How We Got Here
From secret negotiations to fast-tracked legislation — a timeline of how the Inola aluminum smelter proposal developed and why the community deserved better.
Secret Approach
The Tulsa Port of Inola approaches the City of Inola about an unnamed project. The community is given no information. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) prevent public knowledge.
Behind Closed DoorsNegotiations Begin
Negotiations begin with Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA), a UAE state-owned company. Details remain under NDA and are not disclosed to the public.
Behind Closed DoorsCity Review Committee Recommends Project Plan
The City of Inola Review Committee (composed of city officials and staff) recommends the Amended and Restated Port of Inola Project Plan. Process conducted largely behind closed doors.
Fast-TrackedFirst Public Notice
Notice to the public published in the Claremore Daily Progress. Project Plan becomes available for review after 5:00 PM on May 5, 2025. 30-day public comment period begins.
White House Announces Project
The White House issues a fact sheet announcing the EGA aluminum project as part of a larger economic and manufacturing initiative. Announcement emphasizes job creation and industrial investment.
Legislature Fast-Tracks HB 2781
Oklahoma Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget approves House Bill 2781 (Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act - ROA-25), establishing massive tax incentives for the smelter. HB 2781 fast-tracked through legislature with minimal debate.
Fast-TrackedFirst Inola Public Hearing
First Inola Town Council public hearing to provide information about the Project Plan. Community begins to learn details of the massive industrial facility.
House Passes HB 2781 — Incentives Approved
Oklahoma House of Representatives passes House Bill 2781. State Representative Gann notes the unprecedented speed and minimal legislative scrutiny. Incentives estimated to be worth hundreds of millions in tax breaks.
Fast-TrackedRogers County Approves Sales Tax Agreement
Rogers County Board of County Commissioners holds special meeting to approve sales tax increment financing (TIF) agreement between Inola and Rogers County — critical funding mechanism for the project.
Fast-TrackedSecond Public Hearing — Project Plan Approved
Second Inola public hearing for final public comments. Inola Town Council votes to approve the Amended and Restated Port of Inola Project Plan (TIF). Public comment period closes.
EGA Announces Construction Timeline
Emirates Global Aluminum issues press release announcing construction will begin at the end of 2026. Land sale (~350 acres) had not yet closed as of this date, raising questions about pre-announcement commitments.
EGA Files Air Permit Application
EGA submits 300+ page Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Air Permit Application to Oklahoma DEQ. Public comment period is critical — contact ODEQ and EPA Region 6 with concerns.
Action Needed
Critical Questions About This Process
Why was the community not properly informed from the start?
Negotiations were conducted under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for months before any public announcement. The community had less than two weeks notice before the first public hearing.
Why was this fast-tracked through the legislature?
HB 2781 was passed with unprecedented speed and minimal legislative debate. The bill was designed specifically for this project, establishing hundreds of millions in tax incentives through the Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act.
Why are Oklahoma taxpayers funding a foreign state-owned company?
Emirates Global Aluminum is 60% owned by the UAE government. Oklahoma taxpayers are providing massive incentives (HB 2781) to a foreign government-backed corporation at the expense of local priorities.
What about tribal sovereignty and consultation?
The site sits on Muscogee (Creek) Nation land. Proper tribal consultation and sovereignty protections should have been central to this process, but the project has proceeded with minimal tribal input.
Now You Know the History — Act on It
This project was pushed through without your input. Sign the petition and make sure your voice is heard.