Release point 116-252 · current through 12/22/2020
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§ 18644.
Biological and environmental research
(a)
Biological systems
The Director shall carry out research and development activities in fundamental, structural, computational, and systems biology to increase systems-level understanding of the complex biological systems, which may include activities—
(1)
to accelerate breakthroughs and new knowledge that would enable the cost-effective, sustainable production of—
(A)
biomass-based liquid transportation fuels;
(B)
bioenergy; and
(C)
biobased materials;
(2)
to improve understanding of the global carbon cycle, including processes for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, through photosynthesis and other biological processes, for sequestration and storage; and
(3)
to understand the biological mechanisms used to transform, immobilize, or remove contaminants from subsurface environments.
(b)
Limitation for research funds
The Director shall not approve new climate science-related initiatives without making a determination that such work is well-coordinated with any relevant work carried out by other Federal agencies.
(c)
Low-dose radiation research program
(1)
In general
The Director shall carry out a research program on low-dose radiation.
(2)
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to enhance the scientific understanding of, and reduce uncertainties associated with, the effects of exposure to low-dose radiation to inform improved risk-management methods.