Membership Development Committee
The purpose of the Membership Development Committee is to develop membership interest across a broad spectrum of companies, institutions, and individuals that are engaged in creating this new algal biomass industry.
The committee is made up of ABO Directors (three, as required by charter) and Non-Director Members (four, as provided by charter) and is currently structured as follows:
Committee Members:
Mark Allen (Chair)
Billy Glover
Greg Mitchell
Elizabeth Willett
Non-Director Members: none at this time. (If you would like to become a non-director committee member please contact the committee coordinator)
Committee Coordinator: Debra Quella
Membership is open to all for-profit and non-profit corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures, trusts, associations, governmental and other organizations and is open to all individuals of good character involved in activities that support the stated purpose of the ABO, including investors, researchers, producers, end-users, and technology suppliers. To learn about membership levels and rates please visit: https://www.algalbiomass.org/about/
ABO endeavors to represent all of its members as follows:
- To serve as a national and international trade association and voice for individuals, corporations, and organizations pursuing commercial applications for algal biomass
- To facilitate industry development based on science, best practices and the latest technology
- To act as an information clearinghouse for peer-reviewed articles, industry news, funding opportunities, public initiatives
- To educate the ABO’s Members, policymakers, the media and the public regarding the commercialization and use of algal-based products, processes and relevant technologies
- To provide industry networking and collaboration opportunities
- To advocate and promote technical best practices that will aid in the commercialization and expanded use of algal-based products
- To aggregate and formalize advocacy efforts for the improvement of federal, state and local policies that would aid in the commercialization and expanded use of algal-based products.
Current Status of ABO
- Washington State non-profit organization
- Articles of Incorporation are public and the bylaws are available to Members
- Supported financially by member organizations and individuals, as well as grants and donations from private, corporate, and government entities
- Currently applying for tax exempt status as a 501(c)(6) trade association
- Membership dues are not charitable contributions but they may be deducted as a business expense to the extent not used for legislative advocacy
- The ABO intends to form an affiliated 501(c)(3) foundation
- Permit full involvement of those individuals and organizations whose involvement in an organization with a lobbying component may be limited
- Take advantage of grants available only to 501(c)(3) organizations
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