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Algae experts say industry is poised to advance with new Ariz. laws


May 08, 2012

“Algae production is a high-growth industry, and Arizona is perfectly suited to become its epicenter,” wrote Gary Dirks, director of LightWorks at Arizona State University and  Dan Simon, president and CEO of Heliae, in a column that appeared in the Arizona Republic and online at USAtoday.com.

Dirks and Simon described the importance of what two new algae laws will provide to algae research, development and commercialization in the state. “With the passage of these two Arizona bills, we will offer algae the same benefits as any other agricultural product grown in our state and enable us to build large-scale algae farming operations that will benefit Arizona citizens through high-paying jobs, increased tax base, additional investment capital and sustainable use of agricultural lands for generations to come,” they wrote.

They noted support by the governor, legislature and Science Foundation Arizona for work being done in this field at the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI) at ASU’s Polytechnic campus. “This R&D leadership gives Arizona a solid technology foundation for supporting new businesses in the state,” according to Dirks and Simon.

Article source: Arizona Republic

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