Despite the popularity of biofuels, we’re not sure they’re the cure-all many make them out to be.

With calls for energy independence and eco-friendly policies reaching a fever pitch, the drive toward alternative energy sources — biofuels, in particular — has shifted into high gear.

As more of the public jumps onto the biofuel bandwagon, Oklahoma politicians and business leaders are looking to cash in on what some call a “green” rush mentality.

We worry state leaders have not adequately considered the environmental and economic consequences of staking Oklahoma’s future on the emergent technology.

Gov. Brad Henry talked up biofuels Tuesday during the Oklahoma Biofuels Conference in Oklahoma City before an audience of producers, scholars and energy industry officials.

He said Oklahoma is well-positioned to become a leading producer of biofuels. Responding to concerns about the impact of corn-based ethanol on food prices, water resources and the environment, Henry said Oklahoma’s native switchgrass was a viable alternative.

Although we commend Henry for his desire to transform the state into an alternative energy leader, he overstates the case for switchgrass.

It’s true that growing switchgrass requires less water and fertilizer than corn. Switchgrass also yields more energy per unit than corn-based ethanol.

But mass-producing switchgrass will still take a considerable amount of fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and water — particularly in the state’s more arid regions — according to Linda Wallace, professor of botany and microbiology at OU.

State leaders should examine the long-term effect of switchgrass production on Oklahoma’s precious water resources — not just in terms of the water needed for irrigation, but also the risk of groundwater pollution from increased fertilizer use.

Aside from environmental concerns, large-scale switchgrass production may have harmful economic effects — namely, increased food prices.

Critics of corn-based ethanol have long argued it inflates food costs, increasing the cost of beef, poultry and other foods because farmers devote more of their corn crop to make ethanol instead of feed for livestock.

Switchgrass doesn’t succumb to this problem. If enough farmers shift production from other crops to switchgrass, however, food prices may rise because of the laws of supply and demand. As fewer farmers grow crops, such as corn, grains etc., the supply of these goods decreases, but demand for them stays the same. Food prices have no choice but to rise in this situation.

State officials ought to perform a careful economic analysis of switchgrass production on commodities prices and the potential impact on consumers.

In addition, leaders in business and government should work with farmers to ensure the benefits of the new cash crop are fairly distributed. Many of the strongest proponents of switchgrass production in the state are oil companies, and we fear they will muscle out small family farms to corner the market.

All in all, we’re glad Henry and other state leaders are interested in pursuing alternative energy sources. We’re hopeful Oklahoma will lead the way, with biofuels playing integral part.

Before jumping head-long onto this hi-tech gravy train, however, state leaders need to do their homework and make sure the costs of large-scale biofuel production don’t outweigh the benefits.