Experts Say Wind Energy Key To Oklahoma Economy

Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Speakers at a wind energy conference say Oklahoma has vast potential for the development of the renewable resource and that it could be a boon to the state's economy.

State Commerce Department officials say about 400 people are expected to attend the two-day Oklahoma Wind Commerce 2009 event, which began Tuesday. The conference comes just days after the state's ninth wind farm was dedicated near the western Oklahoma towns of Elk City and Hammon. 

State Energy Secretary Robert Wegener says the development of wind energy is not only critical to Oklahoma's energy future, but to the state's long-term economic stability and security.

He says that wind and natural gas, both occurring in abundance in Oklahoma, are an environmentally friendly energy tandem that could keep the state among the nation's energy leaders.