INOLA, Okla — The Inola City Council made a move that shocked residents Monday evening.
While councilors gathered to decide if they wanted to approve a six month moratorium for the proposed aluminum smelter, the outcome changed completely.
In the end, councilors decided upon a 60 day moratorium, that will delay 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.
Residents of Inola were visibly upset after the decision was made, even calling for the resignation of the councilors, saying their lives weren’t being prioritized in the decision.
City council invited residents and outside individuals to publicly speak on their opinions regarding the proposed aluminum plant.
2 News has covered the issue extensively.
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The six-month moratorium would have delayed the decision to build the aluminum smelter for half a year and given more time for research.
Residents were hoping more time would have been allowed to collect more info on the smelter’s effects.
Like in previous coverage, residents stated they were worried about how the plant would affect chemicals in the air, therefore affecting people, plants and animals.
Meanwhile, individuals representing state and federal governments came out to speak 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.
Still, residents weren’t convinced, with many advocating 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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