The Chinese connection first reported by the Southwest Ledger concerning a controversial proposed hydroelectric power project along the Kiamichi River in southeast Oklahoma caught the attention of Congressman Josh Brecheen.
As a result, he came out this week against the project proposed by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation’s project in LeFlore and Pushmataha Counties, a project that would supply all of its produced electricity to towns and cities in Texas and not Oklahoma.
The Southwest Ledger reported months ago that SEOPC has ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked individual and the project would require the eminent domaining of 35,000 acres of Oklahoma land, including many homes, farms, and ranches in the surrounding area that have been owned by Oklahoma families for generations. All the power produced would then be sold in Texas, not Oklahoma.
“Our office will do everything in our power to prevent this harmful project from moving forward,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “Any person or company involved with the Chinese Communist Party, which is an enemy of the United States, has no business operating in Oklahoma.”
To build the plant, SEOPC needs the approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). SEOPC’s applications have thus far been denied, most recently in March 2024 when FERC said SEOPC had failed to do their “due diligence” regarding the extent of eminent domain requirements. However, SEOPC continues to pursue the project and issued another application for approval to FERC on May 7th.
The project is also opposed by area residents, at least one state legislator and the Choctaw Nation.
Source: press release
