OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) has been awarded a $2 million Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment Grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fiscal Year 2026 Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Brownfields Grant Competition.

The competitive federal grant will provide funding to the OCC Brownfields Program for environmental assessment activities across Oklahoma during a five-year performance period beginning October 1, 2026.

The funding will support Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) at properties enrolled in the OCC Brownfields Program. These assessments are a critical step in identifying environmental conditions, evaluating potential cleanup requirements, and preparing sites for future redevelopment and economic investment.

The OCC's assessment efforts will primarily focus on properties impacted by historic oil and gas exploration and production activities, as well as former gas station sites. These property types represent a significant share of Oklahoma's brownfield inventory and often present challenges that can hinder redevelopment without environmental evaluation and planning.

"This grant strengthens the Commission's ability to assist communities in addressing environmental concerns at underutilized properties," said Jeffrey Meyers, OCC Brownsfield Department Manager. "By expanding assessment capacity statewide, we can help communities better understand site conditions, attract redevelopment opportunities, and support the safe return of these properties to productive use."

Through this funding, the OCC will expand technical assistance services, accelerate environmental site evaluations, and help communities identify pathways for cleanup and redevelopment. The grant supports the Commission's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, economic development, and revitalization efforts across Oklahoma.

For more information about the OCC Brownfields Program, visit Oklahoma.gov/occ.