NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS (AP) -- Dallas oil tycoon and Oklahoma native T. Boone Pickens -- who is on a mission to decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil -- has received the 2009 Texan of the Year award.
Pickens received the award in part for his alternative energy plan as well as his vast contributions to charitable causes both in Texas and around the country.
Gov. Rick Perry presented the award yesterday to Pickens during the 43rd annual Texas Legislative Conference in New Braunfels.
Perry said Pickens' alternative energy plan "could change the world forever."
Pickens was born in Holdenville and graduated from what is now Oklahoma State University.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
