Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

John Williams

Then: I was neck deep in the planning for the grand opening/commissioning of Imperium Renewables flagship production facility – Imperium Grays Harbor. At the time, it was the nation’s largest biodiesel production facility. The opening, in August, would make global news and put the company and Washington state on the path to being known as a leader in renewable energy. I was also doing PR for Propel Fuels, Targeted Growth and an algae startup, Bionavitas. I was loving being in the middle of a brand new industry driven by passionate and committed entrepreneurs that wanted to change the world.

Now: Still trying to save the planet. We represent the Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the US algae industry. We also work with LanzaTech and Oberon Fuels, two companies converting waste into low carbon fuel, as well as Arzeda a synthetic biology company that can create sustainable safe products by purpose-building enzymes and proteins.

We remain committed to helping startups in the bioeconomy find a toehold in the marketplace through clear and compelling messaging, exposure in local, trade and national media, and thought leadership in industry events, forums and conferences.

Inspirations: The perseverance of entrepreneurs, scientists, government agencies, national labs, venture capitalists and Fortune 500 companies has ensured that this industry continues to thrive. Opponents of clean energy may have won a few battles, but they will lose the war.

Challenges: My biggest regret is that the bioeconomy became (and remains) a political wedge issue. There’s no reason that an industry that creates jobs, exportable goods and technologies, improves the quality of life for Americans and is a strategic military asset should be anything other than promoted by both sides of the aisle. It’s a damn shame it hasn’t been.