st year that the ACS and partners have spurred American innovation by soliciting, evaluating, selecting, and amplifying remarkable chemical products and processes through the highly coveted Green Chemistry Challenge Awards...

On November 18, 2025, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Biomanufacturing Excellence Act, which would promote U.S. leadership in biotechnology and strengthen domestic biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Coons’ November 18, 2025, press release states that “[b]iotechnology will shape how the United States defends itself, secures its food supply, and cures life-threatening diseases.” According to the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s (NSCEB)...

The United Kingdom (UK) NanoSafety Group (UKNSG) has published the third edition of its guidance entitled “Working Safely with Nanomaterials in Research & Development.” The guidance is intended to provide help and support to research laboratories in industry, research, and training organizations and academia on how to comply with their occupational health and safety legal obligations. The guidance also includes additional information to help improve health and safety systems when working...