OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after the state of Oklahoma finalized settlements totaling $25.5 million with Tyson Foods and Cargill in the long-running Illinois River Watershed litigation. 

"For more than 20 years, this case has hung over the heads of poultry growers in eastern Oklahoma. I’ve heard from families who were unsure whether they would be able to continue operating from one year to the next. That kind of uncertainty takes a real toll on our rural communities. 

These settlements bring long-needed clarity. They provide a framework to address water quality concerns in the Illinois River Watershed while also giving producers and integrators the stability they need to keep doing business in our state. 

I appreciate the work that has gone into reaching this point, including the efforts of the Attorney General’s office, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and Sen. Tom Woods. There has been strong support from state leaders and Oklahoma’s agriculture community to find a resolution that protects family farmers while also addressing water quality concerns. 

Our poultry farmers are good stewards of the land. They’ve invested time and resources into modern practices, and they deserve a path forward that recognizes both environmental responsibility and the economic reality of raising food for our country. 

I am hopeful the court will approve these agreements so they can take effect and provide lasting certainty for our producers. I also encourage continued efforts to reach resolution with the remaining integrators. If that does not occur, I believe we should carefully consider alternative approaches that address water quality through a strong regulatory framework without jeopardizing the livelihoods of hundreds of family farmers in eastern Oklahoma. 

The priority must remain clear. We can protect our natural resources and ensure eastern Oklahoma poultry producers are able to operate and expand with confidence, without the constant fear of losing contracts or facing financial ruin." 

The settlements require payments for remediation and conservation efforts within the watershed and outline additional measures related to litter removal and monitoring. Other defendants remain involved in ongoing proceedings. 

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Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.