Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-5505

A. The Department and any affected locality may prepare formal comments on the regulated introduction for submission to the federal regulator for that regulated introduction. The comments shall be submitted within the time established by the federal regulator for that regulated introduction, as determined by the applicable federal requirements or the Coordinated Framework. The comments shall address issues raised by application of the criteria for the granting of approval of a permit or a license under the applicable requirement in the Coordinated Framework and for the protection of the public health and the environment.

B. To assist in the preparation of comments, the Department may do any or all of the following:

1. Hold an informational meeting on the proposed regulated introduction;

2. Provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed regulated introduction;

3. Request any additional information necessary on the proposed regulated introduction from the person providing information under § 2.2-5503 ;

4. Conduct a technical review of the proposed regulated introduction; and

5. Seek the assistance of the faculty and academic staff of any Virginia public institution of higher education, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Environmental Quality, or any other appropriate state agency or organization, including but not limited to an institutional biosafety committee, in reviewing the proposed regulated introduction.

C. To assist in the preparation of comments, affected localities may do either or both of the following:

1. Hold an informational meeting on the proposed regulated introduction. When possible, that meeting shall be held in conjunction with an informational meeting held by the Department; and

2. Provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed regulated introduction.

1994, c. 472 , § 2.1-774; 2001, c. 844 .