Rob: Well, Jessica, it certainly sounds as if, if biofuels research is
really going to take off in this country, it's going to have to have some
federal investment.
Jessica: You're absolutely right, Rob.
It takes millions of dollars to support
research projects like this.
In fact, at this year's Grow Conference, Ardmore senator, Johnnie
Crutchfield, received the prestigious Henry Bellmon Award.
An award named after the former Oklahoma governor for his early support of
alternative energy, research and development.
Senator Crutchfield spearheaded the effort to create the Oklahoma
Bioenergy Center.
Senator Crutchfield: Initially the state investment, as so many
projects, federal or state, they have to have some initial support to
get it started.
And we've done that, 10 million a year for four years with this group,
with OU, OSU, and Noble Foundation, to be able to begin the research in
earnest to look at switchgrass and other type of cellulose products to
create bioenergy sources that are not out there now.
Rob: So, Jessica, I know a lot of time, effort and money have been spent on
developing the biofuels industry here in Oklahoma; but, in fact, how close
are we where we could actually rely on biofuels as a viable energy source?
Jessica: Well, Rob, as Lance Cargill said, it's going to take some heavy
support from business developers and entrepreneurs to really
grow these companies across the state.
The state government has already provided start-up funds for research, but
it's going to take private investors to really get
this moving confidently in Oklahoma.
Rob: It sounds like a public, private partnership.
Well, I appreciate the story, Jessica.
Jessica: Thank you.
Rob: Now a little later in our show, we will show you exactly how that
public-private partnership is working here in Oklahoma.