Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) endorses tax parity for advanced biofuels
MINNEAPOLIS –October 27, 2011 – Day two of the 2011 Algae Biomass Summit, the official conference of the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) and the world’s largest algae industry conference, was highlighted by discussions about the technological advances that will be bringing innovative algae-based products and fuels into everyday life.
Presentations and panel discussions throughout yesterday focused on the latest advances in algae biology, animal and aquaculture feed, algae processing, production and other components of the value chain for the new and rapidly expanding global algae industry.
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) urged attendees during a lunchtime video keynote to build on existing technological foundations that can help bring the next generation of advanced biofuels into large scale production, like that of the ethanol industry that has become a vital part of Minnesota’s economy. Recognizing the importance of federal support for domestically produced, sustainable fuels, Senator Klobuchar told the 800 conference attendees that algae-based fuels deserve to compete on a level playing field with fossil fuels when it comes to tax policy and industry subsidies.
Also addressing the conference during the luncheon was Cynthia (C. J.) Warner, president of Sapphire Energy. Predicting an enormous spike in demand for fuel in the coming decades, Ms. Warner described that the latest technologies behind algae-based fuels, like those that Sapphire is using to begin algae production on a commercial scale, have the ability to rapidly and economically provide for future transportation fuel needs.
The summit will continue through Thursday afternoon. Information on the event, including a full agenda is available at http://algaebiomasssummit.org. Ongoing developments can also be monitored via the Twitter hashtag #ABS11.
About the ABO
The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website:www.algaebiomass.org.
Media Contact:
John Williams, Scoville PR for ABO
206-660-5503, jwilliams@scovillepr.com