Take Action
Every voice matters. Grassroots movements depend upon the participation of everyone–regardless of age, creed, or ability. Letters and phone calls make a difference.
We've outlined a few ways you can use your voice to say NO to toxic megasites, dirty "green energy" development, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
Help us fight.
State & Federal Officials to Write, Email, and Call
Tell Michigan legislators and regulators: NO megasites, NO wind & solar, NO taxpayer abuse!
As we fight these toxic developments and dirty "green energy" deals across the state, it's critical to keep reminding our legislators that their jobs are on the line over their decisions to support or fight against these projects.
Likewise, we need to remind regulatory agencies such as EGLE and the EPA that we as citizens are watching, and holding them accountable to performing proper environmental due diligence at EVERY step of the way.
Last, we need to send a clear message to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that this abuse of our taxpayer dollars will not be tolerated.
Feel free to use the letters at the bottom of this page as templates–we always encourage you to use your own words.
Keep zoning local!
According to Michigan Radio, Governor Whitmer is expected to “call for legislation that would remove local government control over the wind and solar permitting process” in the policy speech she will deliver this upcoming Wednesday. Earlier this week, Michigan’s House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D), told Bridge Michigan “he plans to introduce legislation in the coming weeks to move control of utility-scale wind and solar projects to the [Public Service Commission] PSC.”
This blatant violation of our rights as citizens and stakeholders to self-determination will not be tolerated. Write your legislators and let them know that supporting this legislature is political suicide.
Feel free to use the letter template at the bottom of the page.
MI Senators (D)
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D)
S-324 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-6960
SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D)
3100 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-2417
Sen. Winnie Brinks (D)
S-102 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1801
SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D)
S-2 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7918
SenDCamilleri@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Mary Cavanaugh (D)
6500 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7748
SenMCavanaugh@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Stephanie Chang (D)
4100 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7346
Sen. John Cherry (D)
3600 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-0142
SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Erika Geiss (D)
5500 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7800
Sen. Kevin Hertel (D)
7600 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7315
SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Jeff Irwin (D)
5100 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-2406
Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D)
6600 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7670
SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Sean McCann (D)
7100 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-5100
SenSMccann@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D)
5400 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1725
SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D)
6100 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-2523
SenMMcmorrow@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Jeremy Moss (D)
S-132 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7888
Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D)
S-310 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7350
SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Sylvia Santana (D)
5600 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-0990
SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Sue Shink (D)
4200 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-2426
Sen. Sam Singh (D)
S-8 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-3447
Sen. Paul Wojno (D)
6300 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-8360
MI GOP Senators
Sen. Jim Runestad (R)
7500 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1758
SenJRunestad@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Lana Theis (R)
7400 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-2420
Sen. Roger Victory (R)
6400 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-6920
SenRVictory@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Michael Webber (R)
3200 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-0994
SenMWebber@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R)
S-105 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-0793
SenANesbitt@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Rick Outman (R)
4400 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-3760
SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Dan Lauwers (R)
S-9 Capitol
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7708
SenDLauwers@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R)
3500 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-3543
SenJLindsey@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Edward McBroom (R)
6200 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7840
SenEMcbroom@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Ruth Johnson (R)
7300 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1636
SenRJohnson@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Michelle Hoitenga (R)
3400 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-7946
SenMHoitenga@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Mark Huizenga (R)
7200 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-0797
SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Roger Hauck (R)
3300 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1760
Sen. Kevin Daley (R)
5200 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1777
Sen. John Damoose (R)
4300 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-2413
SenJDamoose@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Jon Bumstead (R)
4600 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1635
SenJBumstead@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Joseph Bellino (R)
5300 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-5932
SenJBellino@senate.michigan.gov
Sen. Thomas Albert (R)
4500 Binsfeld
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-1734
More Michigan Legislators
Let ALL your state legislators know how you feel about megasites, wind and solar–including your congressmen and representatives. We need to keep reminding our legislators of our concern over this issue.
You can find your legislators and their contact info here.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The MEDC is the state-funded economic development corporation that's brokering the sale of these deals, under their 2022-2023 Michigan Site Selection Plan. MEDC executives have continued to express their support for these projects, despite public outcry and bipartisan warnings to perform basic due diligence.
Contact:
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer - Chair, Michigan Strategic Fund
517-241-1400
messerq@michigan.org
300 N. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48913
The Right Place
The Right Place is a greater Grand Rapids economic development corporation thats partially funded by the state (through the MEDC), and partially funded by Michigan manufacturers. CEO Randy Thelen and many of his staff were hired on at about the same time Chuck Thelen, Randy Thelen's cousin, was hired on as Gotion, Inc.'s new VP.
Contact:
Randy Thelen, President & CEO
616-771-0324
125 Ottawa NW, Suite 450, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Muskegon River Watershed Alliance Board
MRWA has been on the fence on Gotion, despite the glaring red environmental flags. EGLE has made it clear they will rely heavily on MRWA in the permitting process, so it’s critical that MRWA understand how concerning this issue is to the community.
Contact:
231-591-2334
c/o Ferris State University, 1009 Campus Drive JOH 200, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
EGLE is Michigan’s regulatory agency responsible for maintaining environmental quality, and scope of their work includes permitting. Gotion is applying to EGLE for their building permits, despite the fact that they have yet to provide an environmental impact study (EIS). EGLE seems to have experienced regulatory capture in regards to large developments like Gotion and the Marshall megasite. While EGLE runs news segments about cleaning PFAs out of the water on the east side of the state, in Marshall, EGLE allowed the trees to be cut down before their field workers inspected the site for bats. On May 18, eight Michigan legislators signed a letter to EGLE requesting all documentation regarding Gotion’s environmental impact be provided immediately.
