Gov. Stitt backs poultry producers as lawsuit fight escalates
Governor tours eastern Oklahoma amid lawsuit tensions
The political fight over Oklahoma’s long-running poultry pollution lawsuit intensified this week as Kevin Stitt toured eastern Oklahoma to voice support for poultry producers, cattle ranchers, and agricultural families facing potential fallout from the case.
Speaking to nearly 300 chicken farmers and ranchers, Stitt criticized the 20-year-old environmental lawsuit tied to alleged phosphorus pollution in the Illinois River watershed. He characterized the case as an attack on agriculture driven by trial attorneys and Gentner Drummond, according to reporting by Oklahoma Farm Report.
The lawsuit, which names major poultry companies, stems from claims that chicken litter applied as fertilizer polluted waterways in eastern Oklahoma. While a federal judge ruled in favor of the state in 2023, the court ordered both sides to negotiate damages — negotiations that have since stalled.
Economic impact on family farms and ranchers
Stitt warned that the financial demands associated with the lawsuit could devastate rural Oklahoma communities.
“They’re demanding $100 million from these folks and the 100% complete removal of poultry litter out of eastern Oklahoma,” Stitt said, warning such an outcome “would devastate hay producers, cattle ranchers, poultry industry, everybody.”
Poultry litter has long been used as fertilizer across eastern Oklahoma, supporting both hay production and cattle operations. Producers argue that an outright ban or retroactive penalties could upend decades of accepted agricultural practices.
Permit compliance and water quality concerns
Addressing water quality concerns tied to the Illinois River watershed, Stitt acknowledged improvements but pushed back against what he described as retroactive punishment.
“If there is a problem with the permit, let’s go change that,” Stitt said. “But how can you punish a company and these family farms when they have the right permit?”
He compared the lawsuit to altering graduation requirements decades later, calling it “the biggest anti-business lawsuit I’ve ever seen,” according to the Oklahoma Farm Report.
McCall joins criticism of Attorney General
Stitt was not alone in criticizing the legal strategy. Former Oklahoma House Speaker and current gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall also took aim at Drummond’s handling of the case.
“Oklahoma agriculture is the backbone of our economy and our values,” McCall said. “When families follow the law and meet environmental standards, they should not be punished by environmental activist lawsuits or government overreach.”
The Oklahoma Farm Report included McCall’s comments as part of its coverage of the dispute.
“Instead of standing up for Oklahoma growers, Attorney General Drummond is siding with environmental progressives,” McCall added. “That is not leadership. It is political theater, and it is hurting real people in real Oklahoma communities.”
The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing political and economic stakes surrounding the lawsuit, particularly as negotiations over damages remain unresolved.