Gov. Henry Endorses "25x'25" Renewable Energy Goal
Oklahoma City - Gov. Brad Henry today endorsed an initiative to ensure that renewable energy sources comprise 25 percent of the United States' total energy needs by the year 2025. Dubbed the 25x'25 Vision, the campaign is aimed at reducing the nation's alarming dependence on foreign oil.
"The 25x'25 resolution is a statement of our state's commitment to support the development of renewable energy sources," Gov. Henry said.
"It won't be an easy feat, but I believe we can accomplish the goal of 25 percent by 2025. Moreover, Oklahoma can play a major role in achieving that goal through our development of biofuels, wind energy and other renewable energy sources. It is a very important step that we can take to achieving energy independence."
The 25x'25 effort hopes to increase energy security, economic well-being and environmental protection while reducing the amount of oil imported into the U.S., currently a $600 billion per year transfer to foreign nations.
"Gov. Henry's endorsement is very important to the success of the 25x'25 Alliance and the realization of the 25x'25 vision," said Ernie Shea, 25 x '25 project coordinator.
"The governor is putting Oklahoma in a position to significantly contribute to a renewable energy future that will boost our economy, as well as enhance our national security and improve our environment. By committing to a 25x'25 energy future, Oklahoma can help stimulate the economy and put hundreds of thousands of Americans back to work."
Gov. Henry is the 30th current or former governor to endorse the 25x'25 Initiative, which has also been embraced by 14 state legislatures.
Oklahoma is one of the top producers of fossil fuels in the nation, producing nearly 10 percent of the country's natural gas and 3 percent of all crude oil in the U.S.
But the state also possesses significant renewable energy resources. According to a study by the University of Tennessee Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma ranks 11th nationwide in the potential economic impact of a 25x'25 renewable energy future, generating an additional $13.6 billion in annual economic activity, including an increase of $1.3 billion in net farm income, and creating an additional 135,000 jobs.
Renewable energy accounted for more than 10 percent of the domestically-produced energy used in the United States in the first half of 2008, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The 25x'25 initiative is a diverse alliance of agricultural, forestry, environmental, conservation and other organizations and businesses that are working collaboratively to advance the goal of securing 25 percent of the nation's energy needs from renewable sources by the year 2025. It is led by a national steering committee composed of volunteer leaders. The 25x'25 goal has been endorsed by nearly 800 partner organizations -- an expanding coalition that includes the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Forest Resources Association, the National Wildlife Federation and the "Big 3" U.S. automobile manufacturers.
A resolution establishing 25x'25 as a renewable energy goal for the nation was adopted as part of the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
25x'25 is a special project of the Energy Future Coalition. The EFC is a broad-based, nonpartisan public policy initiative that seeks to bring about change in U.S. energy policy to address overarching challenges related to the production and use of energy.
Source: Oklahoma Governor's Office
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