SIOUX FALLS Sen. John Thune (RS.D.) has been named Legislator of the Year from the international Biotechnology Innovation Organizations Industrial & Environmental Health Section. <\/p>\n
The award recognizes Senator Thunes support of the biotechnology industry and steadfast commitment to growing South Dakotas and the nations bio-based economy. <\/p>\n
Thunes award was presented by Doug Berven, a member of BIOs governing board and vice president of corporate affairs at Sioux Falls-based POET, and Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section. <\/p>\n
Sen. John Thune has been a strong and constant champion of policies that support industrial biotechnology companies in creating jobs, revitalizing manufacturing, improving U.S. energy security and building a bio-based economy, Erickson said. <\/p>\n
Senator Thune was first elected to the Senate in 2004, when the first Renewable Fuel Standard was under development. He helped expand the program in 2007 and has been a determined advocate in encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency to get the program on track for future growth. <\/p>\n
Thune also was recognized helping renew tax credits for second-generation biofuels and for co-sponsoring legislation to ensure mandatory funding for energy programs in the Agriculture Act of 2014. <\/p>\n
Through his efforts, Congress has incorporated innovative programs in the Farm bill to spur the development of biomass, purpose grown energy crops, bio-based products and renewable chemicals, Erickson said. <\/p>\n
Thune is a strong and consistent advocate for biotechnology in his home state as well, said Joni Johnson, executive director of South Dakota Biotech, the state affiliate for BIO. <\/p>\n
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\nBiotechnology group names Thune its legislator of the year - Watertown Public Opinion<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"