WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 20, 2011 – The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) today thanked Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) for their efforts to help level the playing field for algae-derived fuels. In a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY), the group asked Senators for consideration of an extension of cellulosic biofuels tax incentives, including language clarifying the eligibility of algae-based biofuels, in any possible extension of tax provisions slated to expire at the end of 2012.
Specifically, the letter asked the Senate leaders to clarify the eligibility of algae-based biofuels by including language similar to that in S. 748, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act.
“On behalf of our members across the value chain of the algae industry, we thank the Senators for their support,” said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of ABO. “The availability of long term, sustainable and domestic sources of fuel is in the economic, security and environmental strategic interests of our nation. But we need supportive and predictable federal policy to help accelerate the development of biorefineries capable of producing billions of gallons of renewable fuels. Not only will this reduce our dependency on imported oil, it will create tens of thousands of jobs across the country.”
About 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 Public Relations for ABO
206-625-0075 x1, jwilliams@scovillepr.com