Gov. Stitt Fires Secretary of Energy and Environment After Court Hearing Appearance

Gov. Stitt (AP)

TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — Governor Kevin Stitt fired the Secretary of Energy and Environment Ken McQueen, saying he was disappointed that McQueen appeared in a court hearing on Tuesday.

The hearing revolves around the case Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, which has been going on since 2005.

McQueen joined the case in November and follows Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Attorney General Drew Edmonson, and environmentalists in the lawsuit against Tyson.

Governor Stitt said, “This nearly two-decade-old case is a radical left attempt at backdoor regulation through litigation.”

Stitt renamed Jeff Starling as the Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment.

“Jeff’s extensive experience in both the private and public sectors provides unique insights that make him well qualified to guide our state’s energy strategy,” said Governor Stitt. “He knows what the industry needs to ensure that Oklahoma remains a national leader in energy innovation and economic growth.”

Starling most recently served as chief legal, administrative officer, and corporate secretary at Lagoon Water Midstream.

“I’m thrilled to serve Oklahoma in this new capacity,” said Starling. “It’s an exciting moment in Oklahoma, and our energy industry is a major driver of our state’s success and one we should build upon as we continue to move forward. I’m honored the Governor trusts me with this responsibility and I look forward to working to make it even easier to do business in Oklahoma.”

The Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods lawsuit is about damages to Oklahoma from widespread water pollution from poultry companies located mostly in Arkansas.