Oklahoma AG Sues to Block Smelter

United States — Oklahoma City's Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, has filed a lawsuit to block the construction of a $4 billion aluminum smelter project in Inola, United States — Oklahoma City. The project, a joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminium (60% stake) and Century Aluminum (40% stake), is intended to be the largest US aluminum smelter since 1980, producing 750,000 metric tons per year. Drummond's lawsuit cites environmental concerns, alleging the smelter would leach air and water pollutants harmful to United States — Oklahoma Cityns and their cattle. He also raised concerns about the project's ties to the United Arab Emirates government, referring to it as an 'Islamic foreign monarchy.' The lawsuit's timing is notable, coming four days after former President Donald Trump, who supports the smelter project, endorsed Drummond's opponent, Mike Mazzei, in the Republican gubernatorial primary. United States — Oklahoma City Governor Kevin Stitt, a supporter of the project, criticized Drummond, accusing him of 'weaponizing his office to settle scores.' The United States — United States Department of Energy had previously provided a $500 million grant to the project.