BREAKING: The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office has just announced a significant settlement with Tyson Foods and Cargill, resolving a decades-long poultry pollution lawsuit. Attorney General Gentner Drummond revealed the agreement on July 13, 2023, marking a historic victory for environmental protection in the state.
“This settlement is a major breakthrough in our fight to protect the Illinois River Watershed and vital natural resources,” Drummond stated. He emphasized that corporate accountability is essential for safeguarding Oklahoma’s waters while supporting the agricultural industry.
Under the terms of the settlement, Tyson Foods will pay $19 million for watershed remediation, while Cargill, Inc. and Cargill Turkey Productions will contribute $6.5 million. This financial commitment will support environmental protection efforts and provide certainty for local growers and jobs in the region.
Nathan McKay, President of Poultry for Tyson, expressed relief over the resolution, underscoring the company’s commitment to the agricultural community: “We believe this resolution is in the best interest of our growers and their communities in Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.” He added that the company is “pleased to move forward” and focus on their mission of feeding the world.
Cargill echoed this sentiment, stating, “We appreciate the engagement of the Oklahoma Attorney General and local stakeholders in bringing this matter to a fair and reasonable resolution.” The company affirmed its ongoing commitment to invest in Oklahoma.
The lawsuit, initially filed by former Attorney General Drew Edmondson, accused Tyson, Cargill, and other poultry companies of polluting the Illinois River watershed with poultry waste. The case became one of the longest-running environmental lawsuits in Oklahoma history, dragging on for nearly two decades with numerous court hearings.
In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell acknowledged that the watershed remains impaired, prompting the court to urge both sides to negotiate a settlement. After prolonged negotiations, a breakthrough was finally achieved.
The implications of this settlement are profound. Governor Kevin Stitt voiced concerns about the potential impact on the poultry industry, noting that continued pressure could drive companies away from Oklahoma, threatening family farms. “When these companies get tired of fighting with the state of Oklahoma, you are not destroying a large corporation. You are destroying a family like mine,” said chicken farmer Megan Langley, highlighting the human impact of the legal battle.
The repercussions of the settlement extend beyond poultry. Farmers warn that changes in the industry could affect broader agricultural practices, particularly since poultry litter is widely used as fertilizer. Chicken farmer Sean Clark declared, “This affects all of us.”
As Oklahoma looks to the future, it remains to be seen how this settlement will shape environmental policies and agricultural practices in the state. The Attorney General’s office continues to advocate for both clean water and a thriving poultry industry, emphasizing that both can coexist for the benefit of all Oklahomans.
The developments surrounding this case highlight a critical moment for environmental accountability and the future of agriculture in Oklahoma. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
