Cong. Brecheen, State Sen. Burns oppose hydroelectric plant with Chinese ties in SE Oklahoma

Congressman Josh Brecheen and State Sen. George Burns are both out with press releases detailing their opposition to a proposed hydroelectric power plant on the Kiamichi River in southeast Oklahoma that would provide power for Texas consumers, with Brecheen noting ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked individual in the project. Read on for their comments:

Congressman Brecheen Opposes Chinese Communist Party-Linked Hydroelectric Power Plant Project: “We Will Do Everything in Our Power to Prevent this Harmful Project from Moving Forward”

Washington, D.C. (August 14th) – Congressman Josh Brecheen opposes the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation’s (SEOPC) attempts to build a hydroelectric power plant on the Kiamichi River in LeFlore and Pushmataha Counties.

SEOPC has ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked individual and the project would require the eminent domaining of 35,000 acres of Oklahoma land, including many homes, farms, and ranches in the surrounding area that have been owned by Oklahoma families for generations. All the power produced would then be sold in Texas, not Oklahoma.

“Our office will do everything in our power to prevent this harmful project from moving forward,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “Any person or company involved with the Chinese Communist Party, which is an enemy of the United States, has no business operating in Oklahoma.”

To build the plant, SEOPC needs the approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). SEOPC’s applications have thus far been denied, most recently in March 2024 when FERC said SEOPC had failed to do their “due diligence” regarding the extent of eminent domain requirements. However, SEOPC continues to pursue the project and issued another application for approval to FERC on May 7th.

Burns Stands in Opposition to Hydroelectric Power Plant in Pushmataha County

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 12th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has announced his strong opposition to the proposed hydroelectric power plant along the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County. The project, spearheaded by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp., plans to divert water from the Kiamichi River to generate electricity for Texas, leaving Oklahoma without any direct benefit while risking significant harm to the region’s natural and cultural resources.

“I stand firmly with the residents of southeastern Oklahoma in opposing this ill-conceived project,” Burns said. “This hydroelectric plant threatens Oklahoma's precious natural resources for the benefit of another state.”

The proposed 1,200-megawatt facility would not only impact endangered species and disrupt historical sites but also violate the historic Water Settlement Agreement between the Choctaw Nation, other tribes, Oklahoma City, and the state of Oklahoma.

“The Kiamichi River is not just a body of water; it is a vital part of our ecosystem,” Burns said. “The potential damage from this project cannot be overlooked. We must ensure that any development in our region is both sustainable and respectful of the communities it affects.”

The opposition to the hydroelectric project has garnered significant support.