Intel has big plans for Ohio as they look to make the Buckeye State a hub for chip manufacturing. 🏭 It’ll bring a ton of great jobs, but will it also bring environmental concerns? 🧐
Semiconductor manufacturing isn’t the cleanest or greenest. 🥴 Let’s look at some possible red flags.
Here’s Five Fast Facts on the Intel project and the environment:
- 💰 Big Bucks - The Biden administration recently announced Intel will get $8.5B in federal subsidies. The company is also eligible for up to $11B in low-cost loans to help Intel foot the bill for its $100B plans to build all across the country. That includes the new factory in New Albany, which will serve as a regional cluster for chipmaking.
- 🏭 All That & a Bag of Chips - This award is the largest since 2022, when the CHIPS and Science Act passed. The law sets aside $52.7B in federal aid to bring chip manufacturing back to the U.S. from overseas.
- 💦 Thirst Trap - Making chips requires a whole lot of water, which is a cause for concern with local residents. Those who live in Licking County, close to the New Albany plant, have already seen their wells run dry when developers dug test wells. There’s also the fear that chemicals from the manufacturing process could seep into drinking water.
- ☣️Toxic Relationship - Semiconductor plants use a boat load of chemicals, many of which are known to be hazardous “forever chemicals.” Conveniently, companies are allowed to hide some of the chemicals they use under a “trade secrets” label. Chip workers in Silicon Valley and elsewhere who were exposed to toxic chemicals have dealt with illness, birth defects, and in some cases death.
- ⚗️ Chemical Counties - Where Intel has factories in other states, locals there aren’t big fans. In New Mexico, there have been complaints ranging from stinky smells to illness and cancer. Last year in Oregon, Intel’s factory there was fined for turning its pollution equipment off for two months and letting caustic gasses into the air. Silicon Valley, AKA ground zero for semiconductor manufacturing, has more poisoned sites than any other county in the country.
🔥Bottom line: If Intel’s manufacturing processes could cause harm to the local environment, residents have a right to know. Workers should know what they’re getting into as well. Let’s hope the new plant brings more good than bad to Ohio. In other green news, have you heard about green mortgages? They could save you some dough.
How do you feel about the new Intel plant?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
Btw, If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet signed up for the weekly Paycheckology newsletter, CLICK HERE!
