You say you want a revolution?

[ NOVEMBER 30, 2009 - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ] - On behalf of Gov. Brad Henry, Oklahomans are invited to attend Revolution 2009: Oklahoma’s Wind Energy Conference. Beginning Wednesday, the two-day event will be at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. The conference mission is to further Oklahoma’s discussion and commitment to increased energy security, a sustainable energy future, and sound environmental stewardship. All big and worthy causes.

Revolution 2009 is designed to inform and educate landowners, developers, manufacturers, utility companies, community planners, economic development groups, sustainable-energy advocates, and those who work to protect the environment on all issues impacting wind development.

This state is blessed with some great leaders. Hosting the event are state Secretaries Robert Wegener, energy; J.D. Strong; environment; and Natalie Shirley, commerce. They have proven that they share a vision, passion, and commitment to establish policies that help achieve all the worthy ideas mentioned above and the development of economic opportunities for all Oklahomans.

Under Henry’s leadership, our state secretaries are advancing the discussion about the United States’ energy future. In Oklahoma, supply-side initiatives focused on natural gas, wind, advanced biofuels and transmission have been implemented. For example, in recent years the state has created important incentives for greater use of clean-burning, Oklahoma natural gas. The state has created the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center, a $40 million investment to commercialize advanced biofuel production. Oklahoma has a commitment to helping consumers manage energy demand by changing utility regulation to help encourage conservation and efficiency, and implement statewide demand-management programs. Oklahoma is home to several wind developments, five of which each generate in excess of 100 megawatts of electricity.

The conference will feature nationally recognized experts, including Marc Spitzer, commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Denise Bode, chief executive officer of American Wind Energy Association and former head of the American Clean Skies Foundation; R. James Woolsey, venture partner and senior adviser at VantagePoint Venture Partners and former director of U.S. Central Intelligence; and Julie Parsley, energy consultant and former commissioner, Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Speakers from Oklahoma include Mike Bergey, president, Bergey Windpower Co.; Peter Delaney, chairman, president and CEO of OGE Energy Corp.; Stuart Solomon, president and chief operating officer, Public Service Company of Oklahoma; Shea Ferrell, instructional dean, Tulsa Technology Center; Terry Sampson, composites manufacturing lead instructor, Tulsa Technology Center; Shannon Ferrell, assistant professor of agricultural economics, Oklahoma State University; Bob Portiss, director, Port of Catoosa; and Malcome Fowler, director, Francis Tuttle.

Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to develop major, sustainable-energy opportunities. This conference will explore important policy options to remove barriers and provide greater help to the emerging wind energy industry. We should explore ways to help landowners, developers, and wind component manufacturers and suppliers find success in our state. Our exportable wind will help import jobs to Oklahoma.

Revolution 2009 is the perfect opportunity to join in the conversation. The Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference will explore the importance of utilizing natural gas, demand-management and efficiency as partners to develop renewable resources. The conference will consider the best ways to capitalize on the economic development opportunities presented by wind energy. Discussions will include Oklahoma’s role as a leader in balancing wildlife issues with energy development, a balance that we have honored for decades of oil and gas development.

As an Oklahoman, I’m excited for our increasing opportunities to further develop alternative and renewable technologies, to complement our great blessing as a major producer of natural gas. Together, these energies will allow us to maintain our presence as a leading provider of energy to our nation.

I would like to invite you to participate in this important event for our state. Registration is $75. For more information, visit www.OKWindRevolution.com or call (800) 203-5494.

Jim Roth, a former Oklahoma corporation commissioner, is an attorney with Phillips Murrah P.C. in Oklahoma City, where his practice focuses on clean, green energy for Oklahoma.