Arrr, mateys! A scurvy crew o' Chinese landlubbers be choppin' trees in Michigan for an electric vessel hideout!
2024-02-16
Arr, a Chinese buccaneer of electric contraptions be choppin' trees to make room for a mighty green power haven in Michigan, mateys! And, by Davy Jones' locker, them Democrats be lendin' a hand in this seafarin' venture!
A Chinese green energy company, Gotion Inc., backed by Michigan's state government, is facing opposition as it begins to tear down trees to make way for an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Mecosta County, Michigan. The project aims to support the state's climate goals but has received backlash from Republicans and national security experts due to Gotion's ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The firm argues that the tree-cutting process is legal and accuses "extremist groups" of spreading misinformation and manufacturing lies about the company. Despite the opposition, Gotion plans to proceed with the tree-cutting on February 14.Gotion initially unveiled its development plans for the EV project in October 2022, with support from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. However, the project has faced delays and opposition due to concerns over the company's ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The Whitmer administration has allocated nearly $200 million in taxpayer funding for the project, but Gotion has yet to file any permit applications with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Local opposition has also caused one logging business to back out of the project.
The project has been criticized by state and federal lawmakers, as well as national security experts who warn of potential espionage by Chinese assets. Republican Michigan state Sens. Jonathan Lindsey and Lana Theis have called for the Whitmer administration to halt funding for the project. However, the administration has not responded to these concerns.