As we stand at the dawn of a new century, we recognize the enormous potential that biotechnology holds for improving the quality of life here in Rhode Island and around the world. Designed to attack the underlying cause of an illness, not just its symptoms, these medicines have tremendous potential to provide not only more effective treatments, but also cures. Bioremediation technologies are cleaning our environment by removing toxic substances from contaminated soils and ground water.
Agricultural biotechnology reduces our dependence on pesticides.
Manufacturing processes based on biotechnology make it possible to produce paper and chemicals with less energy, less pollution, and less waste. Biotechnology has stimulated the creation and growth of small businesses, generated new jobs, and encouraged agricultural and industrial innovation. We will reap even greater benefits as long as we sustain the intellectual partnership and public confidence that have moved biotechnology forward thus far. We must strengthen our efforts to improve science education for all Rhode Islanders and preserve and promote the freedom of scientific inquiry. We must protect patients from the misuse or abuse of sensitive medical information and provide regulatory agencies with sufficient resources to maintain sound, science based review and regulation of biotechnology products.