Algae Biomass Organization Urges National Park Service Not to Drain Lincoln Memorial Pool

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Sep 26, 2012) -  The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, today urged the National Park Service to delay draining the algae in the Lincoln Memorial Pool. Algae contain oils, proteins and carbohydrates that can be converted into low carbon fuels, chemicals, animal feed and health food. Based on estimates, the pool could produce more than 1.5 million gallons of low carbon, domestic fuel per year if it was used exclusively for algae production.

"While we would never advocate using the Pool to produce algae full time, it is a highly visual reminder that the attributes of algae which frustrate consumers are the very same that make algae ideal as an industrial raw material," said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Algae Biomass Organization. "Algae grow in a variety of places, multiply fast, and need only sunlight and CO2 to grow. Best of all, fuels made from algae work in existing engines with no modification."

Currently more than 200 companies, labs, research institutions and entrepreneurs across the country are developing technologies to convert algae into fuels, feed and food. This week more than 750 industry leaders are showcasing breakthroughs in additional products, including paper, plastics and carpet fiber at the group's 6th Annual Algae Biomass Summit.

With new production facilities planned or operating from Pennsylvania to New Mexico and from Florida to Hawaii, and many other places, algae-based fuels and other products are emerging as a new opportunity to create jobs and alternatives to imported fuel.

"We're hard at work showing the world that algae will have a significant impact across many sectors of our economy, from chemicals and plastics, to health foods and nutraceuticals, to animal feed and renewable fuels," said Rosenthal.

About the ABO
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.