BREAKING: The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office has just announced a landmark settlement with Tyson Foods and Cargill in a long-standing poultry pollution case, marking a significant victory for environmental protection in the state. Attorney General Gentner Drummond revealed this urgent development on July 20, 2023, emphasizing its importance for the future of Oklahoma’s waterways and agricultural community.
The settlement requires Tyson Foods to pay $19 million for cleanup and conservation efforts in the critically impacted Illinois River Watershed. Cargill Inc. and Cargill Turkey Production will contribute $6.5 million. Drummond stated, “Corporate accountability is not optional,” highlighting that protecting Oklahoma’s water resources must coexist with a robust poultry industry.
This case has been underway for over two decades, with accusations against multiple poultry companies, including Tysons and Cargill, for polluting the Illinois River watershed with poultry waste. The lengthy litigation process, described as one of the longest environmental cases in Oklahoma’s history, intensified when a federal court reaffirmed the watershed’s impaired status, prompting negotiations for resolution.
In a statement, Nathan McKay, President of Poultry for Tyson, expressed relief at the settlement, stating, “This resolution is in the best interest of our growers and their communities.” He emphasized the need to focus on sustainable practices moving forward. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Cargill echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the collaborative effort that led to this resolution.
The implications of this settlement extend beyond just the immediate financial reparations. Local farmers have voiced concerns about the impact of prolonged legal battles on family farms. Chicken farmer Megan Langley remarked, “When these companies get tired of fighting with the state, you are not destroying a large corporation. You are destroying a family like mine.”
Governor Kevin Stitt has also weighed in, suggesting that if pressure from the state continues, poultry companies may consider relocating. He noted that “there’s just less risk elsewhere,” urging for legislative solutions rather than courtroom penalties to protect both the industry and family farms.
As the dust settles on this historic settlement, the next steps involve implementing the terms to ensure that the Illinois River Watershed receives the necessary remediation it desperately needs. Both the Attorney General’s Office and local authorities will monitor compliance closely, ensuring that corporate commitments translate into tangible environmental benefits.
This urgent resolution marks a pivotal moment for Oklahoma, providing a path forward that balances ecological health and agricultural sustainability. With the settlement in place, attention now turns to how these funds will be allocated and the long-term impact on the local communities and ecosystems.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Oklahoma navigates the aftermath of this crucial settlement.
