By Burns Hargis, Michael Cawley and David Boren
As printed in The Oklahoman, March 28, 2008.

Through Oklahoma's 100-year history, the state has endured and overcome disasters and obstacles, from depression and Dust Bowl days to oil booms and busts. Today's challenges are no less daunting and require the combination of innovative people, technology, research, political vision and unwavering dedication.

Our country's energy needs are a prime example of how Oklahoma can help solve one of the toughest problems facing America today. Following signing by President Bush of the new energy law that mandates 36 billion gallons of renewable transportation fuel, Oklahoma is well positioned to play a leading role in the national effort to produce biofuels to power the country's economy.

Our state legislators should be commended for their foresight and leadership in creating the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center to focus research efforts on the development of cellulosic ethanol. It is natural for Oklahoma to combine its energy and agriculture industries in this very important effort. The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center was proposed by Gov. Brad Henry in 2006, and funded by the Legislature in 2007, with the promise of continuing support over the next four years.

Partners in the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center are the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the Noble Foundation, which are collaborating on the development of cellulosic ethanol from crops like switchgrass, sweet sorghum and milo, and the development of technologies to convert biomass to transportation fuel. The focus is on crops that are viable on marginally productive lands, which produce more energy per unit of input than corn and which do not compete with human food and animal feed markets.

We're proud to be part of the research and economic development collaboration that's working to make our state a leader in America's quest to reduce its dependence on foreign petroleum, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to redirect investment into rural America. This is a critical time for Oklahoma. We once again have an opportunity to serve as an energy leader, both in research and production, for our nation and for the world.

Hargis and Boren are presidents of Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, respectively. Cawley is president and CEO of the Noble Foundation.

This article appeared in The Oklahoman, www.newsok.com, on March 28, 2008.