Oklahoma Attorney General GentnerDrummondhas filed a lawsuit seeking to halt construction of a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter in northeast Oklahoma, setting up a high-profile clash over one of the state's largest economic development projects and fueling political tensions in the Republican race for governor.
The lawsuit targets Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, a joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminum and Century Aluminum, which plans to build the facility in Inola, about 30 miles east of Tulsa. If completed, the plant would become the largest aluminum smelter in the United States and the first new primary aluminum facility built in the country since 1980.
The project is expected to produce 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually and has received a $500 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy along with state incentives.
Drummondcontendedthe facility poses environmental risks to surrounding communities and agriculture. In court filings, he argued emissions from the plant could threaten air and water quality and negatively affect ranching operations in the area.
He also raised concerns that the controlling ownership interest belongs to Emirates Global Aluminum, which is backed by sovereign wealth funds of the United Arab Emirates. The legal action came just days after President Donald Trump endorsed former state senator Mike Mazzei, Drummond's chief rival in the June 16 Republican gubernatorial primary.
The timing quickly drew criticism from Governor Kevin Stitt, who accused the attorney general of using his office for political purposes. Stitt said the lawsuit appeared to follow Trump's endorsement and alleged Drummond was 'weaponizing his office to settle scores instead of serving Oklahomans.'
The governor has been one of the project's strongest supporters, describing the smelter as a major step toward expanding domestic manufacturingandstrengthening the nation's supply chain. Officials with Oklahoma Primary Aluminum said the project remains in the permittingstageandpledged to operate under strict environmental safeguards.
Company representatives said the facility would incorporate enclosed material handling, real-time emissions monitoring and other protections designed to safeguard nearby communities, farms and wildlife. They also emphasized the project's potential to create thousands of jobs and boost Oklahoma's economy.
The dispute highlights a growing debate over balancing economic development withenvironmentalconcerns and comes as Oklahoma increasingly positions itself as a hub for domestic manufacturing and critical minerals production. With polls showing Drummond and Mazzei locked in a tight race, the legal challenge has added another layer of drama to an already heated campaign season.