Cole Remarks at Budget Hearing for the Environmental Protection Agency

Thank you, Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Pingree. 

Administrator Zeldin, welcome back to the House. It is great to have you testify before this subcommittee on the Environmental Protection Agency’s goals for the upcoming fiscal year. 

As you well know, I am proud to represent the Kerr Environmental Research Center in Ada, Oklahoma. 

For over 50 years, the Kerr Lab – which leads the U.S. in research and advancements on groundwater, aquifer recharge, and agriculture soil health – has established itself to be a premier EPA research center.

Kerr’s record of scientific achievements proves that the lab is well positioned to take on additional research opportunities to address growing environmental challenges and statutory mandates from Congress.

The Kerr Lab also plays a pivotal role in the local rural community by providing jobs, partnering with local universities and tribal nations, and serving as a strong economic driver. I hope we can welcome you back to the Sooner State soon to see firsthand the important work Kerr Lab is carrying out to advance the Agency’s mission.

I was also pleased to see the budget prioritizes funding for Tribes to maintain and improve water infrastructure throughout Indian Country. 

Investments like these are critical to ensuring the federal government is upholding its trust responsibility to Native Americans to provide basic services and resources. Administrator Zeldin, I look forward to working together to reduce red tape, provide regulatory certainty, and improve environmental health while also protecting American jobs and lowering energy costs. 

As EPA Administrator, you play a key role in strengthening our national security by unleashing domestic energy production, and I look forward to discussing where resources can be applied for all these efforts in the full FY26 budget request. 

Again, thank you for being here today, Administrator Zeldin.

Thank you, Chairman Simpson. With that, I yield back.