KRMG In Depth: The case for renewable energy in Oklahoma

TULSA — After decades of traveling the world, working with energy executives, sheiks, wildcatters, scientists and engineers, Jack Kerfoot sat down to dinner with legendary oil man T. Boone Pickens.

That conversation, Kerfoot told KRMG, led him to “start to understand the importance and the advantages of new, renewable energy.”

He drew a parallel to the transitions from timber, to coal, then subsequently to oil and natural gas, in arguing that the switch to renewable energy is inevitable, and will be based primarily on economic considerations.

Indeed, he argues, the transition is well under way, and has been since the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Moreover, he believes Oklahoma is well-positioned to become a leader in renewable energy.

This isn’t about any “Green New Deal,” he stresses, and makes it clear he thinks the hype over that particular process has done little but muddy the water, making what he sees as essential economic reality into a political football.

“Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s ‘Green New Deal’ was based on no understanding of any of the energy issues in the United States, or in the world. And the reality of it was it sounded good and played good on the headlines, but to be blunt, it was ludicrous. It’s done more to harm renewable energy than anything else."

You can hear our special, 2-part KRMG In Depth Report by clicking on the players or links below.

If you’d like to hear the entire conversation, check out the KRMG In Depth Report Podcast.

Part One: The Business Case for Renewable Energy

Part Two: How Oklahoma Can Become a Leader in the Transition to Renewable Energy

Cox Media Group