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Sessions Congratulates Auburn University
for “Grand Challenge” Energy Award
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) congratulated Auburn University today for winning the United States Department of Agriculture’s “Grand Challenge” award, presented in recognition of the University’s work in the fields of renewable fuel and alternative energy.
The national competition, designed to promote leadership and forward-thinking regarding the future of bioenergy in America, recognized 15 academic institutions for their work.
Auburn partnered with Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University to present its winning entry titled “Partnerships: The Pathway to a Vibrant Bio-economy in Alabama.” Auburn researchers will present their material during Bioenergy Awareness Days in Washington, D.C. on June 19 – 22.
“This USDA award is an important recognition of Auburn’s commitment to research on biofuels and alternative energy,” Sessions said. “Our nation faces a number of serious energy challenges, including rising prices and a growing dependence on foreign oil. I am greatly impressed with the University’s dedication to meeting these challenges, and I am pleased that Auburn officials have made it clear that this area of research will be a focal point moving forward.”
Sessions, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, praised University researchers for their efforts to use renewable materials found in Alabama, such as forestry products and wood chips.
“Auburn is focused on using materials that are abundant in Alabama, such as woodchips, switchgrass, and timber products,” Sessions said. “Finding cost-effective ways to use these materials, which have few alternative uses and don’t impact food prices, is an important step toward ending our dependence on foreign energy. I congratulate Dr. Larry Fillmer, Dr. Steve Taylor, and the team at Auburn for their important work in this field.”
Sessions visited Auburn University last week as part of a 14-stop week-long energy tour of the state. While there, Sessions observed a demonstration of new biomass gasification technology and took part in a roundtable discussion with University researchers.
Fifteen schools, including Auburn, were selected as recipients of the award. The winners include up to two institutions from each of the four USDA geographic regions, two winners from the 1890 land-grant colleges, and five ‘at-large’ winners. In addition to Auburn, the list of winners includes the University of Georgia, Cornell University, and the University of Illinois.
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