Dear Editor:

I am writing as a concerned citizen of Manteno. There are several reasons I am not in support of a lithium-ion battery factory being built within the confines of the Village of Manteno. The following are some of my concerns, in no specific order.

IT’S NOT A GOOD BUSINESS DEAL

The federal government, according to published reports, is giving Gotion $7.5 billion (a total potential credit of $9.75 billion). I don’t quite understand all the intricacies of the tax credit and the complex phase-out. The State of Illinois is kicking in approximately another $500 million. Eight billion dollars for Gotion to build what they say is a $2 billion plant. That’s an enormous amount!

The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) is a national non-profit organization representing domestic producers across many sectors and industries of the U.S. economy. The CPA Chairman has said: “It’s unconscionable that the State of Illinois would contribute $500 million and the federal government an additional $7.5 billion to construct a project that will cost just a fraction of that. And to give that money to a Chinese company that is already subsidized by the Chinese government is a serious mistake. China’s goal is to dominate the global battery industry, and forcing American taxpayers to unwittingly fund the CCP’s ambitions is a direct threat to the U.S. economy and national security.”

How long will it take to recover the $8 billion the U.S. taxpayers are paying for the 2,600 proposed jobs? That’s $3 million per employee! Local businesses would love to have just a few thousand dollars to just recruit the employees they need.

IT’S NOT GOOD FOR THE COUNTRY

A federal panel that has the power to veto some investments in the U.S. by national security threats like China is the Treasury Department.

The U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has implored Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Congress to take immediate action to stop the CCP from exploiting U.S. taxpayer dollars. There are documented connections between Gotion and the CCP. Gotion High-Tech Co. is a Peoples Republic of China (PRC) company that has direct ties to the CCP and its state-owned financial institutions. Gotion has been an active participant in the PRC-based version of the “Thousands Talent Program,” a program the FBI itself says encourages theft of trade secrets and economic espionage. Gotion has established multiple Communist Party Units within its operations and has publicly sought PRC provincial government support for its desire to expand its operations overseas. Even when courting major western investment, Gotion has been adamant about retaining PRC-based control.

“It is perplexing,” the House lawmakers say, “that the U.S. government would perpetuate China’s domination of key technology by actively supporting CCP-backed companies expanding their foothold in the U.S. market, especially in a crucial sector such as lithium-ion battery manufacturing.”

Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood, who serves on the House CCP Committee, has said: “I have serious concerns about Governor Pritzker and the Biden Administration’s active support for CCP-backed companies looking to expand their foothold in our economy. While I support incentives and our business climate in Illinois, I don’t believe taxpayers should be on the hook for billions in subsidies funneling to companies beholden to the Chinese Communist Party…”

If the FBI and members of a House Select Committee think this may be a bad idea, it may be a bad idea!

IT’S NOT GOOD FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT

According to the Institute For Energy Research, “The production of lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles results in more carbon dioxide emissions than the production of gasoline powered cars, and their disposal at the end of their life cycle is a growing environmental concern, as more and more electric vehicles populate the world’s roads.”

According to Greenly (a resource for companies for CO2 emission management), Greenpeace, SpringerOpen, WIRED, LCV Cenex (center of excellence for low carbon and fuel technologies), Institute For Energy Research, ProPublica, New Jersey Department of Health, PREVOR (Toxicology and Chemical Risk Management), Wright State University Journal of Bioresource Management, ScienceDirect, and other sources…Lithium, cobalt and nickel (some of the components used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries) have negative environmental effects. Damage to plant growth (our farming community); damage to fish (Rock Creek and Kankakee River); damage to animals, including reproduction (including the human animal); destruction of natural habitats and human-made societies (where these metals are extracted); respiratory issues, irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.

Doesn’t look like an enticing environment for the future of Manteno.

The Committee on Foreign Investments (CFIUS) has only received minimum disclosures from Gotion. They have never submitted what is needed, a full disclosure statement per 31C.F.R. Section 800.502, also known as Form 800. This is needed for a proper review.

In considering the above information, I earnestly and respectfully ask that you reconsider the view of the Manteno Village Board that this is a good idea for our village. It is not a good idea. At least put on hold the rezoning of the property until we get the Form 800 information.

C.S. Lewis has said, “Progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”

Respectfully,

David K. Kuiken, Manteno