Government & Public Relations Committee
The purpose of the Government & Public Relations Committee is to increase public and governmental awareness of the algal biomass industry, its domestic and international benefits, barriers to growth, contribute to the development of policies that could accelerate and enhance the realization of such benefits and mitigate or eliminate barriers, and to generally encourage the growth of the algal biomass industry.
The duties of the Government & Public Relations Committee are to:
- Oversee and suggest improvements to the ABO’s website with respect to public information other than peer reviewed content.
- Coordinate with the ABO’s public relations and/or government relations consultants to develop appropriate strategies for the achievement of the purpose of this Committee and the Corporation as set forth in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.
- Liaise with other business entities or organizations to discover and act upon opportunities consistent with the purposes of the Corporation and the mission of the ABO.
Committee Members:
Dale Smith (Chair - Proxy for Billy Glover)
Tom Byrne
Greg Mitchell
Andrew Braff
Matthew Frome
Jennifer Holmgren
Frank Prautzsch
Todd Taylor
Tim Zenk
Algae in the News
Algal Biomass Organization Questions Accuracy of University of Virginia Algae Life Cycle Study
ABO believes that reliance on obsolete data and faulty assumptions undermines all conclusions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 25, 2010) - The Algal Biomass Organization, today challenged the conclusions of a published report in Environmental Science and Technology claiming that “conventional crops have lower environmental impacts than algae in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and water.” The report was based upon obsolete data and grossly outdated business models, and overlooked tremendous improvements in technology and processes across the production cycle. ABO strongly believes that these obsolete data and faulty assumptions seriously undermine the credibility of the study’s conclusions. View Full Story
Reps. Harry Teague (D-N.M.), Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) and Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) Introduce Bill to Boost Algae Biofuels
Congressional efforts are continuing to ensure that algae-based biofuels qualify for federal tax credits. Several companies, including Exxon Mobil Corp., believe algae might one day become a major feedstock for renewable fuels.
Executive Director Mary Rosenthal Testifies Before Congress on Benefits of Algae-Based Fuels
On behalf of its more than 170 members, the ABO's Executive Director Mary Rosenthal testified before Congress today on potential of algae-based fuels to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and increase U.S. energy independence. She also commented on steps legislators can take to ensure algae-based fuels receive benefits and financial incentives similar to those afforded to other biofuel feedstocks. More
Quick Link to ABO Testimony