For the calendar buffs, we’re just now approaching the new millennium. So, I figured it would be an appropriate time to touch on a subject that will likely define social, political, and economic issues for much of this century: genetics.

If Rachel Carson sounded the airhorn for the modern environmental movement, then Dolly should have done the same for the next generation of environmental concerns. But as far as I can tell, things are pretty quiet on the genetics front, especially along the Gulf Coast.

There’s plenty of reason to be concerned. Companies are patenting life forms – from microorganisms to mammals (and maybe humans, too). Seeds that can’t be reproduced by farmers and that require pesticides from their manufacturer are transforming agriculture. Unapproved genetically engineered grains are ending up in our food supply. Corporations are mining Third World countries for their genetic heritage. Scientists are cloning large mammals well in advance of both the broad and specific discussions necessary for society to identify and comprehend the moral implications.

Don’t get me wrong - I am very excited about the promise of genetics for improving life for all life forms. But history tells us that new technologies require new social thought. Right now, the technology of genetics is way out in front of our discussions of the social implications.

Since we have one of the world’s best amalgamations of hospitals right here, Houston should be a hot spot for non-profit activity around genetics. Biotechnology is getting a real foothold in the city. The environmental community needs to be ready to build relationships with this new industry as it develops.

Today, there are no CEC member organizations dedicated solely to the issue of genetics and its implications. Some national environmental organizations have launched campaigns about specific issues, but there is still much groundwork to be done. If you’re already working in this area, or interested in meeting others who are, contact the CEC office so we can get you folks together. Wouldn’t it be great to be ahead of the game for once?

For a starting point for more information, visit the Council for Responsible Genetics at www.gene-watch.org or the Sierra Club’s Genetic Engineering Committee at www.sierraclub.org/biotech.