Grow Oklahoma Grow! – Third Annual Biofuel Conference

Biofuel and the Future in Oklahoma

Biofuel Alternatives, Advancements & the Future in Oklahoma

November 12th, 2008; marked the beginning of the third annual “GrowOK – Biofuel Conference” and I was privileged to be a part of it. And what a conference it was. From the opening statements to the closing comments you could tell that this group of people has been, is, and will be, making a difference in the world to come. Scientists, politicians, legislators, educators, ranchers & farmers, researchers & engineers all working together for a common goal, came together with one common interest – energy & biofuel. Some came to listen and learn and some to share valuable information of what is going on in the biofuel industry. They didn’t all agree on the methods to achieve that goal; however, they all agreed on the goal and the need to be doing something while they work out the logistics on how to reach that goal together.

Alternative Fuel – Biofuel

What is that common goal that brought over 200 people together from all over the country? Energy! Biofuel! And the Future!

David Fleishaker - Secretary of Energy, State of Oklahoma

Secretary of Energy for the State of Oklahoma – David Fleischaker, opened the conference by sharing the early beginnings of this conference and how it has changed over just three years. The first year was a group of people with a vision – and this year some of those things that were talked about were now research projects moving forward, they were now organizations committing to renewable fuels and doing something about it, they were now showing progress and the people who see the future, and realize what is happening in the world with a global vision has grown.

The key focus of the conference was biofuels and energy.

How can we create more biofuels, what is the impact of creating biofuels as opposed to continuing to use current fuel sources. Experts shared on the current impact to our economy, health, atmosphere & future if we continue to move in the direction we are moving in regards to energy, fuel & fuel sources. We heard from such notable experts as:

Steven Rhines – The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Nancy Checklick – International Fuel Quality Center, Houston, TX
James Covey – State Representative, Custer City, OK
Ray Hobbs – Arizona Public Services, Phoenix, AZ
Joe Outlaw – Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Craig Eppling – General Motors, Dallas, TX
John Ferrell - Office of Biomass Programs, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.

And many, many more.

Overall Consensus

Energy is the linchpin of our Economy

There is an urgent need in the world today for the United States (and other nations) , to implement an alternative-fuel solution to our growing dependence on foreign oil, and the over consumption of our limited resources. It is imperative to develop energy alternatives that are renewable and to manage our valuable resources before it is too late.

Energy is the linchpin of our economy. It is fundamental to our prosperity and it directly contributes to our quality of life. It effects every person in our nation and we must all take responsibility in becoming part of the energy solution.
This Nation is searching for a new energy future! Why?

• It effects our economic security
• It is effecting our National Security
• Our resources are running out
• It adversely effects our health

What is the Solution?

One of the things that I carried with me out of this conference is that “There is no single answer!” There are multiple answers to generate one overall solution. We have areas of our nation where we can increase crop production, we have areas where we can grow products like switchgrass & sorghum – all beneficial products. We have resources to improve productivity of many products and encourage and help fund equipment for harvesting, increase marketability and thus increase our market strength. We need to educate in areas of decreasing use of petroleum products when possible, conserving energy where applicable and not only help people become aware – but go beyond awareness to action.

We as a people, and as a nation have overcome great diversity, great hardships and great needs and as a people we have been able to come up with answers and solutions and implement those solutions in order to make our nation and the world a better place – by the grace of God. We are at a crossroads where we must once again decide and act as a people united to make clean and renewable energy the priority if we are to have a future. If we can’t do it – we can’t expect other nations to care as they enter into their industrial age.

Let us set the stage and set the standard by our actions and our resolve to do what is necessary to make a difference for our future & the future of our world.