Going green

Algae viewed seen promising input for alternative fuels

Barry Cohen takes the concept of going green to a whole new level.

As director of the National Algae Association, he is a leading advocate of curbing U.S. dependence on oil by harnessing the power of tiny, green waterborne plants known to most as pond scum.

Though it may sound far-fetched, the idea has gained momentum in recent years.

After decades of research, algae now is viewed as one of the most promising inputs for alternative fuels like biodiesel, as well as a potential way to capture carbon emissions from polluting factories.

Houston Chronicle