Washington, D.C. (June 11, 2019) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today expressed support for a U.S. Senate letter, authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), requesting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler end the practice of granting small refinery hardship waivers under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for large or unqualified refiners and immediately reallocate the gallons of biofuels lost as a result of the waivers. Klobuchar and Duckworth were joined on the letter by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). The following statement may be attributed to Stephanie Batchelor, acting executive vice president of BIO’s industrial & environmental section: “The senators in this letter are right to call on EPA to end its practice of granting unjustified RFS waivers. The current policy undercuts American farmers and biofuels producers, generates market uncertainty, and negates the benefits of the agency’s past clean air actions. If the United States is to significantly reduce its transportation sector’s harmful greenhouse gas emissions and bolster U.S. energy security, then we must embrace a renewable fuel future and promote the development of new, innovative biofuels. Reversing the unprecedented rate of waivers, in addition to allowing the year-round use of 15 percent biofuels in gasoline, will put our country on a more sustainable path and uphold the Trump administration’s commitment to our nation’s farmers and biofuels producers. We thank the senators who signed this letter, and BIO will continue to engage with Administrator Wheeler on this important issue.” A PDF of the letter is available here. Text of the letter is below. Dear Administrator Wheeler: We are…

Washington, D.C. (June 11, 2019) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today expressed support for President Donald J. Trump’s executive order, titled “Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products.” The executive order (EO 13874) directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review their respective agricultural biotechnology regulatory systems in an effort to streamline processes and remove overly burdensome regulations. The following statement may be attributed to BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood: “America is on the threshold of entering a new era of sustainable agriculture and food production, and it’s important we get this right for farmers, consumers, U.S. companies, and the world as a whole. With prudent regulations, we can foster American innovation and bring to market biology-driven solutions that are improving nutrition, reducing food waste, increasing crop yield, combating debilitating crop diseases, and advancing environmentally friendly farming practices. “BIO applauds the Trump administration for taking this important step forward to ensure government policy does not hinder 21st-century biotechnology from addressing the many global challenges—from a looming food crisis to climate change—facing society today. We will continue to engage with the agencies throughout this process to ensure our regulatory infrastructure is science-based and transparent, and just as we are committed to working with the government, we also pledge to be a driver of forthright conversations and dialogues with consumers in an effort to identify shared values and energize public understanding.” ###

Philadelphia, PA – (June 6, 2019) – The 2019 BIO International Convention, the world’s premier life sciences event, today wrapped up four days of meetings, presentations and discussions designed to advance biotechnology innovation and solutions to the world’s toughest challenges today. United under the Convention theme, “It Starts With One,” companies, academic centers, patient groups, researchers, regulatory leaders and investors worked to progress approaches in key areas, such as drug development, patient access, gene therapy, diversity and inclusion, opioids, renewable fuels and agriculture.  Hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), this year’s Convention drew 17,307 attendees from 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 65 countries to Philadelphia and its burgeoning biotech community. “BIO 2019 perfectly reflected our theme and organization’s belief that the singular steps we take each day can have a significant global impact on health and biotechnology,” said Joanne Duncan, President, Membership and Business Operations at BIO. “We believe many of these first steps took place this week and that attendees are now better prepared to continue marching forward to deliver innovations that heal, feed and fuel the world.” BIO 2019 included over 1,800 exhibitors, more than 800 speakers, over 250 company presentations, 126 educational sessions, nine super sessions, seven fireside chats and 18 education tracks.  Siddhartha Mukherjee, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, physician and oncologist, and Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, delivered keynote addresses that put a spotlight on current and future opportunities in gene therapy and improving diversity and inclusion within the biotech industry, respectively. The Convention continued to demonstrate that it is the premiere networking event for the biotechnology industry. Facilitated by BIO’s One-on-One Partnering™ system, BIO 2019 hosted more than 48,500…

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) applauds members of the House of Representatives for passing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPAI) of 2019.

Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood released the following statement today on the departure of United Airlines’ “Flight for the Planet.” The flight, which is traveling on World Environment Day from Chicago O’Hare to Los Angeles, is the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation. 

Washington, D.C. (June 5, 2019) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of proposed revisions to its biotechnology regulations, referred to by the agency as the “SECURE” rule. The following statement may be attributed to Dana O’Brien, executive vice president of BIO’s food & agriculture section: “BIO appreciates USDA’s diligent approach in undertaking this important biotechnology rulemaking and the agency’s overall commitment to improving predictability and pre-market oversight based on actual risk. We are thoroughly reviewing the proposal with our members as well as with key stakeholders and look forward to engaging with USDA in the coming weeks. “A functional, predictable, legally defensible, and science-based regulatory infrastructure must be accompanied by credible, proactive transparency measures if we are to spur continued investment in and long-term success for the biology-driven innovations that are improving our planet, health, and food. These advancements, driven by a deep understanding of biology and genetics, are at the very heart of BIO’s mission and membership. “Looking forward, BIO will continue its emphasis on bolstering the benefits-driven dialogues that are helping identify shared values and energize consumer understanding and acceptance.” ### Download BIO's comments on USDA's proposed Part 340 rule here:

A new slate of officers and Board members were elected during the 2019 BIO International Convention

Philadelphia, PA (June 4, 2019) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released “Transforming Ideas into Advances: Best Practices in State and Regional Bioscience Economic Development Initiatives” today at the 2019 BIO International Convention. The fifth edition of the Best Practices Guide is the bioscience industry’s leading comprehensive analysis of state legislative and regulatory initiatives in support of economic development. Almost every state in the country has continued to actively engage in building bioscience infrastructure. Throughout the last decade, understanding of the economic potential of the industry has led to policies and programs that provide supportive tax environments in capital formation, technology transfer, and funding for a workforce to facilitate research, development, and manufacturing. “The policies our elected officials pursue directly impact the ability of bioscience companies to turn breakthroughs in the lab into life-saving medications on the pharmacy shelf,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “This report demonstrates that amid challenging budget environments, state elected officials continue to lead and support economic development initiatives that encourage the type of innovation that leads to new bioscience products and continued job growth.” The report, which conducted a review of all 50 states and their initiatives to support the bioscience companies highlights key examples of state efforts to grow and sustain the bioscience industry while emphasizing the importance of developing trained workforces that will create, grow, and retain bioscience companies. In evaluating initiatives put forth by the states, the report also explores the rational behind current legislative efforts and offers a reference guide showing the application of specific legislation in certain states and outcomes. "Nationwide, our industry directly employs more than 1.7 million people. These are high-quality jobs, paying…

BIO announces the hiring of Rich Masters as BIO's new Executive Vice President (EVP) for Public Affairs. Rich officially will join BIO on June 17th.