The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee and has published a notice soliciting nominations for new members.

Committee members may serve two, three-year terms. The DOE is currently seeking nominations for an individual affiliated with a commodity trade association, individuals affiliated with environmental or conservation organizations, and an individual with expertise in the economics of biofuels and biobased products. Nominations will also be accepted for a variety of other membership categories, including those with expertise in process engineering related to biorefineries or biobased coproducts that enable fuel production.

Nominations are solicited from organizations, associations, societies, councils, federations, groups, universities, and companies that represent a wide variety of biomass research and development interests throughout the country, and must be submitted by June 30.

The next committee meeting is scheduled to be held June 15-16. The meeting aims to develop advice and guidance that promotes research and development leading to the production of biobased fuels and products. The tentative agenda includes updates on USDA and DOE biomass research and development activities, along with panels on near-term motivations for and benefits of accelerated development of a biobased economic engine.

Additional information on the nomination process and meeting are available on the Federal Register website.