This week’s decision by Inola Town Trustees to extend their moratorium on a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter disappointed Gov. Kevin Stitt, a backer of the state-supported project.
After Monday night’s decision by the trustees, the governor issued a statement calling it troubling.
“Local voices should continue to speak into the process, but changing the rules in the middle of a multi-year permitting process undermines the certainty job creators need to invest billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs. Oklahoma must remain a state where valid zoning, good-faith negotiations, and established legal processes mean something; this reversal sets a damaging precedent that should be carefully reviewed under our Constitution.”
He further stated that Public Service Company of Oklahoma had been preparing for major industrial growth started in 2014 and Inola zoned the site of the proposed smelter an area for heavy industrial use and did so in 2017.
“—and the Port Authority began developing its industrial park in 2019 with the help of State and Federal funding,” said the Governor.
“In 2023, the Port Authority pursued the competitive RFP process to bring this project to Inola, and the city remained an engaged and active partner in preparing to bring the safest, most modern aluminum facility in the world right here to Oklahoma. The State has since partnered to help protect electricity rates for everyday consumers and bring updated infrastructure to the area.”
The governor’s state website for his office shows his desire to attract new business to the state.
“My vision is to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state, and we are working tirelessly to make that happen.
If you are considering home or business relocation, or simply looking for your next vacation, you are warmly welcomed to come and see our beautiful state. Here you will find a culture rich in history, a people dedicated to upholding the “Oklahoma Standard,” and the best opportunities to start a business, grow a family, and live the American dream,” it states.
