Drummond Escalates “Chicken” Fight With Gov. Stitt Over Poultry Pollution Case

Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who is campaigning for Governor, issued another sharply worded press release this week attacking Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt over their escalating feud tied to poultry farms and pollution in eastern Oklahoma. Drummond’s latest comments intensify what he calls a “chicken” fight between the two statewide officials — and his public criticism appears designed to draw additional political attention as he seeks higher office.

Background: A 20-Year Legal Battle Over Poultry Pollution

The dispute centers on Drummond’s leadership of the 20-year-old environmental lawsuit known as State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc. Filed in 2005, the case seeks to hold major poultry companies accountable for polluting the Illinois River watershed with phosphorus runoff from chicken waste.

Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that the Illinois River watershed remains polluted due to excessive phosphorus levels caused by poultry waste. The ruling renewed pressure on the state and on poultry companies headquartered outside Oklahoma.

Drummond Accuses Stitt of Being Swayed by Big Poultry

This week, Drummond escalated his criticism, accusing Stitt of being “bought and paid for” by out-of-state poultry corporations.

In a letter to the Governor, Drummond wrote:

“Your actions speak louder than words: you are bought and paid for by out-of-state Big Poultry corporations. These companies have poured money into your political campaigns, and now you are doing their bidding—seeking a sweetheart deal that puts their profits ahead of Oklahoma’s people, our farmers, and our land.”

Stitt’s Firing of His Own Cabinet Member Draws Fire

Drummond also blasted Stitt for firing his own Secretary of Energy and Environment after the cabinet member attended a December 2024 hearing related to the poultry pollution case. Drummond said the action proves Stitt does not genuinely want cooperation on resolving the watershed’s pollution.

Drummond Positions Himself as Pro-Farmer and Tough on Corporate Polluters

In his letter, Drummond emphasized support for Oklahoma farmers while pledging to hold large corporations accountable:

“I am firmly pro-agriculture and deeply committed to Oklahoma’s farm families, but I will not turn a blind eye when out-of-state Big Poultry companies ignore the rule of law, abuse our land, and put excessive profits over the hardworking men and women who make this industry possible. You may be beholden to out-of-state Big Poultry’s money, but I am beholden to the people of our state.”

AG Says He Wants a Fair Resolution — Without Backing Down

Drummond stated he remains willing to work toward a fair settlement but will not compromise on accountability for large poultry companies. He reiterated that Oklahomans deserve protection from pollution impacting one of the state’s most valued waterways.

A link to read Drummond’s full letter was included in the announcement.

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