In a case spanning nearly two decades, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office is pushing back against poultry producers, including major companies like Tyson Foods and Cargill, who sought the dismissal of allegations regarding their involvement in polluting the Illinois River watershed.
The poultry producers had requested dismissal in October, citing concerns of timeliness and changes in leadership within the companies since the case’s initiation. However, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office responded last week, arguing that the companies had not demonstrated any shift in their practices to address poultry waste and prevent pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. The state contended that the mere passage of time is an insufficient reason to dismiss the case and emphasized that a change in leadership does not necessarily signify a change in pollution prevention practices.
Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell ruled in favor of the state against various poultry companies operating within the watershed. Subsequently, the judge ordered mediation between the two parties to seek a potential settlement. Despite three meetings, an agreement has not been reached.
The legal battle revolves around the alleged pollution of the Illinois River watershed by poultry waste. As the case unfolds, the parties involved continue to present their arguments before the federal judge, maintaining the focus on environmental concerns and corporate responsibility.
