INOLA, Okla — The Inola City Council made a shocking move at a meeting on June 29th.
While councilors gathered to vote on a six month moratorium for the proposed aluminum smelter, the outcome changed completely.
In the end, councilors decided upon a 60 day moratorium, that delays the decision on whether or not to approve the aluminum smelter. The purpose is to gather as much data and findings as to how the smelter would affect the area in which the plant would go.
The smelter is currently set to be built on the Port of Inola if approved.
Visibly upset people in Inola called for the resignation of the councilors, saying their lives weren't being prioritized in the decision.
City council invited Inolans and outside individuals to publicly speak on their opinions regarding the proposed aluminum plant.
2 News covered the issue extensively.
Local News
Doubts persist after DEQ meeting over proposed Inola aluminum smelter
The proposed six-month moratorium could have delayed the decision to build the aluminum smelter for half a year and given more time for research.
Residents hoped for more time to collect more info on the smelter's effects.
Like in previous coverage, residents worried about how chemicals in the air could affect people, plants and animals.
Meanwhile, individuals representing state and federal governments spoke on the importance on local aluminum production and manufacturing. They also emphasized the growth and economic boost of the community through the creation of hundreds of jobs.
It didn't convince many, they still advocated for the moratorium or throwing the smelter idea away entirely.
Animal farmer Carl Day said he traveled to Kentucky, close to another aluminum smelter, and found toxic soil samples.
"If it’s toxic to an animal, it’s more likely toxic to a person as well," he said. “The amount of money that’s gonna be spent for the smelter may not offset the amount that could be lost due to that. Related businesses in the area that potentially couldn’t operate anymore.”
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