BIO Congratulates Obama Administration Cabinet Nominees for Energy and Interior

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, December 18, 2008) - The incoming Obama administration has nominated cabinet members who have shown commitment to developing alternative energy, including advanced biofuels. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today applauded the nominations of Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) for Secretary of Interior, University of California, Berkeley Professor Steven Chu for Secretary of Energy, and former EPA Administrator Carol Browner for White House Coordinator on Energy and Climate. BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood released the following statement:
“President-elect Obama’s cabinet nominees for energy and environment leadership positions have been described as a ‘green dream team,’ a sentiment BIO echoes. BIO and its member companies look forward to working with the administration to achieve the goals of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying energy production, including production of advanced low-carbon biofuels.
“Senator Salazar emerged as a strong supporter of advanced biofuels during his term in the Senate, introducing a tax measure to support pioneer producers of cellulosic biofuels. Most recently, he has championed a sound science-based measurement of the full life cycle emissions of biofuels as a way to ensure that greenhouse gas reduction goals are met.
“Dr Chu, as director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and a proponent of the Joint BioEnergy Institute and the Energy Biosciences Institute, has been at the forefront of research and development of advanced alternative energy solutions, including renewable hydrocarbon biofuels. Dr. Chu’s expertise will be appreciated as the industry seeks to strengthen coordination with the Department of Energy in rapidly commercializing advanced biofuels.
“Carol Browner brings to the administration a wealth of experience in both administering a cabinet-level agency and in advising companies on practical ways to meet sustainability goals. Biotechnology companies have a firm commitment to reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through innovation.”
The Advanced Biofuels & Climate Change Information Center presents the latest commentary and data on the environmental, greenhouse gas and other impacts of biofuel production. Drop in and add your comments, at http://biofuelsandclimate.wordpress.com/.

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About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 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.

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