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The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2781, supporting a $4 billion aluminum smelter project by Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) at the Port of Inola. The bill, known as the Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act (ROA-25), aims to revive American manufacturing and create over 1,000 high-paying jobs. The project is expected to double the nation's aluminum production capacity and strengthen the country's mineral supply chains.
The measure, which passed with a vote of 56-34, offers performance-based rebates for manufacturers investing at least $2 billion and creating 700 jobs in the first year, increasing to 1,000 jobs in subsequent years. These rebates will be available through July 1, 2045, and are funded by the ROA-25 Revolving Fund and ROA-25 Beneficiary Fund. The program operates independently of the existing Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program to ensure transparent use of state funds.
Governor Kevin Stitt praised the project, stating, "EGA is huge for our state, and we need to get it across the finish line." The project is part of a strategic international deal negotiated by President Trump, aiming to bring manufacturing back to American soil.
The Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget initially tied on the measure, but it later passed with a 16-9 vote after some persuasion. The project is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and 1,800 indirect jobs in Oklahoma. However, it also raises environmental concerns due to the harmful byproducts of aluminum smelting.
The bill now heads to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration. If approved, the smelter will be the first new aluminum production plant in the U.S. in over 45 years, marking a significant milestone for Oklahoma and the nation's manufacturing sector.