A $25.5 million settlement in Oklahoma’s two-decade poultry pollution lawsuit is drawing praise from some Republican leaders while prompting sharp criticism from Governor Kevin Stitt.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced Thursday that Tyson Foods will pay $19 million and Cargill will pay $6.5 million to resolve claims tied to pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. The case, originally filed in 2005, sought to hold major poultry companies accountable for phosphorus contamination from poultry waste.
“For over two decades, Oklahoma has fought to protect the Illinois River Watershed and the natural resources that sustain our communities,” Drummond said. He called the agreements a turning point that would protect water quality while providing certainty for growers and preserving jobs.
Under the consent judgments, the companies will increase the amount of poultry litter removed from the watershed, fund a Special Master to monitor compliance, contribute to watershed remediation efforts and dismiss their appeals of a December federal court judgment. In exchange, the state will release its claims against the two companies.
Governor Kevin Stitt, however, questioned the timing of the settlements, arguing they may be at risk following a recent summary judgment issued by Judge Gregory Frizzell.
“After three years of gridlock and failed talks, I’m glad the Attorney General finally heeded my calls to get serious about negotiations, although it may be too late,” Stitt said. He credited poultry growers and agricultural advocates for pushing back against what he described as an extreme position in the litigation.
Oklahoma Senator Tom Woods welcomed the agreements, saying they provide long-needed certainty for producers in eastern Oklahoma.
“These agreements put us one step closer to putting this case behind us,” Woods said. “I am thankful eastern Oklahoma poultry producers can now confidently operate and expand their farms without fear of losing contracts or their income.”
The settlements follow a similar agreement reached last month with George’s, Inc. Litigation continues against other poultry companies named in the case, including Cal-Maine, Peterson Farms and Simmons.
With the Illinois River Watershed dispute spanning nearly 20 years, the latest settlements appear to move the case toward resolution.
