Leading Advanced Biofuel Groups Meet at The White House

Leaders of the advanced biofuel industry personally delivered an important message to the Obama Administration this morning at a White House meeting that included representatives of the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA), the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Algal Biomass Organization(ABO). The leaders' message emphasized the vital role the advanced biofuel industry plays in achieving America's energy security while strengthening the nation's economy by creating premium new jobs.

Just last week, the groups representing over 100 advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased product member companies, delivered a letter to President Obama, thanking him for his "commitment to developing secure, sustainable, domestic alternatives to imported petroleum." The joint letter also offered to assist the President as his administration develops and implements an "aggressive, comprehensive national advanced biofuels policy – one that maximizes innovation and drives commercialization of technologies that hold the greatest promise to reduce our dependence on petroleum, create high quality opportunities for American workers, and deliver a sustainable, low-carbon future for transportation and manufacturing in the United States."

ABFA President Michael McAdams commented, "We are committed to be an active partner as the President and Congress transform our nation's energy policy through long-term and sustainable solutions that include advanced biofuels. Our industry must continue to demonstrate our value to leaders in Washington and find a way to deliver more certainty in public policy frameworks that will quicken the pace and enhance the ability to finance the building of commercial advanced biofuels facilities and ultimately create more energy diversity, environmental sustainability and greater economic prosperity for America and countries around the world."

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO's Industrial & Environmental Section, stated, "The U.S. needs to rapidly develop and produce large volumes of advanced biofuels to reduce reliance on foreign oil. Right now, there are more than 65 planned and operating projects in more than 30 states seeking ways to rapidly scale up production of advanced biofuels and biobased products. Already the industry has begun creating jobs and investment opportunities for industry, rural growers, and research institutions. We look forward to working with the White House and Congress to implement a comprehensive national policy that will drive commercial development of the most promising advanced biofuels and biobased products."

ABO Executive Director Mary Rosenthal stated, "We continue to reach new and impressive milestones in the development of advanced biofuels from algal biomass, as evidenced by last week's successful test by the U.S. Navy of a Riverine Command Boat powered by algae-based fuel. With increased certainty and parity in public policy will come the needed public and private sector investments to help the advanced biofuels industry create jobs in every corner of the United States, fostering greater energy independence and national security. Algae is a feedstock that can do this."