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News and Notes on the
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Or What could be the future
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2/21/2023 marshall residents speak against the Ford blue oval battery plant - A letter to the marshall township boardRead NowDear Marshall Township Board,
I am here today to express my concern regarding the proposed electric vehicle battery plant. While it may sound like a great opportunity for our community, there are significant economic concerns that must be taken into account. The production of lithium and cobalt, two crucial materials in electric vehicle batteries, is heavily reliant on unstable foreign markets. These markets are often plagued by political instability, labor violations, and supply chain issues. As a result, prices for these materials can be volatile, leading to unpredictable production costs for manufacturers. Furthermore, the demand for electric vehicles is currently concentrated in a few countries, and it is uncertain whether this demand will continue to grow at a sustainable rate. A sudden drop in demand could leave the proposed plant vulnerable to a boom-and-bust cycle, which would have negative consequences for our local economy. In addition, the lithium and cobalt industry has been linked to numerous environmental and social issues, including water pollution, deforestation, and human rights abuses. These concerns could damage the reputation of our city and negatively impact our local economy. Finally, while the proposed plant may create jobs in the short term, we must consider the long-term economic sustainability of the industry. If demand for electric vehicles decreases, the plant may be forced to downsize or shut down, leaving our community with few options for economic recovery. I heard that the majority of the jobs at the proposed EV plant site are $18-20 per hour. Construction costs being what they are, an average plant worker supporting a family will not be able to afford new construction home or an existing rental. Lastly, the average demographics of the Marshall Township Board, Marshall City Council, and MAEDA board concern me as a millennial. It’s feels like you are only thinking of your limited lifetimes, making a decision on behalf of all of us, leaving the trailing generations to deal with the consequences. In conclusion, I urge the City Council to reconsider the proposed electric vehicle battery plant. The potential economic risks and negative externalities are significant, and we must prioritize sustainable development that is beneficial for our community in the long run. Thank you. Jason Blanchard, Marshall
7 Comments
James
2/21/2023 06:01:48 am
It's important that we start learning actual facts instead of repeating the same misinformed arguments. First, there is no cobalt being used in this plant, as it is an LFP battery plant. While I won't go on too long about this, but iron and phosphate do not have nearly the supply chain issues as nickel or cobalt. While certainty lithium is not a substance we should be irresponsible with, I have yet to see anyone actually cite a case of widespread contamination due to battery production.
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2/21/2023 11:15:05 am
Local officials have illustrated that they have no understanding about what this proposed project nor what it will do to the quality of life for residents. None of the participants in the creation of the Megasite- MAEDA, Marshall Township Trustees (except one) City of Marshall have NOT shown any concern for Township residents who will be driven from their homes for this project. There is no awareness to the loss of our cultural and environmental resources.
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James
2/21/2023 05:27:35 pm
2/22/2023 01:43:55 am
Hi Jim,
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James
2/22/2023 09:40:59 am
The people being "forced from their homes" were compensated very generously for the inconvenience. I'm sorry you did not own property in the area, and thus missed out.
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2/22/2023 11:49:04 am
Wow, "inconvenience"? Wow, we're going to call you out right here and say you're an heartless person. Perhaps a soul less one. Forcing people from homes in which they've lived 30, 40 and even 58 years is more than an "inconvenience". As you indicated, you're pretty young as you assumed the people running this page are old. You also present yourself as pretty immature. You obviously haven't lived long enough to have the life experiences to give you any kind of empathy as to how emotionally and physically distressful this has been for residents actually in the megasite and those whose properties are within the impact zone of the megasite.
James
2/22/2023 06:52:09 pm
My argument was not that agriculture is bad, but rather and use of land will come with consequences, even ag. In fact, yes, I do currently work in agriculture. IPM to be specific. You shouldn't assume.
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Concerned CitizensWe are concerned residents who are oppossed to the State of Michigan's plant to create a 1,600 acre industrial park outside historic Marshall, Michigan. Instead we wish to see a 1,600 acre recreational area on this site which runs along two miles of the Kalamazoo River. Save Historic Marshall, Save Michigan's Agricultural Land and Protect Michigan's green spaces! Archives
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