Mike Mazzei Explains Why He Changed His Stance On Inola Smelter Project
- mike33692
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Mike Mazzei Explains Why He Changed His Stance On Inola Smelter Project
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei says new information about jobs, national security and the project's economic impact led him to change his position on the proposed Inola smelter project, a reversal that has become one of the biggest issues in Oklahoma's race for governor.
The issue has drawn renewed attention after former President Donald Trump praised Mazzei's support for the project in a new campaign video released Tuesday. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Mazzei's opponent in the August 25 Republican runoff, has argued the change in position was made to secure Trump's endorsement.
Mike Mazzei Changed Position On Inola Smelter Project
Speaking with News 9 and News On 6, Mazzei said his original concerns centered on the financial incentives being offered to help bring the aluminum smelter to Rogers County—not the project itself.
Earlier this year, Mazzei publicly questioned tax incentives for the development and criticized the use of state resources to support a company with majority ownership tied to the United Arab Emirates.
However, Mazzei told News 9 he changed his position after taking a closer look at the project's overall economic impact.
"I was never concerned about the plant itself," Mazzei said. "Fortunately, I did more homework as the financial guy would do, and eventually, learned about the total potential jobs surrounding it."
Mazzei now says the proposed facility could create approximately 10,000 jobs while strengthening America's domestic aluminum production, which he argues is important for national security because the United States currently imports much of its aluminum.
Drummond Says Politics Drove The Change
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has repeatedly questioned Mazzei's reversal, arguing it came only after Trump endorsed his campaign.
Drummond said he believes many Rogers County residents oppose the project because of concerns about environmental impacts, foreign ownership and the facility's proximity to homes and agricultural land.
Drummond has also filed legal challenges involving the proposed aluminum smelter, arguing the project should not move forward under its current structure. The Attorney General's Office has released filings and statements regarding the proposed facility through https://www.oag.ok.gov.
Inola Smelter Remains A Major Campaign Issue
The proposed aluminum smelter has become one of the defining issues in Oklahoma's Republican gubernatorial runoff.
Supporters argue the project would bring thousands of jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing and improve national security by reducing America's reliance on imported aluminum.
Opponents, including many Inola residents, have raised concerns about environmental impacts, public health, foreign ownership and the use of taxpayer incentives to support the development.
The proposed facility would be majority-owned by an enterprise connected to the United Arab Emirates, an issue that has become a frequent point of debate throughout the campaign.
With early voting approaching, the Inola smelter project is expected to remain a central issue as Republican voters decide between Mazzei and Drummond ahead of the August 25 runoff. Information about Oklahoma's election calendar is available through the Oklahoma State Election Board at https://oklahoma.gov/elections.
Comments