BIO Supports Commitment to Making July 4 Energy Independence Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, July 02, 2008) - Through increased development and use of advanced biofuels combined with simple conservation strategies, the United States can extend its supply of homegrown energy and increase its energy security in 2009. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today joined 32 other organizations to support a national commitment to making July 4, 2009, Energy Independence Day.

Currently, domestic petroleum production will meet 2009 U.S. transportation needs for 128 days. The Renewable Fuel Standard instituted this year calls for production of 9 billion gallons of biofuel, which will extend our domestic fuel supply for an additional 21 days. The United States has the capacity to produce enough homegrown biofuels to extend our energy independence by 37 days. With simple fuel efficiency measures that many Americans are already employing, due to high oil prices, the United States could reach July 4, 2009, without needing to rely on imported oil or drill for oil in sensitive areas.

BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood stated, “The Renewable Fuels Standard calls for production of 36 billion gallons of advanced biofuels by 2022, which would equal 57 days of energy independence. Ongoing research and development of advanced biotech fuels made from renewable non-food raw materials has made this an achievable goal. There are currently more than 30 facilities to produce advanced biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol in the planning stage, and more are being announced every month. America must strengthen its commitment to reducing reliance on oil through domestic production of biofuels.”

The “Advanced Biofuels & Climate Change Information Center” presents the latest commentary and data on the environmental and other impacts of biofuel production. Drop in and add your comments, at http://biofuelsandclimate.wordpress.com/.

Upcoming BIO Events

Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
Sept. 10-12, 2008
Vancouver, BC

BIO Investor Forum 2008
October 29-31, 2008
San Francisco, CA

BIO-Europe 2008
November 17-19, 2008
Mannheim/Heidelberg, Germany

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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