Awards recognize outstanding commitment to supporing algae industry research and development
WASHINGTON (February 1, 2017) – The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, today announced that Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) have each been presented with the Champion of Algae Award, the group’s highest recognition for outstanding service to algae research, technology and product development.
“Sheldon Whitehouse and Scott Peters have worked tirelessly to advance new algae technologies that will maintain the economic competitiveness of the United States, and bring jobs to rural and urban areas alike.” said Matt Carr, executive director of the Algae Biomass Organization. “We look forward to working with them in the future, and many others on both sides of the aisle that are discovering how an advanced algae industry can bring so many benefits to the United States.”
Congressman Peters was recognized for his dedication to spreading the word about algae’s potential for the economcy and the environment, as well as his support for policies that can jumpstart innovation in the sector. He co-found the bipartisan Congressional Algae Caucus in 2013 to provide Members of Congress with a forum to learn about and interact with an industy that was just beginning to harness new technological developments to cultivate algae as a source of food, feed, energy, chemicals and other products. He has been a long-time advocate for algae commercialization and entrepreneurship in his home district near San Diego and nationwide.
Senator Whitehouse has been a strong supporter of the algae industry in Rhode Island as well as an architect policies that can position algae cultivation to become a national engine for economic growth, while also protecting the environment and public health. Most recently, he introduced the Carbon Capture and Utilization Act of 2016, which would spur technologies, like alage cultivation, that can use CO2 generated during electricity production as a feedstock for valuable products. He has also worked closely with Members from coal and agriculture states to craft policies that can help them use algae technologies to create jobs and other benefits.
Products made from algae are the natural solution to the energy, food, economic and climate challenges facing the world today. This tiny but powerful organism has the ability to simultaneously put fuels in vehicles, reuse CO2, provide nutrition for animals and people, and create jobs for millions of Americans. More information can be found at allaboutalgae.com.
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.