AG Drummond request denial of application for Oklahoma Hydroelectric plant

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Thursday, Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced his office is asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to deny an application that seeks to build a hydroelectric power plant in Pushmataha County, after citing no consideration of its implications for Oklahomans, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and the Clean Water Act.

According to Drummond, Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC) is seeking approval from the Federal Commission to build a hydroelectric power plant on the Kiamichi River, but the AG’s office says SEOPC has provided limited information to include not requesting the proper licensures and permits.

The AG’s says, Oklahomans who call the Kiamichi region home have lived there for generations.

“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,” said Attorney General Drummond.

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The SEOPC power plant is set to have a transmission line extending through Pushmataha and McCurtain counties providing power for Texas while relying on powers of condemnation to acquire private property from Oklahomans, according to the AG’s office.

“I intend, as Oklahoma’s Attorney General, to ensure that their private property rights are safeguarded to the full extent of the law,” Drummond wrote.

Read the full letter here .

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