Some Central New Yorkers say Micron Technology still hasn’t answered critical questions about jobs, pollution, and housing, even after the release of its final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for a massive chip plant in Clay.
The FEIS, released November 7 by the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce, followed months of public input — more than 600 comments from residents and community groups. But critics say the final report leaves too much unanswered and lacks enforceable commitments.
“Micron must disclose to the community what toxics and ‘forever’ chemicals they will use to make microchips, including a rigorous plan to protect our air and water,” said Khadeejah Ahmad, a Syracuse-based organizer with Jobs to Move America. “So far Micron has not provided clear answers.”
The group says the report fails to guarantee:
- Family-sustaining wages and fair access to jobs for marginalized communities
- Protections against gentrification and rising housing costs
- A clear strategy to avoid rate hikes for utility customers
- Plans to reduce emissions or expand renewable energy use
Micron’s facility is expected to use more energy than the entire city of Seattle and require major upgrades to regional infrastructure. Community leaders say they’re worried those costs will fall on residents unless safeguards are put in place…