Senator Murray Announces $2 Million for Clean Energy Research on Algae Biofuels

Funding will create jobs, position Washington state as a leader in clean energy technology

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she has included $2 million for clean energy algae biofuels research at Washington State University in the fiscal year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill.

“This funding will support cutting-edge research that will create jobs and continue to position Washington state as a leader in the clean energy economy,” said Senator Patty Murray. “It provides a shot in the arm for Washington state biofuels research, and will help our country move toward cleaner and more efficient energy use.”

The WSU Algae Biofuels project is a partnership between WSU and the Seattle-based Targeted Growth Inc. It will create high-skill jobs in both Pullman and the Puget Sound area and provide researchers with the resources they need to develop new, energy-efficient algal fuel sources. Algae is a particularly promising candidate for fuel use, as its efficiency in capturing solar energy results in higher productivity per unit area than a traditional biofuel energy crop.

“Washington State University is committed to partnering with the clean-technology sector to find innovative solutions for supplying energy and improving environmental quality,” said Howard Grimes, the WSU Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. “This funding will allow our scholars and partners to apply their knowledge to solve problems and create economic opportunity in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the world.”

The funding was included in the Energy and Water Development fiscal year 2010 spending bill. Having passed the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee today, the bill will now go to the full Appropriations Committee before going to the full Senate for consideration.