SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dec. 11, 2013) – Eric Ebenstein has been hired as Director of State Affairs for POET, overseeing state legislative and regulatory efforts related to biofuels. He is based in Washington, D.C.
Ebenstein will work with state lawmakers to anticipate and identify trends in state policies that impact biorefinery operations and will maintain a POET presence in state Capitols. He will help develop collaborative industry goals and messages at the state level during the 2014 legislative sessions and beyond.

“I’m honored and excited to begin this new opportunity with POET,” said Ebenstein. “Not only am I passionate about the importance of renewable biofuels, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share this passion with state lawmakers and regulatory agencies across this country. Energy independence is one of the critical issues facing our country and consumers in the 21st century and I’m proud to join a team that’s dedicated to finding the solution.”

Before joining POET, Ebenstein served as Chief of Staff, Government Relations, U.S. and the Americas at Hewlett Packard Corporation and had responsibility for Eastern Region state and local government relations. He is a native of New York and holds an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Ebenstein can be reached at Eric.Ebenstein@POET.com.

About POET

POET, one of the world’s largest ethanol producers, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 25-year-old company has a production capacity in excess of 1.6 billion gallons of ethanol and 9 billion pounds of high-protein animal feed annually from its network of 27 production facilities. POET also operates a pilot-scale cellulosic bio-ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs, leaves, husk and some stalk as feedstock, and expects to commercialize the process in Emmetsburg, Iowa through its joint venture with DSM. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.