Governor’s budget plans call for 4-year, $10 million appropriation for Oklahoma Bioenergy Center
By OKCBusiness Staff - 1/30/2007


Governor Brad Henry announced at an afternoon press conference his 2007 budget will include a $10 million appropriation for an Oklahoma Bioenergy Center.


The Legislature convenes Feb. 5. The proposal would require their approval.


The center would focus on research, development and education and would pool researchers from throughout Oklahoma and the U.S.


“Oklahoma is well suited and well positioned to be a global leader in alternative energy,” Henry said. “My job is lay out proposals for how money is spent.”


After four years of $10 million appropriations, Henry believes the center would be self-supporting.


Because Oklahoma produces many of the most promising energy crops, such as swtichgrass and other native grasses, Henry believes the state is groomed for leading biofuel and bioenergy research.


“With 60 percent of the nation’s oil supply coming from foreign countries, many of which are openly hostile to the U.S., the need for renewable energy is clearly a matter of national security,” Henry said in a statement. “Not only would the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center play a vital role in reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, but it would be a great boon for Oklahoma in a number of ways. This institute would help diversify our state’s economy, protect our environment, create high-paying jobs and contribute to a revitalization of rural Oklahoma.”


Henry’s official statement also explained the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation would be founding consortium members and integral to OBC’s mission.