In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed hydroelectric project by Southeastern Oklahoma Power Corporation (SOPC) along the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma. The project, which aims to utilize eminent domain to acquire land within its project boundary, has sparked public pushback and scrutiny over its potential environmental and national security implications.

The project involves the construction of a lower reservoir spanning 890 acres, which would be excavated 60 feet deep, and an upper reservoir of 600 acres by damming Long Creek. This development is expected to impact both the Kiamichi River Basin and the Little River Basin, raising alarms about possible contamination of local drinking water supplies. Critics highlighted that the diversion point for the water would be only 1.5 feet above the riverbed, further complicating environmental concerns.

SOPC's proposal includes a capacity to store 1,200 megawatts of energy, significantly more than existing battery storage facilities, which typically occupy much smaller footprints. However, the feasibility of such a large-scale project in a remote area of southeastern Oklahoma has been questioned, particularly given the lack of proximity to metropolitan areas or existing transmission lines.

The timeline for the project has been extended, with SOPC filing for a final license application expected by October 2027. Despite facing rejection from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) twice, the company has indicated a determination to proceed, with its president asserting that public opposition has not altered their approach.

Further complicating the situation are allegations regarding SOPC's connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran expressed deep concerns about the national security implications of the project, citing ties between SOPC's leadership and Chinese interests. The company is described as a Nevada-based shell entity with no prior experience in large infrastructure projects, raising questions about its legitimacy and intentions.

Congressman Moran and others have criticized the use of eminent domain for a project that primarily benefits Texas, arguing that it undermines the intended public benefit of such actions. The project’s potential to seize 35,000 acres of private land in Oklahoma for energy generation aimed at Texas has been labeled an improper use of eminent domain.

As the project moves forward, stakeholders and local residents remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny of both environmental impacts and the broader implications of foreign involvement in critical infrastructure projects.