In Oklahoma City, Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed gratitude towards the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for halting a proposed hydroelectric power plant on the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County. The decision marks a significant moment for Southeast Oklahoma residents concerned about the project.
FERC's decision came after they deemed the updated Proposed Study Plan from Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC) insufficient to move forward with the study planning process. SEOPC, based in Dallas, has been instructed to submit another updated plan with necessary explanations by March 22.
"This is welcome news for Oklahomans who treasure the Kiamichi River and how this proposal would adversely impact property owners, wildlife and the river itself," said Drummond.
Drummond has consistently opposed SEOPC's efforts to build a transmission line through Pushmataha and McCurtain counties intended to supply power to Texas. In August 2024, he urged FERC to reject SEOPC’s application due to inadequate information provided and failure to obtain necessary state licenses or permits.
Drummond also highlighted that the project conflicts with provisions of the State’s Water Settlement Agreement with the Choctaw Nation and Chickasaw Nation, designed to maintain river flow and protect local resources.
"As the chief law officer of the State of Oklahoma, I will not tolerate violation of Oklahoma law or flagrant disregard for the sovereignty or federal law, protected rights of a tribal nation and similarly situated property owners," wrote Drummond. "Most of the proud Oklahomans who call the Kiamichi region home have lived there for generations. I intend, as Oklahoma’s Attorney General, to ensure that their private property rights are safeguarded to the full extent of the law."