Electric Carmaker Rivian Nearing Major Deal For Atlanta-Area Plant (Perry: buy, vehicle)

[Atlanta-Native]

Originally Posted by LynnHarris1

Former Local Official Stands To Make Millions From Rivian Plant On Family's Land

https://www.bisnow.com/atlanta/news/...ts-land-112319

SOURCE: Bisnow Atlanta

Now that's interesting.

[arjay57]

Sounds like the anti-Rivian folks are flat sticking it to the powers-that-be.

And Perdue has come out against it.

Maybe Georgia is just not the right place for this sort of thing.

A Rivian executive was present via video conference but did not speak during the hearing.

A spokesperson for Rivian said the meeting was a valuable opportunity for the company to gather input and that the company is committed to sharing details of their plans for the site once they are complete and "meet our own high design and environmental standards."

The plant is a subject of contention in Georgia's Republican primary for governor, with former U.S. Sen. David Perdue attacking Kemp for agreeing to the Rivian location without support from neighbors.

Full article...Rivian electric car plant blasted by foes at Georgia meeting
https://www.gpb.org/news/2022/04/20/...1q5jQq-eXJ2WD0

[atlHawks]

Is David Perdue anti-business? He’s trying to drive huge business out of GA. Perdue is basically AOC.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by atlHawks

Is David Perdue anti-business? He’s trying to drive huge business out of GA. Perdue is basically AOC.

Perdue is pro-Trump and therefore anti-Kemp, who is turn pro-business.

Rivian is electric so they are possibly green-new-dealish, which could be pro-AOC, although AOC is not exactly pro-business.

[arjay57]

Since Perdue has come out against this Rivian thing, does that mean if he wins the deal is off?

[Born 2 Roll]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Since Perdue has come out against this Rivian thing, does that mean if he wins the deal is off?

That’s an excellent question.

Most governors want to project an image of strength when it comes to economic development and economic recruitment.

But as a gubernatorial candidate, David Perdue has put himself in a position to oppose what has been reported to be the state’s largest ever single economic development deal.

So one probably would have to assume that Perdue would stop the Rivian project if elected Governor after running a campaign that opposed the deal.

[Smocaine]

Can we not just tell people who live in Rutledge, Georgia to go **** themselves? What actual conceivable reason would there be not to bring a huge new factory in?

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Smocaine

Can we not just tell people who live in Rutledge, Georgia to go **** themselves? What actual conceivable reason would there be not to bring a huge new factory in?

I actually agree with you.

[arjay57]

You've got folks down there who place a high value on their ER.

[First24]

Seems so unwise of Perdue.

Metro Atlanta’s economy could absorb the loss of Rivian; but what about the precedent it sets for attracting major manufacturing projects outside of the metro area in the future? How many companies may just cross Georgia off the map completely for site selection consideration because they do not want to hassle with the state’s political apparatus?

Another thing, Rivian not only has plans for the vehicle manufacturing facility but also create a R&D office in Atlanta. If the plant gets axed, it’s a good bet to think any ancillary projects go as well.