With the trial scheduled to begin on Thursday, the past few days have seen many developments in the ongoing litigation between Oklahoma and eleven poultry companies. On September 17, the Cherokee Nation filed a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. The notice of appeal comes just a few days after the district court judge denied tribe’s request to intervene in the litigation. The judge did leave open the possibility that the Cherokee’s could bring their own lawsuit against the poultry companies. To view the article by Justin Juozapavicius for the Associated Press in Forbes, click here.
Finally, in another story for the Associated Press, Mr. Juozapavicius is reporting that the water quality of the Illinois River is improving. To view the article, click here. To some along the river, the recovery began in 2005 “when Oklahoma brought a pollution lawsuit against the Arkansas poultry industry, suggesting the threat of legal action may have spurred the companies to do better at policing themselves.” According to the article, the poultry industry has taken steps since 2005 to reduce the amount of litter in the watershed. Looking at industry records, the companies have removed 290.000 tons of chicken waste have been trucked out of the watershed from 2005 to August of this year.
Posted: 09/21/09
