WASHINGTON--()--The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today expressed its disappointment that the Florida legislature passed and Gov. Rick Scott (D-Fla.) signed HB 4001, repealing the state?s Renewable Fuel Standard. The law had required that on-road transportation fuel sold in the state contain between 9 and 10 percent renewable fuel from biomass.
?Florida has been on the cutting edge in research and development of cellulosic and algae biofuels, as well as new crops for advanced biofuels, such as energy cane. Undermining the state?s market for biofuels will discourage further development within the state, potentially driving out innovation, investment and jobs.?
?Florida?s repeal of its RFS sends a chilling message that companies developing advanced biofuel and other biotechnology innovations are unwelcome in the state,? said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO?s Industrial & Environmental Section. ?Florida has been on the cutting edge in research and development of cellulosic and algae biofuels, as well as new crops for advanced biofuels, such as energy cane. Undermining the state?s market for biofuels will discourage further development within the state, potentially driving out innovation, investment and jobs.?
?Companies have invested more than $215 million in Florida over the past five years to develop commercial-scale advanced biofuel projects. These projects have generated nearly 1,000 high skill new jobs in the state,? Erickson continued. ?Florida?s bioscience industry has monitored the state?s commitment to policies that drive investment and development of new industries. Florida?s biotech sector comprises more than 5,100 companies that employ more than 78,000 Floridians, contributing to the state?s job growth over the past decade. Biotech companies provide higher than average wages (about $30,000 above the average) to well-educated and highly skilled workers. A significant number of those companies and people are focused on biotech solutions to improve agricultural productivity and growing new crops for energy.?
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.
Upcoming BIO Events
World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology
June 16-19, 2013
Montreal, Canada
BIO Investor Forum
October 8-9, 2013
San Francisco, CA
BIO IPCC Conference
November 6-8, 2013
Washington, DC
BIO Convention in China
November 11-13, 2013
Beijing, China
Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioenergy
December 8-11, 2013
San Diego, CA
BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 10-11, 2014
New York, NY
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