WASHINGTON, DC - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman today announced the appointment of twelve members to serve on the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee.  Committee members assist the Departments of Agriculture and Energy in meeting important national goals of a healthier rural economy and improved national energy security.  

The Committee provides expert advice to the two secretaries on strategic planning; the technical focus and direction of requests for proposals issued under the biomass initiative; procedures for reviewing and evaluating proposals for funding; and encouraging closer collaboration among federal and state agencies, industry and growers. The Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee was established by the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000.

Members of the Committee represent backgrounds such as the biofuels industry, academia with expertise in biobased fuels and products, commodity trade associations, environmental and conservations organizations, State governments, and agricultural economics.  They are appointed to a term of three years and maybe reappointed to two consecutive terms.

The newly appointed members are:

• David Anton, Venture Manager of Biofuels for the Dupont Corporation, Wilmington, Del
• Lou Honary, Director ABIL Research Program, University of Northern Iowa, Waverly, Iowa
• E. Alan Kennett, President Gay & Robinson Sugar, Kaumakani, Hawaii
• Mark Maher, Executive Director, GM Powertrain Vehicle Integration, Pontiac, Mich.
• John McKenna, CEO Hamilton Clark & Co, McLean, Va.
• Ed McClellan, Alston & Bird LLP, Washington, D.C.
• Mitchell Peele, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, Raleigh, N.C.
• Jeffrey Serfass, President Technology Transition Corporation, Washington, D.C.
• Robert Sharp, Vice President Mobile Forest Products, Mobile, Ala.
• J. Read Smith, Co-Chair Agriculture Energy Work Group, St. Johns, Wash.
• Rodney Williamson, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Johnston, Iowa
• Thomas Binder (Reappointed), President of Research, Archer Daniels Midland, Decatur, Ill.

Media contact(s):
DOE: Craig Stevens (202) 586-4940
USDA: Jim Brownlee (202) 720-4623