Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Lordstown Battery Plant Moving Forward

Lordstown, Ohio – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today made the following statement on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approving the GM-LG Chem Lordstown Battery Plant’s permit. Earlier today, the Western Reserve Port Authority (WRPA) authorized a sales tax exemption certificate for the Lordstown Battery Plant. The plant will mass-produce battery cells for next-generation electric vehicles on approximately 177 acres of property.

“Like everyone in the Valley, I was devastated by General Motors’ decision to close the Lordstown plant, but I was steadfast in my determination to make something good come out of this. Several months after the plant closure, GM made an announcement, in partnership with LG Chem, to move forward with a proposal to develop a $2.3 billion battery plant, and Lordstown was the perfect location for this project. I worked closely with General Motors, local governments and the U.S. Army Corps, lobbying hard for this plant to be built in Lordstown. I believe my efforts helped make that happen,” said Congressman Tim Ryan.

“With regard to the permitting process, I am grateful to General Motors for working so closely with the OEPA and U.S. Army Corps to address all the environment concerns at this particular site.  Furthermore, the regulatory team at the U.S. Army Corps should be commended for their leadership and expeditious review and approval paving way to proceed with this game-changing project.  Striking a balance between economic development and environmental compliance is something that we must strive to achieve regardless of the size and scope of the project,” Ryan continued.  

“The permit authorizes the placement of fill material into approximately 66 acres of wetland and 81 linear feet of stream for construction of the plant and attendant features,” said Scott Hans, chief, regulatory division, Pittsburgh District. “Wetland fills will be mitigated by reestablishing 130.2 acres of wetland and rehabilitating 4.1 acres of wetland at the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area.” 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District’s Regulatory Division approved and issued a permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) to General Motors, on behalf of GigaPower LLC, for the construction of a 3-million square-foot battery cell plant in the village of Lordstown, Ohio, April 14.

Section 404 of the CWA establishes a program to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. The Department of the Army Regulatory Program is responsible for administering Section 404 of the CWA to protect the Nation’s aquatic resources.

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