Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has filed a petition to stop the construction of a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola, citing concerns about environmental harm and foreign ownership of the project. The facility, backed by the Trump administration, would be the largest aluminum production plant in the United States and the first new primary aluminum smelter built in over 40 years. Project developers say they are completing environmental reviews and implementing safeguards to protect local communities and wildlife. The proposal has sparked political controversy and local opposition, with residents expressing concerns about pollution and potential increases in electricity costs.
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed 367 measures into law during Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session, vetoed 59 bills, and used pocket vetoes to block three others without allowing lawmakers an opportunity to override them. The pocket-vetoed measures involved renewable energy tax incentives, increased fees for obtaining medical records, and reduced professional development requirements for experienced teachers. Stitt’s actions reflect his policy priorities as he completes his final year in office, while lawmakers successfully overrode only four of nine vetoes attempted this session. The session highlighted ongoing tensions between the governor and the legislature over key policy issues.
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority approved plans to seek $1.5 billion in bonds to help fund the ACCESS Oklahoma Program, a 15-year, $8.2 billion initiative aimed at expanding and improving the state’s turnpike system. The board also authorized the potential use of eminent domain to acquire land for projects along the Turner Turnpike and the proposed East-West Corridor if negotiations with property owners fail. Officials said the bonds will be repaid through toll revenue and that additional bond issuances will likely be needed as construction continues. The decisions mark a significant step forward for the controversial expansion project, which has faced opposition from some lawmakers and affected landowners.
The fact-check of Oklahoma’s Republican gubernatorial debate hosted by NonDoc and KSWO 7 News examined claims made by candidates Gentner Drummond, Mike Mazzei, Charles McCall, and Chip Keating. Using public records, campaign finance data, court documents, and legislative history, reporters found that several statements were exaggerated or lacked important context, including claims about Drummond’s inherited wealth, Mazzei’s past support for a national popular vote proposal, and campaign donations linked to Joe Biden. The review also assessed disputes over tax increases and tax cuts, marijuana-related prosecutions, and state spending on legal challenges to the McGirt decision, finding many claims to be only partially accurate. Overall, the fact-check highlighted the complexity behind campaign rhetoric and provided voters with a more detailed look at the candidates’ records and policy positions.
Weekly Wrap Up
June 26, 2026: The House interim study filing deadline. The Speaker has until July 24, 2026 to approve or disapprove them.
The Senate is still working on their study timeline.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Parents deserve accurate information, and providers deserve policies that reflect the day-to-day realities of operating childcare programs,” Senator Paul Rosino said regarding House Bill 4298 Oklahoma state law aims to support childcare facilities following federal funding cuts. “This bill strikes a balance by granting financial relief to providers without eliminating guardrails that help keep costs in check for families. By adopting an approach that has been successfully implemented in many other states, this measure will provide childcare providers with additional staffing flexibility as they continue to navigate workforce shortages and operational challenges.”