Algae Biomass Organization Applauds Reps. Scott Peters and Matt Salmon as New Chairs of the Congressional Algae Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Oct 23, 2013) - The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, today applauded the new leadership of the Congressional Algae Caucus, Congressmen Scott Peters (D-CA) and Matt Salmon (R-AZ).

The caucus includes a bi-partisan group of lawmakers who see the significant potential of algae-derived products to fill needs in multi-billion dollar industries, including fuel, feed and food, while creating jobs and adding to the nation's food and energy security.

"I want to thank Representatives Peters and Salmon for their bipartisan leadership in organizing the Congressional Algae Caucus," said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Algae Biomass Organization. "The Algae Biomass Organization is excited to see so many representatives from both parties coming together to support algae's promise to provide our nation with renewable fuels, feeds, plastics and a range of other products."

The Congressional Algae Caucus includes the following members:

Scott Peters (D-52CA) (Co-Chair)
Matt Salmon (R-5AZ) (Co-Chair)
Tulsi Gabbard (D-2HI)
Tom Latham (R-3IA)
Trey Radel (R-19FL)
Louise Slaughter (D-25NY)
Tim Walz (D-1MN)
Jackie Speier (D-14CA)
Susan Davis (D-53CA)
Ben Ray Lujan (D-3NM)
Alcee Hastings (D-20FL)
David Cicilline (D-1RI)
Ed Perlmutter (D-7CO)
Jared Polis (D-2CO)
Duncan Hunter (R-50CA)

The caucus will help educate Members of Congress about the algae industry as it opens its first commercial production facilities. Some states are already adopting policies to accelerate the jobs and economic growth that come with algae cultivation, and Congressional support will further expedite the potential of algae to provide the nation with renewable fuels and other products that can be cultivated without significant impacts on freshwater supplies or valuable agricultural lands.

"We all share an interest solving America's energy and economic challenges, which is why it's more important than ever to accelerate the development of a robust algae industry that is already creating jobs across the country," said Representative Peters. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the bipartisan Congressional Algae Caucus as we enhance the dialogue on the Hill about this job-creating product."

"Algae-based products deserve a chance to compete on a level playing field with other technologies," said Representative Salmon. "In my own state we are already seeing the economic development that is possible from a thriving algae sector, from jobs to research and development. High tech jobs will help grow our economy and through this caucus, I hope to draw attention to the great economic and environmental benefits of algae production."

With new production facilities planned or operating around the U.S., the algae industry is rapidly emerging as an opportunity to address many of the energy, food, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world today. Algae have the power to simultaneously put fuels in vehicles, recycle CO₂, provide nutrition for animals and people and create jobs for millions of Americans. Algae's ability to produce high yields and grow in saltwater on marginal lands mean that they can be cultivated on large scales without harmful impacts on freshwater supplies or valuable agricultural land. More information can be found at www.allaboutalgae.com.

About the Algae Biomass Organization
The Algae 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.algaebiomass.org.