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Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Hot and 98. ☀️
Poll results:
We received 292 votes on the Monday poll, “Should Oklahoma lawmakers be allowed to investigate one of their own behind closed doors?”
148 said, “No. The public deserves transparency.”
27 said, “Yes. Confidentiality protects everyone involved.”
114 said, “Only until investigators establish the facts.”
3 said, “Not sure.”
New poll question at the bottom of today’s newsletter. (You can also suggest a poll question by emailing me at [email protected].)
Trump administration throws more support behind Inola smelter in new court filings
The Port of Inola (Tulsa Ports)
By Graycen Wheeler, KOSU
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The Trump administration has weighed in on Oklahoma’s lawsuit against the companies behind an aluminum smelter in Inola. In new court filings, the U.S. Department of Justice argues the project should be allowed to move forward.
The $4 billion smelter would more than double primary aluminum production in the United States. But the people living near the site of the plant in Inola have pushed back on the project, largely citing environmental concerns.
The facility will be owned by Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, which is in turn jointly owned by a United Arab Emirates aluminum manufacturing company and U.S.-based Century Aluminum. The company is applying for a required air quality permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The process has hit a lull while the DEQ awaits additional documents required to demonstrate the facility will comply with environmental laws.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit in June, asking Rogers County District Court to stop development of the smelter and address negative impacts on its neighbors. After the aluminum companies got the case moved from county to federal court, Drummond filed a motion for an immediate pause on development until the case is resolved.
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a statement in support of the companies behind the smelter.
Although the federal government has provided $500 million in financial backing to the smelter, it is not party to the lawsuit. But DOJ officials say getting the smelter built is a matter of national defense and economic security, and federal laws will ensure it complies with environmental standards.
“This project advances national and economic security by reducing the country’s reliance on foreign sources of materials critical to the national defense,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson in a statement. “The Department of Justice is committed to supporting military readiness and opposing litigation that subverts environmental regulatory processes established by Congress.”
The DOJ is asking the court to deny Drummond’s request for an immediate pause. Its statement also asks the court to dismiss the case, or at least set it aside until the DEQ completes the air quality permitting process.
A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General said the office would respond in court.
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The Oklahoma Rundown 📰
Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.
Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:
Inola residents file federal suit over aluminum smelter plans (KJRH)
Mazzei's D.C. advisers, Roger Stone absent from campaign finance reports (The Oklahoman)*
Massive water leak exposes El Reno Bitcoin mining site operated unlawfully for years (KFOR)
Oklahoman among those missing after Grand Canyon flash flooding, family says (KOCO)
Tulsa police said Michael Glunt was shot 3 times. The autopsy shows it was 9. (The Oklahoma Eagle)
Man charged in Sand Springs explosion deaths accused of operating illegal grow operation (News On 6)
Petition on high electricity bills gets attention: 'We've finally reached a breaking point' (Tulsa World)*
Oklahoma schools locked down after threats on Monday (KJRH)
How much AI is used in classrooms? Oklahoma parents advocate for transparency in policies (KOCO)
Pioneer Library System sees surge in Dolly Parton Imagination Library enrollment (KOSU)
Judicial candidate Warren Plunk dies, OK County special election to be called (NonDoc)
Oklahoma gives released prisoners $50 and a bus ticket; then the housing problem hits (Oklahoma Watch)
Norman considers de-annexing part of East Norman (News 9)
Tulsa immigrants are looking for legal help. Police say scammers are taking advantage. (La Semana)
Tribal nations in Oklahoma: prediction markets threaten sovereignty (KOSU)
Dozens of Tulsa Public Schools sites hit with air conditioning issues as triple-digit heat continues (Tulsa Flyer)
Investigation into Miami principal moves to local police (KSN 16)
Ardmore recall petition over camera contract vote launches (KXII)
Second fatality in Railroad South Fire identified (KSWO)
OU Motel demolition delayed to mid-September for remediation (OU Daily)
Tuesday Poll
Should the proposed $4 billion Inola aluminum smelter be allowed to move forward?
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