Opposition growing over Chinese battery manufacturer locating in Illinois

[July 30, 2024]  By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – As more revelations arise about a Chinese company that plans to build a battery plant in Kankakee County, opposition is building.

Gotion is slated to receive over $8 billion in federal and state subsidies for its Manteno, Illinois, plant. The company plans to build a facility in Michigan as well, where Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, took part in a roundtable discussion on Gotion’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

“While I believe it’s important that we incentivize business growth, it is simply unacceptable that governors like J.B. Pritzker and Gretchen Whitmer have decided to leave taxpayers on the hook for billions in federal subsidies funneling the companies beholden to maligned actors like the CCP,” said LaHood.

A plant designed to supply parts to the Manteno project has faced opposition in Michigan. A recall election in Green Charter Township threw out five local board members who backed tax breaks for Gotion.

“People are in favor of jobs coming into their area, but not when there’s a link to the Chinese Communist Party,” said U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Michigan.

A congressional committee has presented evidence alleging that Gotion benefits from forced labor in China.

LaHood and Moolenaar have introduced the No Official Giveaways Of Taxpayers’ Income to Oppressive Nations (NO GOTION) Act. The bill would prohibit companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party from receiving green energy production tax credits implemented by the Biden Administration in the Inflation Reduction Act.

A horse on Lori Brock's farm jumps in the air while wearing a shirt that says 'I say neigh to Gotion.' - Photo: Lori Brock | Contributed photo

Amanda Piker, founding board member of the group Concerned Citizens of Manteno, also took part in the roundtable discussion.

“Gotion would not even be operating if it weren’t for massive state and federal tax subsidies,” said Piker. “We are essentially paying for something we don’t want and we don’t trust.”

Chuck Thelen, VP of North American Operations, has denied Gotion is tied to the Chinese Communist Party.

“Gotion High-Tech is an independently operated international private enterprise. The political affiliation of any employee does not affect the company’s business decision-making process. Gotion complies with all laws and regulations of the countries where it conducts business and provides high-quality products to their customers,” Thelen said in a statement.

A lawsuit to stop the Manteno plant alleging zoning law violations and chemical dangers is being heard by a judge. A decision on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed is expected on September 30.

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