Algal Biomass Organization Announces Winners of Second Annual Algae Industry Leadership Awards

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Mar 2, 2012) - The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, announced the recipients of the second annual Algae Industry Leadership awards: U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy Tom Hicks. The annual Algae Industry Leadership Awards recognize those that demonstrate outstanding leadership in helping increase the awareness of, enthusiasm for and use of algae-derived fuels and other products.

Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) were recognized for their introduction of the bi-partisan Renewable Fuel Parity Act of 2011. This act would amend the Clean Air Act and combine the existing categories of "cellulosic biofuel" and "advanced biofuel" into a single technology-neutral category of "advanced biofuel." The bill would level the playing field and give algae-derived biofuels the same tax treatment as cellulosic biofuels.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was selected for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's tireless support of the algae industry. He has announced hundreds of millions of dollars in support from various programs, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, partnerships with the Department of Energy for research and development, and loan guarantees to companies building facilities that will produce the next generation of domestic biofuels.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy Tom Hicks was selected for his leadership in driving the testing and use of advanced biofuels for the U.S. Navy in an effort to reduce the military's reliance on fossil fuels. The broad testing of renewable fuels and the Navy's commitment to use biofuels -- including those derived from algae -- has helped to accelerate investment and commercialization efforts in the algae industry.

"Each of these leaders recognizes the significant potential of algae-derived fuels and products to create jobs, reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and create a new and lasting domestic industry," said Mary Rosenthal, executive director of ABO. "With their continued support, our members will continue to bring new products and technologies to market for the benefit of all."

The Algae Industry Leadership awards were presented yesterday in Washington, DC as part of ABO's annual legislative fly-in.

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. More information can be found at www.allaboutalgae.com.

About the Algal Biomass Organization
The Algal 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.algalbiomass.org.