President Obama has put the emphasis on renewable energy, and the buzz in the nation’s capitol… and the country… has been about turning algae into biodiesel.

To that end, PetroAlgae is opening a Washington, DC office and has sent three of its best folks there to work closer with the Obama Administration, Congress, non-profit groups, and the business community:

The three new appointments are Andrew Beck, who has joined the company as vice president of public affairs; Michael Gale and George Lyons, who have both joined the company as vice presidents of government relations.

“One of the most effective responses to the challenges of restoring our nation’s economy and responding to our climate and energy crisis is a green recovery,” said Dr. John Scott, Chairman of PetroAlgae. “These three talented individuals will lead PetroAlgae’s discussions with the Obama Administration, Members of Congress and others in the Washington to help educate the country on the ability of clean-energy to help create new jobs and contribute to the nation’s economic recovery.”

Beck, a veteran of the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA, will manage PetroAlgae’s strategic communications, public outreach and media relations operations. Gale was the president of Government Relations and International Trade Strategies and will now manage PetroAlgae’s interactions with government officials with a focus on energy, environmental, tax and international issues. Lyons, who will now manage PetroAlgae’s interactions with government officials with a focus on energy, tax, appropriations, and state issues, was a principal at the Gimga Group.