Blogs - Blogs
Spotlight on Oklahoma
October 1, 2010

Posted by Matt Dempsey  Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov

Spotlight on Oklahoma in the 111th Congress 

As the Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, Senator Inhofe was pleased to invite a number of Oklahomans to testify in Washington D.C. before the EPW Committee in the 111th Congress. As a result, Washington heard about the local concerns and successes from Oklahoma.

Environmental Education - Grove Valley Elementary School Principal Debbie Straughn testified before the EPW Committee on April 27, 2010. Inhofe asked Straughn to testify regarding the outdoor classroom created at Deer Creek Elementary, utilizing the Private Partners Program.  Straughn and Deer Creek Elementary received the U.S. Department of Interior Pride in America Award. Following the hearing, Inhofe and Straughn spoke to students about the hearing via computer from Washington. Link to Testimony (See Pictures on Facebook)

 

Economic Development in Oklahoma - On May 21, 2009 Senator Inhofe welcomed LeVern Phillips before the EPW Committee.  Mr. Phillips, as president of the Woodward Industrial Foundation in Oklahoma, testified about the benefits of EDA in Oklahoma. Over the past six years, EDA grants awarded in Oklahoma have resulted in more than 9,000 created or saved jobs.  With an investment of about $26 million, the state has leveraged another $30 million in State and local dollars and more than $558 million in private sector dollars.  Senator Inhofe and his colleagues successfully passed reauthorization of EDA out of the EPW committee; it now awaits consideration on the Senate Floor. Link to Testimony

Rural Transportation Investment - On March 18, 2010, Sen. Inhofe welcomed Oklahoma State Senator Bryce Marlatt, (R-Woodward) before the EPW Committee to discuss Oklahoma transportation needs.  Reauthorization of the Federal Highway Program is a top priority for Senator Inhofe, as he recognizes the dire need of funding for Oklahoma's roads and bridges. Link to Testimony  (See Photos on Facebook)

Water Infrastructure Needs - Senator Inhofe welcomed Gene Whatley, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Rural Water Association before the EPW Committee on December 8, 2009. "I was pleased to have Oklahoma Rural Water Association Executive Director Gene Whatley before the EPW Committee," Senator Inhofe said. "Gene understands the problems facing small drinking water systems in Oklahoma and across the country, and I appreciate his testimony on how small systems are coping with federal regulations." Link to Testimony

 





Majority Office
410 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.Washington, DC 20510-6175
phone: 202-224-8832
Minority Office
456 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.Washington, DC 20510-6175
phone: 202-224-6176