OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. — Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt fired Ken McQueen from his position as secretary of energy and environment and director of the department of energy immediately after McQueen appeared at a court hearing for a state lawsuit against poultry processors on Dec. 3.

The ongoing lawsuit was initially filed in 2005 by former Attorney General Drew Edmondson regarding improper poultry litter disposal and environmental damage to the state’s water by poultry companies.

“I’m disappointed that Ken McQueen would join AG Drummond, former AG Drew Edmondson and environmentalists in opposition to Oklahoma farmers and landowners by appearing at a court hearing today in his capacity as secretary,” Stitt said in a statement released on his Facebook page. “This nearly two-decade-old case is a radical left attempt at backdoor regulation through litigation.”

Replacing McQueen is Jeff Starling, who brings over two decades of legal, regulatory and operational experience in the energy industry.

“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,” Stitt said. “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 and administrative officer and corporate secretary at Lagoon Water Midstream. Before joining Lagoon, Starling was assistant general counsel at Devon Energy Corp., managing litigation efforts and supporting operational business units. He also worked as a partner at McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, Va., and served as a legislative aide to former US Senator John W. Warner (R-Va.).

Starling earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University.

“I’m thrilled to serve Oklahoma in this new capacity,” Starling said. “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.”