OKLAHOMA

With soaring fuel prices, Oklahoma’s residents and economy are hurting. Our reliance on oil and other fossil fuels is also contributing to global warming. Already facing a slowing economy, we cannot afford to allow global warming to continue. In fact, studies show that combating global warming will have tremendous economic benefits. With a strong investment in clean energy over ten years, the US economy will see 3.3 million new jobs. (i)

Oklahoma’s agricultural economy is also threatened by global warming. The state already struggles with droughts and floods, but predicted warming due to climate change could increase both the frequency and intensity of droughts and floods. (ii)

At the core of these problems lies our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Today, Oklahoma overwhelmingly relies on fossil fuels for energy. (iii)

By investing in clean, renewable energy, Oklahoma can put people to work while achieving energy independence.

Currently, Oklahoma has the potential to generate more than 25 times the energy it needs from clean, renewable sources.

By developing these cutting edge renewable energy technologies, we can create good jobs here in Oklahoma. As Oklahoman T. Boone Pickens says, ‘America is the Saudi Arabia of wind power.’

All we need is leadership to get us started.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.apolloalliance.org/downloads/resources_ApolloReport_022404_122748.pdf

ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/

iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf