Kingston, RI -- In an effort to support renewable energy initiatives and improve consumer access to alternative fuels, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today toured the University of Rhode Island's Biofuel Development Laboratory.Dr. Albert Kausch, a URI professor of cellular and molecular biology, led the tour and gave Senator Reed a firsthand look at how cutting edge research occurring in Rhode Island can aid America's efforts to become more energy independent. The laboratory is pioneering research that will increase the amount of energy produced from ethanol developed from switchgrass."Reliable, affordable energy is critical to the economic well being of our nation and central to our national security. We need innovative initiatives and smart energy solutions, like the programs here at URI, that will provide consumers with greater access to cheaper, cleaner, renewable energy solutions," said Reed.URI's Biofuel Development goal is to increase the energy production from switchgrass through genetic engineering. This would be done by sterilizing the grass in order to increase biomass production, or yield, and developing a more efficient enzyme to degrade the plants' sugars into ethanol.The University of Rhode Island is one of only five research teams internationally working to increase the efficiency of converting cellulose into sugars to ferment into ethanol. It is URI and Brown University's goal to develop Rhode Island as research leader in the field of renewable energy and to commercialize the technology."Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs can reduce our demand foreign oil and represents our nation's best means of addressing a secure energy future. I am proud that Rhode Island is helping to lead the way to increase the energy production from renewable, domestic sources," said Reed.