Drummond responds to Governor's misinformation on poultry litter judgment

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 22, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond accused Governor Kevin Stitt of “completely misrepresenting” a federal court judgment against out-of-state poultry corporations, saying Stitt’s latest comments distort both the facts of the case and 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.”

“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,” Drummond said.

Just days after Drummond took office in 2023, the federal court issued sweeping findings holding out-of-state Big Poultry liable for polluting the Illinois River Watershed. Recognizing the potential impact on Oklahoma producers, Drummond immediately pursued mediation and workable solutions. The corporations refused, instead choosing obstruction, misinformation, and litigation over accountability.

Even so, Drummond continued negotiating in good faith, working to reach agreements with certain poultry companies and offering realistic paths forward to mitigate economic impacts. He also remained in talks with all the companies that wished to engage.

“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.”

“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.”