About the American Biomass Energy Association
The American Biomass Energy Association is the nation’s leading organization working to expand and advance the use of clean, renewable, and reliable biomass energy. Led by Executive Director Carrie Annand, the Association represents 80 biomass power plants in 20 states across the U.S. Currently, the biomass energy industry protects the health and safety of our nation’s forests while providing 14,000 jobs nationwide, many of which are in rural areas.
ABEA is a member-driven organization with the goal of increasing the use of responsible and reliable American biomass energy and creating new jobs and opportunities in the biomass industry. ABEA educates policymakers at the state and federal level about the benefits of biomass and provides regular briefings and research to keep members fully informed about public policy impacting the biomass industry. Members include local owners and operators of existing biomass facilities, suppliers, plant developers, and others.
ABEA is actively involved in the legislative process and supports policies that increase the use of biomass energy and other renewable energy sources in America’s energy portfolio. As policymakers at every level explore ways to lower greenhouse gases and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, BPA is the leading advocate for a strong commitment to clean, renewable biomass energy.
BPA Staff
Carrie Annand
Executive Director
Biomass Washington, DC Office
Carrie Annand is the Executive Director of the American Biomass Energy Association (ABEA) based in Washington D.C. Carrie has worked with ABEA (formerly known as Biomass Power Association) since 2010, gradually expanding her role from outside PR consultant. Part of her portfolio is overseeing National Bioenergy Day, an annual nationwide educational event recognizing bioenergy’s contribution to heating and energy in the United States. The annual event has doubled in size since its inception in 2013.
In addition to media relations and communications, Carrie serves as a resource in membership outreach and government affairs. Carrie has more than twenty years of public affairs and communications experience across many issue areas. She previously served in the press office of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Phone:(202) 494-2493
Email: carrie@usabiomass.org
Bob Cleaves
Legal Advisor
Biomass Portland, ME Office
Bob is Legal Advisor for American Biomass Energy Association with offices in Washington D.C. and Portland, Maine. Founded in 1999 as the Biomass Power Association, ABEA is the nation’s leading voice for biomass as a means for generating electricity, representing over 2,000 MW of installed capacity. ABEA members include independent energy producers doing business in over 20 states and contributing nearly $1 billion to the national economy. ABEA maintains an active lobbying presence in Washington and concentrates on federal tax and energy policy to promote the use of woody biomass for electricity use.
Bob was formerly in business development with Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc., and practiced law in both the private and public sector, including three years as a federal prosecutor at the Department of Justice.
Phone: (207) 228-7376
Email: bob@usabiomass.org
Markus Videnieks
Policy Advisor
Washington, DC office
Markus Videnieks serves as head of policy for American Biomass Energy Association. He brings 20 years of public policy and communications experience to provide expert strategic guidance on legislative and issue campaigns. He has extensive experience guiding clients in the renewable energy space through critical legislative and regulatory challenges. As these industries grow to meet global environmental and energy needs, he is adept at
communicating a path forward to government audiences.
Markus also has a strong background in transportation policy and funding, notably involving the appropriations process (Congressionally Directed Spending), as well as safety regulations, and the rapidly evolving nexus between vehicle efficiency and environmental/emissions concerns. For four years he managed a school transportation industry-wide coalition in which he led national advocacy campaigns, held major public events featuring Cabinet officials, and interacted with press.
Markus is a Washington, DC native whose first job was a U.S. Senate Page in high school, and he later worked for Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller.
Phone: (202) 550-3267
Email: markus@smartpolicygroup.com
ABEA Board of Directors