Pickens' Plan Pushing Alternatives

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - T. Boone Pickens said there's no reason the U.S. should spend $700 billion a year on foreign oil when there's energy right in our own backyard.

Oklahoma is leading the way toward making alternative fuels a way of life and natural gas pumps are one step in that direction. If Pickens has his way, those pumps will become a familiar site at stations across the country.

Pickens' push toward alternative fuels came out of frustration over seeing American dollars shipped overseas.

"I want to do something for America. I'm 80-years-old and I kind of had a feeling that the next campaign is too late for this story," T. Boone Pickens said.

He has blanketed the airwaves with ads touting natural gas and wind energy as a viable solution to oil and a part of ‘Picken's Plan.'

"The governor is certainly supportive of any measure that could increase the use of CNG for vehicles," Gov. Henry's spokesman Phil Bachrach said.

Monday,that support gave way to Governor Henry adopting the Picken's Plan, along with its pledge, which reads in part:

"This plan must include proven American technology and resources; the development of new energy sources; and the expansion and modernization of the national electrical grid to transport renewable energy to homes and businesses."

"Whatever happened toward weaning America off of its dependence off foreign oil, Oklahoma stands to really be in a pivotal position," Bachrach said.

Devon Energy is already tapping into natural gas fields within Hughes County. But making that energy readily available to the masses remains a challenge. The state said that's a challenge that will likely be met.

"One of the things about the Picken's Plan that's so beneficial is that it really expedites the discussion and right now it's at a fever pitch," Bachrach said.

Pickens is aiming for reducing our oil dependency by one-third within 10 years through widespread use of natural gas and wind energy. He and several supporters are also pushing for a comprehensive energy plan from both of the presidential candidates.