Inhofe Welcomes Oklahoma Witnesses Before EPW Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today welcomed Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Dr. Michel Dicks from Oklahoma State University before the Senate EPW Committee. The two Oklahoma witnesses were invited by the Committee to testify at the hearing, "An Examination of the Potential Human Health, Water Quality, and Other Impacts of the Confined Animal Feeding Operation Industry."

                             
 Drew Edmondson Attorney General Oklahoma           Dr. Michael Dicks Oklahoma State University

"I was pleased to welcome Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Professor Michael Dicks of Oklahoma State University before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today," Senator Inhofe said. "It is a rare privilege to have two Oklahoma witnesses appear before the Committee and I appreciated their testimony.

"This issue is important to my home state because Oklahoma is among the states with the most concentrated animal feeding operations. Concerns have been raised about the possible environmental impacts of these facilities, particularly the impact they have on water supplies. Today’s hearing provided Committee members the opportunity to take a comprehensive look at the numerous federal, state and local initiatives and authorities that already exist to address any pollution concerns related to livestock production."

"I was particularly interested in the testimony of Professor Dicks speaking of converting manure into energy. This innovation would contribute to our nations’ energy supply while addressing concerns about excess animal waste. Most people know that Oklahoma is a leader in the oil and gas world but Oklahoma also leads in developing innovative energy technologies. We need to encourage innovation in all fields, including animal waste."

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