A University of Florida microbiology professor was among a small group of alternative energy experts who met with President Bush Friday at the White House.

Dr. Lonnie Ingram, director of the Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels, has been studying ethanol for more than 20 years and has developed a biotechnology “bug” that converts biomass and other farm wastes into fuel.

According to an article from the Gainesville Sun, Ingram talked to Bush about “Florida’s potential to be a key player in the alternative fuel market.”

“I told him Florida produces more biomass than any state in the country,” Ingram said. “Florida could lead the country.”

After the meeting on Friday, President Bush told reporters that he “met with people that are working to help us develop a fuel industry that will be able to have ethanol derived from produce other than corn. In other words, I’m talking with people on the leading edge of change. And the reason why I’ve asked them to come in to see me is because I want to make sure that the goal I set by reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent over a 10-year period is a realistic goal. I know it’s a necessary goal: it’s necessary for national security purposes; it’s necessary for economic security purposes; and it’s necessary in order to be good stewards of the environment.”

Listen to a previous Domestic Fuel interview with Ingram about his biomass technology research. Ingram Interview