LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- U.S. Sen. Tom Udall was in Las Cruces Tuesday, Aug. 9., to take a tour of New Mexico State University's Algal Biofuel Research Facility. During his stop, Udall also took time from his schedule to meet the Board of Directors of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces and sit down for a question-and-answer session focused on small business and federal legsilative issues as they pertain to Las Cruces and Doña Ana County.

Udall began his day by touring the NMSU algae research facility at the Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center. There, he met and spoke with NMSU scientists who explained the science and technology behind the conversion of algae to diesel biofuel. Following the demonstration by NMSU scientists, Udall held a press conference to express his support and tentative introduction of a federal bill that would put algal biofuel research and production on the same incentive path as other biofuels that come from feedstock.

The Hispano Chamber Board of Directors then met Sen. Udall for a closed session to discuss local business and economic development issues. During the meeting, issues such as border patrol expansion, local job growth, impact fees and the federal deficit were discussed.