said, pointing at smoking smokestacks in the background. "This is old coal technology. We're talking about the new way."

But even in the new way there's an environmental problem, and it's a big one: carbon dioxide, which, while not a poison, is the No. 1 cause of global warming.

"Carbon dioxide will be generated at a rate that would lead to greenhouse gas emissions that are twice those for conventional crude oil," said Williams.

Williams says this process will produce twice as much carbon dioxide than traditional petroleum if you vent the CO2 to the atmosphere.

But Schweitzer has promised not to do that. "This spent carbon dioxide, we have a home for it. Right back into the earth, 5,000 feet deep," the governor explains.

He plans to sell that carbon dioxide to oil companies that use it to boost the amount of oil they can pump. "It's called enhanced oil recovery. It's worth money to the oil business," Schweitzer said.

The sales pitch keeps coming: Schweitzer says the fuel will not only be cleaner, it'll be cheaper, too.

"We can produce this fuel for about $1 a gallon. We have gas taxes, depending on what state you're in, of 60, 70, 80 cents a gallon. So, do the math," he said.

"You know, it sounds almost too good to be true," Stahl said.

"Well, that's what got me excited," Schweitzer replied.

He's been so excited, he's been traveling the country selling his big idea. But back home they say he can be arrogant.

"Are you a little, let's say cocky?" Stahl asked.

"When I have a vision, I get single-minded about it. I say, 'I'm going to continue to work on this until we get her done,' " Schweitzer said.

That cowboy bravado is just what you might expect from a guy who grew up roping calves on a Montana ranch.

"We have a little bit different way of looking at the world. And I think it's about self reliance," Schweitzer said.

And, yet, the cowboy is a bit of a geek who went to graduate school to study soil