Amid a recent federal ruling on Oklahoma’s 20-plus-year lawsuit over poultry litter pollution of the Illinois River Watershed, Attorney General Gentner Drummond met Thursday with a large group of poultry producers for a candid conversation about the case.
The gathering coordinated by state Rep. David Hardin was held in Westville’s Baron Community Center.
“I very much appreciate the opportunity to have visited with Eastern Oklahoma’s hardworking poultry growers, so many of whom are understandably concerned with so much misinformation being leveled by out-of-state Big Poultry,” Drummond said.
“These big poultry companies—not individual growers—designed, controlled and profited from a system that overapplied waste for decades. Excess nutrients remain in the water that must be cleaned up for the health and future of all Oklahomans.”
Last month’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell compels poultry companies involved in the lawsuit to fund $10 million for initial cleanup efforts and continue funding that work for at least 30 years.
Over the past several months, out-of-state Big Poultry has intensified its campaign claiming that protecting the Illinois River Watershed from excessive litter pollution would be too costly. Drummond flatly rejects the suggestion that Oklahomans must choose between a robust chicken industry and clean water. Moreover, he has noted that one company alone reported $474 million in profits last year.
“These companies can afford to do the right thing,” Drummond said.
On Wednesday, the Attorney General announced that the State of Oklahoma had reached a settlement agreement with one of the poultry companies, George’s Inc.
“The federal judge’s ruling does not have to be the final word. I am committed to finding a solution that provides certainty, flexibility and environmental progress, just as we did with George’s. The big poultry companies know I have long sought meaningful negotiations with them that would ensure clean water in Oklahoma as well as the continued success and sustainability of the industry. Both can and must coexist, and I am committed to a resolution that will be fair and fruitful for all parties.”
Rep. Hardin said the meeting with poultry producers was a positive step forward.
“I appreciate the Attorney General meeting today with farm families and officials from my district and other counties in Eastern Oklahoma,” he said. “This has been a difficult and complicated issue with huge economic implications—farm families and officials wanted the opportunity to discuss their concerns with General Drummond. I am thankful AG Drummond made the time and effort to listen today.”