Lawsuit Seeks to Halt Micron Chip Factories Over Environmental Concerns
A national advocacy group and local residents in Central New York have initiated a lawsuit aiming to halt Micron Technology’s chip manufacturing facilities in Clay. The lawsuit alleges that the environmental review conducted for this extensive project was insufficient.
Micron Chip Factories Under Legal Scrutiny
The legal action was launched on the same day state and federal officials marked the groundbreaking of the facility. It is backed by Jobs to Move America, a national nonprofit organization, and Neighbors for a Better Micron, a local group led by resident Bonita Siegel. The lawsuit was filed in the state Supreme Court in Albany.
Concerns Over Environmental Impacts
The plaintiffs argue that the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) did not properly assess the environmental consequences before approving Micron’s plans in November. Micron’s proposal involves constructing four chipmaking factories by 2041, with an investment of approximately $100 billion. This initiative is expected to yield 9,000 direct jobs and around 40,000 ancillary employment opportunities.
- Project: Micron Technology Chip Factories
- Investment: $100 billion
- Direct Jobs Created: 9,000
- Spinoff Jobs: 40,000
- Completion Year: 2041
Claims in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit asserts that Micron has failed to make binding commitments to employ local workers or ensure favorable working conditions. OCIDA unanimously approved the project, acknowledging its significant environmental effects but stated that the plan aimed to minimize adverse impacts as much as possible.
Specific issues raised include:
- Expected emissions of PFAS and other pollutants.
- Greenhouse gas emissions.
- Destruction of 200 acres of wetlands on the site.
According to the lawsuit, the environmental review process was rushed, receiving minimal public input. The plaintiffs seek to invalidate OCIDA’s approval, potentially affecting building permits and any state environmental permits associated with the project.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
The lawsuit was filed shortly after a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by notable figures, including Micron’s CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and Governor Kathy Hochul. Site preparation is anticipated to commence promptly, with preparations involving the clearance of 445 acres of forest. Tree-cutting activities must be suspended between March 31 and November 1 to protect local bat species.
Construction Plans and Impact
Micron’s construction is expected to require about 2 million yards of fill material, transported predominantly by trucks. This will result in significant traffic, with estimates of up to 500 truck trips per day. The project anticipates that between 2,000 and 4,000 construction workers will be on-site through 2030.
Micron’s endeavor has undergone a comprehensive environmental review that spanned two years and produced over 20,000 pages of documentation, culminating in November. Although Micron has received various governmental approvals, representatives from both the company and Onondaga County were unavailable to comment on the lawsuit.
