On June 8, the people of Inola gathered at a city council meeting to raise their concerns over the proposed massive aluminum smelter that would be built about three miles away from local schools.
After members of the community expressed their concerns over the aluminum smelter, the city council agreed that a six-month moratorium would be discussed at the next meeting. A new committee, ICARE, was also created.
Gov. Kevin Stitt has said it is President Trump’s desire to place the aluminum smelter in Oklahoma and that the project is part of the America First agenda. Stitt is not thinking about the people of Inola or the long-lasting impact this could have on the community. He is only thinking about his own political career.
If you do not support the aluminum smelter, the best thing you can do is show up to city council meetings, make your voice heard and do your best to create awareness in your community.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has taken a very different position from Stitt. Drummond has filed legal action to block the proposed smelter, arguing that a primary aluminum smelter does not belong in a community’s backyard. He has raised concerns about the possible impact on air, water and the people who live near the project.
The people of Inola cannot let this decision be made without them. This is their town, their schools, their water and their future. No governor, president or corporation should get to decide what risk a community has to live with. If this project is so good for Inola, then Inola should not have to be pressured into accepting it only because it is what the President wants.
