Top Advanced Biofuels Groups Meet in Washington for Collaborative Discussion and Capitol Hill Briefing

Industry Leaders Take Newly Elected Positions on ABFA Board

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The top trade groups representing the advanced biofuels industry in the United States met today in Washington, D.C. to continue industry-wide collaborative efforts begun last year aimed at improving communication among stakeholders while building a more cohesive industry to develop clean energy alternatives that strengthen our nation's economy.

The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA), the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) met for policy briefings with leaders and senior staff  from Congress and the Obama administration.  Following the joint meeting, the groups held a briefing on the advanced biofuels industry for legislative staff members on Capitol Hill.

"Today is proof each of our organizations is committed to helping establish a collective voice for our industry and lead the transformation from fossil fuels to cleaner, more efficient and renewable sources through the commercialization of advanced biofuels and bioproducts," said Michael McAdams, president of ABFA.

"With petroleum prices projected to stay at or above $100 per barrel for the next 12 months, the United States must get serious about developing and deploying advanced biofuels," said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO's Industrial & Environmental Section. "The United States can leverage its leadership in biotechnology and agricultural production to reduce reliance on foreign oil, build a stronger economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We need outside the box thinking on policy."

"As Congress and the Obama Administration continue to look for ways to add momentum to the economic recovery, they should look no further than the various industries our associations represent," said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of ABO. "We're talking about a massive job-creating engine in every state in the nation – creating technologies and products that drive revenue, increase exports and contribute to national energy security."

Earlier in the day, ABFA separately elected and installed new officers to its Board of Directors. They include Robert Ames of Tyson as chairman, Jack Huttner of Gevo as vice chairman, Jim McVaney of Rentech as treasurer, Kinkead Reiling of Amyris as secretary, and Lee Edwards of Virent as chairman emeritus. 

About ABFA:

The ABFA and its member companies are building better fuels that will strengthen America's energy security, create jobs and fuel a sustainable future for the world. www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com

Robert M. Ames, Tyson Foods VP and General Manager, is responsible for commercializing Tyson Foods' portfolio of renewable energy initiatives. These include an alliance with ConocoPhillips and a joint venture with Syntroleum Corporation called Dynamic Fuels, which opened the first U.S. commercial scale advanced biofuels plant last year, producing 5,000 barrels a day of synthetic diesel from animal fats and greases.  Prior to this position, he served in a variety of management roles within Tyson Foods. Outside of Tyson Foods he serves on a joint USDA/DOE panel advising the Secretaries on biofuel research and development. He earned a BA from the University of St. Thomas and a MBA from the Yale School of Management where he was a John M. Olin Foundation fellow.

Jack Huttner is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Public Affairs at Gevo. He was previously at DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC (DDCE), where he served as Vice President of Commercial and Public Affairs. Prior to joining DDCE, he was Vice President of Biorefinery Business Development at Genencor, the industrial biotechnology division of Danisco A/S, where he led a multifunctional team whose strategy resulted in a $140 million joint venture with DDCE. Prior to that, Mr. Huttner had global responsibility for communications and external affairs as Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Genencor International, Inc. where he helped shape Genencor's leadership position in industrial biotechnology for the Company's initial public offering.  He holds a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Buffalo (SUNY)

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

About ABO

The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization that promotes the development of viable technologies and commercial markets for renewable and sustainable products derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the industry value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algalbiomass.org.

SOURCE Advanced Biofuels Association