While executives involved in or closely related to the fossil fuel industry (GM CEO Bob Lutz comes immediately to mind) have come at eco-friendly technologies with skepticism and half-measures, a few brave souls have embraced the burgeoning green market with verve and vigor.

Case in point: T. Boone Pickens, the legendary oilman who last year announced plans for the largest wind farm in the universe, spoke to CNN today about his involvement in the project.

Pickens, currently ranked the 117^th richest person in America and 339^th worldwide, rose to prominence in the 1980s as a deal-making titan and corporate raider within the oil industry, rivaled in celebrity only by the likes of Gordon Gekko.

It’s clear from the interview that Pickens, who turns 80 in two days, has lost little enthusiasm since his heyday, and sees a real future for renewable energy in America.