Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, is addressing concerns raised by Adair County commissioners regarding the potential economic impact of major reductions in poultry operations in northeastern Oklahoma and the importance of the poultry industry to Oklahoma agriculture.
This week, Adair County commissioners sent a letter to Attorney General Gentner Drummond outlining the role poultry production plays in local economies and the significant effect a large-scale reduction could have on county governments, school districts, farm families and small businesses across the region. The commissioners noted that poultry production has long been one of the primary economic drivers in Adair County and supports hundreds of families while generating revenue that helps sustain rural communities.
Reports indicating that Tyson Foods is evaluating possible changes to its Oklahoma operations come as the state continues navigating a long-running federal lawsuit over water quality in the Illinois River watershed. The litigation, now more than 20 years old, centers on pollution concerns shared by Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Federal and state agencies have documented water quality improvements in portions of the watershed following decades of targeted conservation work. An Environmental Protection Agency success story published in 2020 highlighted reduced bacteria and nutrient levels, the removal of five waterbody segments from the impaired waters list and ongoing cooperative efforts involving Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Cherokee Nation. Population growth in northwest Arkansas, which now exceeds 700,000 residents, has increased pressure on the watershed and prompted both states to update monitoring and long-term planning.
“While the Environmental Protection Agency promotes the Illinois River watershed as a water quality success story and the Oklahoma Tourism Department promotes the water quality of Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, Attorney General Drummond’s office is telling a federal judge the Illinois River is polluted to the point that poultry companies should be fined hundreds of millions of dollars,” Hardin said. “The Attorney General’s proposal would devastate county governments, school districts, small businesses and countless Oklahoma families.”
Hardin agreed with the commissioners’ concerns and emphasized the importance of balancing environmental goals with economic stability.
“Eastern Oklahoma should not be put at risk while decisions are made without fully weighing the progress that has been achieved or the families who depend on this industry,” Hardin said. “Water quality challenges deserve meaningful attention, but we can address those concerns with science, long-term planning and cooperation between both states. I stand with the Adair County commissioners in supporting solutions that protect our natural resources and preserve the jobs, investment and economic health of our rural communities.”
Hardin noted that decades of coordinated conservation work have produced measurable improvements in the Illinois River watershed.
“Local, state and federal partners have invested years into improving the Illinois River, and the data show those efforts are working,” said Hardin. “We should continue building on that progress while also safeguarding the economic stability of the counties that rely on agriculture to survive.
“Frankly, our neighbors in Arkansas have shown more interest in water quality than we have and have invested in tens of millions of dollars in improvements for recreation and water quality monitoring and improvement. We need to focus on investment in water quality, not litigation.”
Hardin said he supports continued collaboration among agencies, landowners and state leaders to protect water quality and maintain the long-term economic well-being of eastern Oklahoma.
