The two areas in which Oklahoma has the greatest potential for helping with climate change are wind power and cellulosic ethanol.

OG--E already is investing more in wind power to good effects, Tolbert said. In a federal study predicting the wind power production capacity for every state, Oklahoma came out on top, with more potential than any other state by far, he said. Fossil fuels will always be a large part of Oklahoma's energy sources, but it is hoped that wind power will provide for the state's future increases in energy needs, Tolbert said.

Cellulosic ethanol is made from switchgrass, which is native to Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center recently was started to look at how to develop ethanol within the state, Tolbert said.

Julianna Parker 366-3541 jparker@normantranscript.com