EPA Administrator Zeldin Visits Two Brownfield Sites in Oklahoma City, Speaks at Hamm Institute with Secretaries Chris Wright and Brooke Rollins, Meets with Governor Stitt
WASHINGTON — On Thursday, April 24, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin was in Oklahoma City, where he visited two Brownfield sites, met with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and spoke at the Hamm Institute at Oklahoma State University (OSU) with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins during the Powering AI: Global Leadership Summit.
Administrator Zeldin started the morning by touring the Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City, part of EPA’s Brownfields Program, with U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason, and officials from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. During the remediation process, the contaminants removed from the site included chlorinated volatile organic compounds and oil. The park’s main features include a 3.7-acre lake and boathouse, lake bridge, ornamental woodlands and gardens, playground promenade and various activity areas. Following the park tour, the group then visited Bricktown Fire Station #6. EPA funded remediation of the east side of this property related to oilfield waste.
“There are so many Brownfields projects that are in early stages across this entire country. To spotlight and highlight such a success story like these Brownfields sites can give inspiration to communities across America, as they go into the planning phases of what to create and how best to revitalize a site,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
“As a native Oklahoman, I couldn’t be prouder of the example Oklahoma City’s Brownfields Program sets for the rest of the nation,” said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. “With so many sites redeveloped for a variety of uses, the city shows what’s possible when governments and businesses work together to improve the environment while building the economy.”
Administrator Zeldin then headed to the Hamm Institute to participate in a panel discussion as part of the Powering AI: Global Leadership Summit with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
“It was an honor to join many of my Cabinet colleagues at the Hamm Institute to discuss artificial intelligence and the importance of the United States being the global leader at the forefront of this rapidly advancing technology. Pillar Four of my Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative is making the United States the AI capital of the world, and it will require reliable and efficient baseload energy sources. At EPA, we will do our part to achieve this under President Trump by ensuring data centers and related facilities that support AI can be powered and operated by unleashing clean, American-made energy,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
"President Donald J. Trump is working to get America back on track—and that starts with responsible use of our federal lands for energy and mineral production. We have hit the ground running at USDA. Through bold leadership to prioritize rural prosperity, support biofuels, reform permitting, and streamline regulations, this Administration is putting America First. I am proud to serve alongside a remarkable Cabinet who is determined to ensure America's prosperity for generations to come," said Secretary Rollins.
“To secure America’s future, the United States must win the AI race and thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we will succeed,” said Secretary Wright. “The Powering AI: Global Leadership Summit brought together forward-thinking leaders from across industry and government who understand a simple truth— America must unleash American energy and innovation to lead in AI development. The Department of Energy is working with our counterparts at USDA and EPA to advance a strategy of energy addition—expanding energy production, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring the U.S. has the capacity to drive and dominate the next era of global technological advancement.”
Administrator Zeldin concluded his day by meeting with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to discuss ways to unleash American energy.
