Oklahoma Attorney General Settles 21-Year Poultry Pollution Lawsuit

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a settlement on July 13, 2026, ending a 21-year legal battle over poultry-litter pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. Six companies—Tyson Foods, Cargill, George's, Peterson Farms, Cal-Maine, and Simmons Foods—will collectively pay approximately $44 million. This total includes $41,671,000 for an Environmental Relief Fund, $1.9 million for an independent compliance monitor, and $420,000 in penalties to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Revolving Fund.

The agreement mandates a phased reduction of poultry litter spread on land within the watershed, decreasing from 40% in the first two years to 20% by years five through seven. Additionally, the defendants must fund 50% of the costs for vegetative buffer strips near Lake Tenkiller and other scenic rivers to filter runoff. The settlement now awaits final approval from U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell, who previously rejected earlier proposals.

While the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Federation welcomed the resolution, Governor Kevin Stitt criticized the agreement as a day late and a dollar short. Stitt accused Drummond of using delay tactics and theatrics that caused years of uncertainty for family-owned farmers in an attempt to benefit trial attorney supporters.