The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation presented Oklahoma Secretary of Energy David Fleischaker, J.D., with the Pioneer Award for his support of the state's emerging bioenergy industry. Fleischaker was given the award during the Noble Foundation's quarterly all-employee meeting on Wednesday.

The Noble Foundation presents the Pioneer Award to individuals outside of the agricultural and scientific communities who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of agriculture or plant science in Oklahoma.

The award honors Lloyd Noble, whose pioneering spirit made him a leader in the oil and gas industry, and a trailblazer in his support of the stewards of Oklahoma's natural resources. His dedication to innovative solutions combined with his concern for Oklahoma's farmers and ranchers led him to produce his ultimate gift - the Noble Foundation. In 1945, Noble established The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation to assist farmers and ranchers and promote land stewardship. Today the foundation is his living legacy, continuing his pursuit of bettering production agriculture through scientific discovery and agricultural research and programs.

"Lloyd Noble was a pioneer in every facet of his life from being a highly successful oilman to being a champion of the land and the farmers and ranchers that make it productive," said Michael A. Cawley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Noble Foundation. "Likewise, Secretary Fleischaker has advanced new agriculture opportunities in our state by advocating the need for Oklahoma to be a leader in the biofuels revolution. The bioenergy industry could provide farmers and ranchers with additional sources of revenue and greatly improve rural economies. We owe a great deal of thanks to Secretary Fleischaker for his vision of tomorrow's Oklahoma and his support for this emerging industry."

Throughout the past two years, Fleischaker has led the effort that brings together Oklahoma's two heritage industries - agriculture and energy production - to contribute to the national cause of reducing our dependence on foreign petroleum.

He conceived of bringing together and focusing the existing research programs of the Noble Foundation and Oklahoma's two comprehensive universities - the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) - to advance the bioenergy industry in Oklahoma, a project that culminated in the formation of the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC).

In June, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed legislation that officially created the OBC, which will strategically coordinate the research of the Noble Foundation, OU and OSU to break down barriers and facilitate technology development to create a flourishing bioenergy industry in Oklahoma.

"I'm honored to receive the Noble Foundation's Pioneer Award," said Fleischaker as he received the award. "I truly feel humbled to receive this honor. I am confident that as this industry becomes productive, many Oklahomans will benefit from new opportunities that do not exist today. I will continue to put my full energy behind assisting the State of Oklahoma in fostering this new industry."

Fleischaker earned his law degree (juris doctorate) from the University of Texas in 1970 and then spent 10 years in Washington, D.C., (1971-1981) where he practiced as a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice. He moved into private practice representing local governments and environmental groups in environmental litigation.

In 1982, Fleischaker returned to Oklahoma to become the chief operating officer of Jolen Operating Company, a domestic oil and gas exploration and production company. He now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Jolen. Fleischaker was appointed Secretary of Energy by Gov. Henry in 2003.

Fleischaker marks the fifth recipient of the Pioneer Award. Past recipients include: Congressman Tom Cole, Sen. Jim Inhofe, State Representative Greg Piatt, and State Senator Johnnie Crutchfield.

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News Release Issued: August 2, 2007

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.