Attorney General Gentner Drummond has criticized Governor Kevin Stitt for what he described as a misrepresentation of a federal court judgment concerning pollution by out-of-state poultry companies. Drummond stated that the Governor’s comments did not accurately reflect the facts of the case or Oklahoma’s interests.
“Governor Stitt is completely misrepresenting this case, the court’s judgment, and Oklahoma’s interests,” Drummond said. “The State of Oklahoma has never sued a single farmer, and the court has not entered judgment against any Oklahoma person or Oklahoma company.”
Drummond further argued that responsibility for damage to the Illinois River Watershed lies with Governor Stitt, saying: “If anyone has failed Oklahoma, it is Kevin Stitt—who stood idle while the Illinois River Watershed suffered extensive and preventable damage, all to protect corporate interests. Stitt and his hand-picked attorney general, John O’Connor, had 18 months to manage this litigation. Instead, he chose inaction. Only now, after the court has ruled, is he attempting to deflect from his own failure of leadership.”
After taking office in 2023, Drummond noted that a federal court held out-of-state poultry corporations responsible for pollution in the watershed. He said he sought mediation and solutions with these companies to minimize impacts on local producers but was met with resistance.
Drummond explained that despite continued efforts to negotiate settlements and reach agreements with some poultry companies, others preferred legal battles over compromise.
“Despite their current unwillingness to negotiate, I remain open to settlement even after entry of the judgment. A negotiated settlement gives all parties more certainty and flexibility for cleaning up the watershed while ensuring a thriving poultry industry in Oklahoma,” Drummond said. “I stand ready to bring the poultry corporations to the table for negotiations that will ensure clean water and a strong poultry business in Oklahoma. The question is whether Governor Stitt will finally stop interfering.”
He also addressed concerns about how recent statements might affect local farmers: “Stitt’s attempt to stoke fear among innocent producers serves only the interests of out-of-state corporations, not Oklahoma’s farmers or their communities. I will continue enforcing the law and holding powerful interests accountable, no matter how loudly they protest.”