U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif.,  have each received the ‘Champion of Algae’ Award from the Algae Biomass Organization. The award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to algae research, technology, and product development.

Sen. Whitehouse is a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and co-founder of the senate Climate Action Taskforce. His website lists acting on climate change and protecting the environment as one of his top legislative priorities. He has been a strong supporter of the algae industry in Rhode Island.

Rep. Scott Peters is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over legislation and regulation pertaining to energy and the environment, healthcare, telecommunications, and interstate commerce, placing it among the most influential policy-making bodies in Congress. During his tenure, Rep. Peters has introduced legislation designed to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in federal buildings. In 2013, he co-founded the bipartisan Congressional Algae Caucus.

A press release from the ABO quotes Matt Carr, the executive director, saying, “Sheldon Whitehouse and Scott Peters have worked tirelessly to advance new algae technologies that will maintain the economic competitiveness of the United States, and bring jobs to rural and urban areas alike. We look forward to working with them in the future, and many others on both sides of the aisle that are discovering how an advanced algae industry can bring so many benefits to the United States.”