GREEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Court documents show that Gotion Inc., an electric vehicle battery plant, filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against Green Township on Friday.
Gotion Inc. is scheduled to build a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Green Charter Township.
The lawsuit alleges Green Township failed to approve a water line for the project, which is stated as being a violation of the development agreement.
“It’s unfortunate that Gotion has had to resort to litigation to get the township to comply with their obligations under the agreement," said Gotion's Vice President of North American Affairs, Chuck Thelen. "We’re unable to comment further since this is now an ongoing legal matter.”
On Saturday, the Mecosta Environmental Security Alliance (MESA) issued a response that stated the original agreement under the previous township board was reached without a public meeting, making it a violation of the Opening Meetings Act.
Due to this, the MESA said the lawsuit is not legitimate.
Thelen, has said that Gotion Inc. is a subsidiary of its Chinese parent company and is independent from any communist influence.
"Has the communist party penetrated this company? No," Thelen said in April 2023. "Do we have articles of incorporation that require a specific paragraph where you don't do business in the country of China? Yes."
Gotion Inc. submitted a site plan application for review to the Mecosta County Planning Commission and publicly revealed its latest site plan on March 1.
In addition to approval of the site application, Gotion is trying to get a soil erosion and sedimentation control permit through the Mecosta County Drain Commission.
The new site plan includes the protection of more than 60 acres of land to preserve wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.
Gotion said company officials have met with Mecosta County officials to prepare for the application and have visited the property several times.
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