Biofuels

Biofuel Experts Crop Up in Oklahoma Conference will Highlight Research, Funding and Development in Alternative Fuels

NORMAN, Okla. -- Farmers and ranchers will be the cornerstone of the emerging biofuel industry and are wondering how soon they will be able to sell a dedicated energy crop. Abundant native grasses and substantial research efforts in alternative fuels position Oklahoma to emerge as a leader in biorefining. With a net energy output more than four times that of corn ethanol, investors and policy makers are turning more attention to Oklahoma Switchgrass and other agricultural products as attractive sources of biofuel.

The emerging Oklahoma biofuel industry is the subject of Grow: The Oklahoma Governor's Conference on Biofuels October 3-4, 2006 at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

James Woolsey, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency will address the relationship between national security, dependence on foreign oil and the development of alternative transportation fuels. Other speakers include leading researchers in agricultural feedstock development and refining technologies, federal and local officials and representatives from the biotechnology, auto and petroleum industries.

Attendees will be updated on the latest news and developments in the biofuel industry:

~ The Oklahoma Biofuels Initiative
~ Report on the ongoing Oklahoma biomass resource study
~ Noble Foundation's development of a dedicated energy crop
~ Biorefinery construction in Oklahoma
~ Federal and state initiatives for biomass and biofuel production
~ Petroleum and automotive industries' commitment to alternative fuels
~ Impacts and opportunities for fleet managers, end users and marketers
~ Advances in feedstock conversion technology

"Oklahoma has a strong agricultural sector and its universities have a long and distinguished history in agricultural research and development," said David Fleischaker, Secretary of Energy, State of Oklahoma. "The fusion of agriculture, biotechnology and energy industries creates an opportunity for our state in the emerging biofuel sector. This conference brings together farmers, researchers, and industry experts from transportation, biorefining and fuel retail; those who play a critical role in creating a biorefining sector in Oklahoma."

Governor Brad Henry is pleased to welcome the following speakers: James Woolsey, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Dr. John Ferrell, Office of Biomass Programs, United States Department of Energy; Thomas Dorr, Under Secretary for Rural Development, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; Cynthia Riley, technology manager, Biomass Program, National Renewable Research Laboratory; Lou Burke, manager of Alternative Energy & Programs, ConocoPhillips; Dr. Ray Huhnke, professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University; Dr. Lance Lobban, director and Francis Winn Chair, School of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Oklahoma; Anna Rath, director of business development, Ceres-Inc.; Dr. Joe Bouton, Noble Foundation; Dr. David Bransby, Auburn University; Dr. Paul Zorner, Diversa; Maurice Hladik, marketing director, Iogen; Glenn English, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and former Oklahoma Congressman; Brent Kisling, State Director, U.S. Dept of Agriculture; Shelley N. Fidler, Principal, Van Ness Feldman Attorneys at Law; Robert Babik, Director, Vehicle Emission Issues, General Motors Corporation; and others.

Registration is $20. For more information or registration, visit www.GrowOK.com or call 1-800-203-5494. The Oklahoma Governor's Conference on Biofuels is presented by the Office of the Secretary of Energy, State of Oklahoma, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Secretary of Environment, State of Oklahoma.


Editor's note: For more information, to attend the conference or to receive additional media materials, please call Anglin Public Relations at (405) 840-4222. Materials available include: conference logo, photos of speakers, a map of research and biorefinery locations across Oklahoma, a graphic depicting the biofuel process and how researchers, farmers, biorefineries and gas stations are interrelated, and (after the conference) presentation summaries and links to podcasts/webcasts of the presentations. Most of these materials will be available in high resolution format on the conference web site at www.growOK.com Call Anglin Public Relations to discuss how your publication can receive same day reports and photos from the conference.