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WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 16, 2012 – The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, applauded yesterday’s announcement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend its partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop viable aviation biofuels.
The new agreement will follow on the successful 2010-2012 “Farm to Fuels” initiative to accelerate the biofuel industry in the U.S. to improve domestic energy security and economic development.
“Algae farmed right here in America are among the crops that can produce biofuels that meet the needs of the aviation industry and provide the US with the economic benefits that come with domestic production,” said Mary Rosenthal, executive director of ABO. “With the first large-scale algae production facilities coming online and the successful testing of algae biofuels in military and commercial aircraft, it’s clear that continued research and investment can pay big dividends. The commitment of agencies like the USDA and FAA will build on that success and accelerate the development of new and renewable sources of fuel.”
Products made from algae are the natural solution to the energy, food, economic, and climate challenges facing our world today. Algae have the power to simultaneously put fuels in our vehicles, recycle CO2, provide nutrition for animals and people and create jobs for millions of Americans without significant impacts on valuable agricultural land or fresh water. More information can be found at www.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.
