BIO Thanks Senators for Clearing a Path for Military Biofuel Producers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Sens. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), and co-sponsors for amending language in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 that will block the Department of Defense’s (DoD) participation in public-private partnerships to produce advanced biofuels. BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood released the following statement:

“Over-reliance on foreign oil creates unnecessary strategic risks for the U.S. armed forces. While oil prices remain high, U.S. military operations are demanding more and more energy, as the DoD seeks to protect U.S. soldiers with more heavily armored equipment.”

“Over-reliance on foreign oil creates unnecessary strategic risks for the U.S. armed forces. While oil prices remain high, U.S. military operations are demanding more and more energy, as the DoD seeks to protect U.S. soldiers with more heavily armored equipment.

“Military leaders have recognized that building a domestic advanced biofuels industry to produce cost-competitive fuels is a national security priority. They have responded to this need in the same way the United States has responded to similar challenges in the past – by proposing public-private partnerships to produce advanced biofuels. There are already several private companies working toward the goal who have made significant investments and progress. The action taken today by Senators Hagan, Johnson, Udall and Murray will help clear the path for them and establish a consistent federal policy to achieve energy security.”

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. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

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