By M. Scott Carter
As printed in The Moore American, October 10, 2007.

Next week, scientists and researchers from across the country will hit Oklahoma City to talk about alternative energy.

In short, biofuel.

Sponsored by Gov. Brad Henry's office, GROW: The Oklahoma Biofuels Conference, is scheduled for Oct. 16-17.

And in a state like Oklahoma – where oil and gas are supreme– the conference is a great idea.

Sure, there will be a discussion about corn-based Ethanol.

But instead of the standard, "let's use corn for Ethanol" argument, Okies are turning to the prairie for their inspiration.

Switchgrass.

"Switchgrass and other native Oklahoma prairie grasses show great potential for alternative fuels and can offset some of the downside of corn," Gov. Henry said. "Studies show the U.S. will need many renewable products besides corn to create transportation fuels to replace a portion of imported petroleum."

I agree.

With oil unstable and the United States importing ever increasing amounts, any idea that helps wean us off overseas crude should be considered.

Sure, ethanol is okay, but I'm not sure how much corn we can take out of the food supply and keep the price of Fritos to an affordable level. Plus, too many of us out there want to keep those mammoth Humvees running.

So let's consider switchgrass.

Like Red Cedar trees, it's everywhere. Switchgrass seems to grow forever and if there is a way to convert it to fuel, then let's do it.

According to the experts at the Ardmore-based Noble Foundation, switchgrass and other varieties of perennial prairie grasses – found naturally in Oklahoma – are relatively drought resistant, require modest amounts of energy-intensive fertilizers and regenerate yearly.

In comparison, corn requires annual replanting, large amounts of water and energy-intensive fertilizers. For these reasons, some scientists believe, the conversion of switchgrass to fuel can be far more energy efficient than the conversion of corn to fuel.

And consider this, with our state as a major producer of fuel based on switchgrass, Oklahoma could a major world exporter for biofuel.

See, I told you that red dirt was good for something.

Frankly, I could care less what my vehicle burns, as long as it works. And while I try to participate in the fight against global warming by conserving energy, recycling and bundling trips, I know that our oil-based days are numbered.

But all of us can do more.

And that's why I'm interested in the idea of switchgrass as a biofuel.

Somewhere in the future, the last few drops of oil will be sucked from the earth. If we've prepared for that time – through the development and marketing of alternative types of fuel – then life will go on and our country will prosper.

But if we continue to drive bigger and bigger vehicles, waste more than we conserve and badmouth the development of new and different ideas, then the future will be bleak.

But my money is on the Okies; we've survived tornadoes, Dust Bowls and the State Legislature and still stand tall.

And someday soon, we'll pull up to the filling station and ask for Bermuda Unleaded or High Octane Switchgrass.

This article appeared in The Moore American, www.themooreamerican.com, October 10, 2007.