BIO Applauds Alternative Energy and Healthcare Initiatives in President’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 23, 2007) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) applauded the significant and far-reaching initiatives to stimulate large-scale production of biofuels from cellulosic biomass and to increase Americans’ access to healthcare which President Bush outlined in his State of the Union address tonight. 

“With recent advances in industrial biotechnology, the United States can achieve the goal of the production of 35 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2017 which the President outlined. Greater production and use of biofuels will help the United States address the challenge of climate change while increasing our energy independence,” stated BIO President Jim Greenwood.  “The President is to be commended for his visionary goal of establishing the U.S. as the world leader in the production of renewable and alternative energy sources through the use of industrial biotechnology.”

“The U.S. is already a leader in healthcare, yet too many Americans do not have access to affordable health insurance, preventative healthcare services, and other basic healthcare needs.  BIO supports the President’s goal to make private health insurance more affordable and accessible to the millions of Americans who are currently uninsured,” added Greenwood.  “We believe all Americans should have access to innovative therapies that can enhance and extend lives.” 

“BIO looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress in pursuit of these goals,” Greenwood concluded.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.  www.bio.org

Upcoming Events

·        BIO CEO & Investor Conference

Feb. 12-14, 2007, New York City

·        2007 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing

March 21-24, 2007, Orlando, FL

·        BIO International Convention

May 6-9, 2007, Boston, MA

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