Senator Wingard Celebrates 60th Anniversary of EPA’s Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center

ADA, Okla. — Wednesday, Sen. Jonathan Wingard celebrated the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center in Ada.

The celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the facility’s progress over the past 60 years and look ahead to its next chapter as growth and investment in Ada continue.

“The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center is a facility every Oklahoman can take pride in,” Wingard said. “Not only does the research conducted right here in Ada help protect Americans from pollution and contaminants in groundwater, but it also has a global reach. Some of the brightest minds in the world are working at this facility.”

The laboratory conducts environmental research to understand and help prevent pollution of soil and groundwater, protecting public health and natural resources. Although the more than 91,000-square-foot facility is six decades old, the EPA continues to invest in its infrastructure. Recent renovations have improved the facility’s energy efficiency and sustainability making it state of the art.

During the event, Sen. Wingard and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole toured the facility, spoke with laboratory Director Saba Tahmassebi and learned about future expansion plans.

“Ada continues to prove it is the right place for business and scientific investment,” Wingard said. “I am thankful to the EPA for continuing to recognize the benefits and talent our district has to offer. I look forward to the next 60 years of research and innovation at the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center.”