Oklahoma AG Drummond Keeps Fighting Inola Aluminum Smelter as Case Returns to State Court

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says he’s not backing down from his fight against a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola. A federal judge ruled on Sept. 3 that his lawsuit must return to Rogers County District Court, finding the companies behind the project failed to establish a substantial federal question. The ruling is final and cannot be appealed, but it does not decide whether the smelter can actually be built.

Drummond originally filed the lawsuit in June under Oklahoma law, arguing the project could create a public nuisance affecting public health, agriculture and natural resources. The smelter, proposed by Century Aluminum and Aluminum Oklahoma LLC, would reportedly be the largest primary aluminum facility in the United States. Emirates Global Aluminium, owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates, holds a 60% controlling interest. Gov. Kevin Stitt and other supporters say the project would boost manufacturing jobs and national security.

So what happens now? The case proceeds under Oklahoma law, which is exactly where Drummond wanted it. He says this case belongs in an Oklahoma courtroom, and anyone who thought he’d quit was“sorely mistaken.”The bigger question, whether this smelter gets built at all, is still wide open.

What do you think? Should a project like this be decided by state courts, or should the federal government have a say? Let us know in the comments.