Rapid City, S.D. —  Senator John Thune today met with noted energy investor T. Boone Pickens to discuss South Dakota's wind energy potential. Mr. Pickens is spearheading a national campaign to transition America's energy policy. Pickens' plan calls for the expansion of wind energy generation, transmission, and storage infrastructure.

"T. Boone Pickens, who has made a living in the oil business, recognizes that America needs to move away from our dangerous overdependence on imported oil," said Thune. "His campaign is drawing attention to the potential of renewable energy. Between wind and second-generation biofuels, I believe that South Dakota is in a good position to contribute significantly to America's future of clean energy."

Earlier this month, Senator Thune joined a bipartisan group of Senators in unveiling the New Energy Reform Act of 2008, which includes Senator Thune's provision to extend the production tax credit for wind energy for four years. Senator Thune also included a provision to expand the transmission infrastructure for wind energy.