Senators urge Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to support carbon utilization throughout their programs.
WASHINGTON, DC (January 15, 2015) The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the algae industry, applauded U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) for their letter today to Ernest Moniz, Secretary of the Department of Energy, and Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency supporting the use of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies in climate and energy policy.
“We thank Senators Whitehouse and Manchin for their leadership in recognizing that the diverse interests of many states can be met by exciting new technologies that transform harmful CO2 emissions into products Americans need for modern life,” said Matt Carr, Executive Director of the Algae Biomass Organization. “Congress and the Administration can play a big role in how quickly CCU technologies will become part of the solution to America’s energy and environmental challenges. We are glad to see growing support for this win-win solution.”
CCU technologies, such as algae cultivation, can transform carbon dioxide emissions into valuable products, simultaneously reducing harmful greenhouse gases and providing economic benefits. A number of algae companies across the country are working to commercialize new technology advances that convert concentrated sources of CO2 to renewable fuels, chemicals, fertilizer, plastics and feed ingredients, as well as high-value products such as Omega-3 nutritional supplements, powerful antioxidants, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
The Algae Biomass Organization has called on the Environmental Protection Agency to explicitly recognize that carbon utilization technologies are acceptable methods for states to achieve emissions reductions under the agency’s Clean Power Plan. Failing to do so will be a missed opportunity to encourage investments in an approach that could deliver positive environmental results along with economic growth, jobs and improved energy security.
About the Algae Biomass Organization
The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit 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.