ALBANY, N.Y. — A New York State Court is set to hear arguments in a case regarding environmental concerns stemming from Micron.
On Jan. 16, the same day that Micron broke ground at White Pines Commerce Park in the Town of Clay, Jobs to Move America (JMA) and Neighbors for a Better Micron (NBM) filed a lawsuit against the tech giant, hoping to block its construction.
The lawsuit sought to address “serious, unresolved concerns about the potential environmental, health and community impacts” of Micron and to ascertain that the facility would have “robust economic benefits.”
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On July 23, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in the case urging the court to rule against NBM and JMA, a news release from JMA said.
The DOJ’s brief argued that the lawsuit could set a precedent that would threaten other CHIPS projects and U.S. national security interests by letting citizens block federally funded projects through procedural challenges under state environmental review law, if successful.
JMA and NBM argued in response that the brief mischaracterizes their goal. The organizations said they are solely seeking to challenge the Micron environmental review process.
“The federal government cannot disregard state law simply by vaguely invoking ‘national security,’” said JMA Litigation Director Meredith Stewart. “We want this project to move forward with a proper environmental review process. Following the law to ensure that review takes place doesn’t conflict with the government’s aim of a greater domestic presence of the semiconductor industry. We just want this done right.”
Oral arguments are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in an Albany courtroom.