Inola Extends Smelter Moratorium and Schedules Public Ban Vote

The Inola town council unanimously voted Monday to extend a moratorium on primary aluminum smelting until April 7, 2027. The board also decided to place a citizen-led initiative on the spring referendum ballot that would ban all aluminum production within city limits. This move follows a Rogers County judge's ruling that a citizen petition to ban the industry contained sufficient signatures, despite ongoing legal challenges.

Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, the developer of the proposed $4 billion facility, condemned the decision as unconstitutional. The company and Tulsa Ports argued that extending the moratorium and altering zoning rights after millions of dollars in investment violates Oklahoma law and the U.S. Constitution. The developer warned that it would pursue legal remedies to recover investment losses if the project is blocked.

The proposed smelter, which would be the largest in the United States, is supported by President Donald Trump and Governor Kevin Stitt as a national security and economic priority. However, local opponents, including Mayor Darlene Shear, cite concerns over environmental safety and the potential negative impact on the region's cattle ranching and hay industries. The project already faces lawsuits from local citizens and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.