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Representative Tom Cole logo

Energy & Environment

America is a country rich in energy resources and emerging technologies, and I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that encourages domestic production, reduces our dependency on foreign oil and explores alternative energy solutions.

Oil and natural gas production has shaped Oklahoma’s economy since shortly after statehood, and it continues to do so today. While I am supportive of our traditional energy producers and protective of the thousands they employ, I have also supported tax credits that promote renewable energy development—like wind power—and incentivize consumers to use renewable and alternative fuels.

Hampering domestic energy production is not the path towards a robust economy and job growth. This administration’s decisions to cancel pipeline production, release millions of barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and halt federal oil and gas leasing has only caused record-high prices at the pump. I am committed to promoting domestic energy production and keeping America energy independent.

I also care deeply for the well-being of our national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands. I believe that our natural resources are among our nation's greatest treasures, and Congress should work to ensure that the environment is preserved for future generations. However, I also believe that our country can and should responsibly use these resources to reduce dependence on foreign sources of energy and strengthen self-sufficiency in terms of the minerals that are essential to our economy and security.

For Oklahomans, drought and water scarcity is part of our history. Investments in water infrastructure are critical to ensuring the availability and affordability of this critical resource. Doing so will ensure that water resources across the state are managed in a way to meet both our present needs and those of the many generations to come. This includes continuing to promote a fair waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition, of which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just released the final rule that completely ignores states’ authority. I am committed to working to roll back these disastrous policies and replace them with commonsense regulations that will protect our environment, while not hurting small energy producing companies that help promote Oklahoma’s economy.