Drummond will ask state Supreme Court to take up case involving anti-ESG law

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 25, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond said an Oklahoma County judge’s granting of summary judgement today in litigation against the state’s anti-ESG (environmental, social and governance) law sets the stage for his office to appeal the case to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Drummond underscored that the Oklahoma Energy Discrimination Act of 2022 would not be in this predicament had state Treasurer Todd Russ not insisted on using his preferred legal counsel to defend it.

“I am committed to repairing the damage done by the Treasurer and his hand-picked attorney. Frankly, Oklahomans deserved better than allowing this law to be jeopardized," he said.

In May, Drummond took over the defense of the lawsuit from the Treasurer. The law prohibits state contracts and pension system investments with financial institutions that discriminate against the oil and gas industry.

The act is being challenged by a retired state employee who claims it has imperiled his pension.