Court Denies Stay in Illinois River Watershed Case
Eastern Oklahoma Rep. David Hardin expressed disappointment this week after a federal court denied a stay request tied to the long-running Illinois River Watershed poultry lawsuit, a decision that could significantly impact Oklahoma poultry farmers and regional agricultural operations.
Hardin, R-Stilwell, reacted after a federal judge refused to grant a full stay sought by a poultry association involved in the lawsuit, which alleges pollution tied to poultry operations in the Illinois River Basin. Poultry producers have warned the litigation could force integrators to reduce operations or exit the region entirely.
Hardin Cites Conflicting Signals From Attorney General
The ruling followed a meeting last week between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and dozens of poultry operators in Adair County, a gathering sponsored by Hardin amid growing concern over the lawsuit’s potential fallout.
In a statement released Tuesday at the Capitol, Hardin said he was troubled by what he described as mixed messages from the attorney general regarding a possible stay.
“I share in the disappointment of Oklahoma poultry farmers and The Poultry Federation following the court’s decision to deny a full stay in the Illinois River Watershed case,” Hardin said. “Last week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond told poultry farmers in Adair County that he was not opposed to a stay, though he ultimately opposed it in court.”
Settlement Questions Remain for Poultry Producers
Hardin said Drummond also addressed settlement discussions during the meeting, raising hopes among producers seeking relief from the decades-old litigation.
“During that meeting, I asked the Attorney General whether the same settlement agreement reached with George’s would be offered to the other poultry producers,” Hardin said. “He indicated that it would, which I hope signals a path toward resolving this lawsuit and providing some relief for the hundreds of farm families caught in the middle.”
Economic Impact Extends Beyond Oklahoma
The consequences of the Illinois River pollution lawsuit are not limited to Oklahoma. Reports indicate that as many as 400 poultry farmers in northwest Arkansas could also face the loss of their farms depending on the outcome of the case.
Hardin said the uncertainty surrounding the lawsuit is already weighing heavily on rural communities throughout eastern Oklahoma.
“The uncertainty surrounding this lawsuit continues to weigh heavily on farm families who depend on poultry production for their livelihoods,” he said. “If integrators are forced to pull out of Oklahoma, the economic consequences would extend well beyond individual farms, impacting local jobs, county governments, and school districts.”
Call for Balanced Path Forward
Hardin said he hopes state leaders and all parties involved can find a resolution that balances environmental protection with agricultural stability.
“I hope we can work toward a reasonable path forward that protects our natural resources while also preserving the family farms that are crucial to eastern Oklahoma,” he said.