A bill that would protect Oklahoma poultry producers from legal action over environmental issues gained approval from the Oklahoma Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
The bill, known as HB 4118, passed by an 8-1 vote. It now moves on to the full Senate.
Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, drafted the bill, which would grant “statutory immunity from nuisance liability” to poultry growers, operators, integrators and waste applicators, as long as they had a state-approved Nutrient Management Plan, and were in compliance with that plan.
HB 4118 passed the full House on February 19 by a 68-28 vote.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau has advocated for HB 4118, telling KSWO that it was optimistic that the legislation would help Oklahoma “maintain the industry and perhaps grow that.” The organization posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “It’s a great day to celebrate a grassroots victory, referring to the advancement of the bill.
However, the bill has also had its opponents.
In March, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, wrote to senators, voicing opposition. The council represents the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribes.
“We have always supported and honored the work of poultry farmers and the agriculture industry. Like any industry, they also have a responsibility to be good neighbors who avoid polluting waters relied on by the whole community. That is why current Oklahoma law prohibits the discharge of poultry waste into the waters of the state,” the council’s letter read.
“By removing this common-sensical prohibition, shielding poultry polluters from liability, and replacing these protections with vague rules to be developed by a relatively small state agency, HB4118 could damage Oklahoma’s ability to keep our waters clean. The State Department of Agriculture lacks the capacity to inspect and enforce Nutrient Management Plans across the entire state, and the agency’s historic oversight of nutrient management has not proven adequate to protect water quality and ensure best practices across Oklahoma.”