Contact:
Acting Director Aaron Keatley
Constitutional Hall
517-284-6709
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
525 West Allegan Street, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, MI 48909
EPA’s Office in Chicago (Region 5)
The Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) has oversight and review authority over EGLE. Our regional district (Region 5) is in Chicago, and needs to understand the gravity of this situation, so their Great Lakes, Chemicals, and Water Divisions can take proper action.
Contact:
Office of the Region 5 Administrator
Debra Shore, Regional Administrator
312-353-2000
Environmental Protection Agency
77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604
MEDC Board Members
The MEDC’s MSF Board governs many of the largest development transactions which come through the MEDC, including District Detroit, Gotion, and the Marshall megasite. We need to let their board understand that we as resident stakeholders deserve a place at the table, and will not tolerate these private-public corporations run roughshod over our communities, environment, and safety.
Board member contacts:
Dr. Britany L. Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, Michigan’s University Research Corridor
500 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 120, Lansing, MI 4891
Susan Corbin, Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)
105 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933
Rachael Eubanks, State Treasurer, Michigan Department of Treasury
430 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933
Dimitrius Hutcherson, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Technology Officer, First Independence Bank
7310 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48202
Leon Richardson, Founder, President, and CEO, Chemico Group
25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 120, Southfield, MI 48033
Charles P. Rothstein, Founding Partner, Beringea, LLC
32330 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Susan Tellier, President, JetCo Packaging Solutions
5575 Kraft Ave SE Ste 100, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49512
Cindy L. Warner, Founder, 360ofme
225 S Main St Ste 200 Royal Oak, MI, 48067
Bradley C. Wieferich, P.E., Acting Director, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
State Transportation Building
425 W. Ottawa Street, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, MI 48909
The Right Place Board Members
Many business representatives are on the Right Place's governing board, including FSU's Bill Pink. But there are others which may not appreciate the pressure of hearing directly from citizens. We need to tell The Right Place’s board that Randy Thelen’s leadership and the Gotion project are tarnishing The Right Place’s reputation.
Board member contacts:
Tina Freese Decker – President & CEO, Corewell Health
100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
Bill Pink – President, Ferris State University
1201 S. State Street, Timme Center, CSS 301, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Steve Downing – President & CEO, Gentex Corporation
600 North Centennial Street Zeeland, MI 49464
Sara Armbruster – President & CEO, Steelcase
901 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Stephen M. Abbott – Executive Director, Middle Market Commercial Banking, JP Morgan Chase
1100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Rick Baker – President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber
616.771.0322
250 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Chris Bardeggia – Vice President of Global Quality & Lean, Steelcase, Inc. (Manufacturing Council Chair)
901 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD MHS* – Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, MSU
965 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
Matt Biersack, MD – President, Trinity Health Saint Mary's
200 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Luke Cherveny – Grand Rapids Office Managing Partner - Tax Reporting & Strategy Partner, PwC
80 Ottawa Ave NW, Unit 320, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jeffrey Connolly – Senior Vice President & President, West Michigan & Upper Peninsula, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
611 Cascade West Pkwy SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Shawn Crowley – Co-CEO, Atomic Object (Tech Council Member)
1034 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Michael Davenport – President & CEO, Jireh Metal
3635 Nardin St SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Lauren Davis – West Michigan Region President, Huntington Bank
Huntington Bank, 150 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Ronald G. DeWaard – Managing Partner, Varnum LLP
333 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504
James E. Dillard III – EVP & President of Consumer Health Care Americas, Perrigo Company
430 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Katie L. Ferris, CPA – Tax Office Managing Partner, BDO
200 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Joi Harris – DTE Gas President & COO, DTE Energy
444 Wealthy Street SW, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Joshua Hulst – Co-founder & Managing Partner, Michigan Software Labs
7471 River St. Ada, MI 49301
Nick Hrnyak – CEO, Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
4375 52nd Street, Kentwood, MI 49512
John Kennedy – President & CEO, Autocam Medical
3607 Broadmoor Avenue SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
Rick Keyes – President & CEO, Meijer
2929 Walker Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Blake W. Krueger* – CEO & President, Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
9341 Courtland Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49351
Charles W. Lott – Senior VP, Wells Fargo
146 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Dr. Philomena Mantella* – President, Grand Valley State University
3035 James H. Zumberge Hall, Allendale MI 49401
Megan Norris – CEO, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, P.L.C.
99 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 1200, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Andi Owen – President & CEO, MillerKnoll
855 E Main Ave Zeeland, MI, 49464
Milind Pant – CEO, Amway Corporation
951 Ogden Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D – President, Davenport University
6191 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Julie Rietberg – CEO, Greater Regional Alliance of Realtors
660 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Garrick Rochow* – President & CEO, Consumers Energy Company
4000 Clay Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Tony Sarsam – President & CEO, SpartanNash
850 76th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
Rich Sorota – CEO, Miller Johnson
45 Ottawa Ave SW, Unit 1100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Tom Stritzinger – Senior Vice President, Comerica Bank
99 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Julius Suchy – Township Manager, Ada Township
7330 Thornapple River Drive, PO Box 370, Ada, MI 49301
Renee Tabben – Director, Merrill Lynch Wealth, Market President, Bank of America
250 Monroe Ave NW, Unit 600, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jim Teets* – Chairman & CEO, ADAC Automotive
5670 Eagle Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
David L. Van Andel* – Chairman & CEO, Van Andel Institute
333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Al Vanderberg – County Administrator/Controller, Kent County
County Administration Building
300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mike VanGessel – CEO, Rockford Construction
601 First Street, Grand Rapids MI 49504
Sozon Vatikiotis – Chief Operating Officer & Chief Administrative Officer, Acrisure
100 Ottawa Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mark Washington – City Manager, City of Grand Rapids
City Hall
300 Monroe Ave NW, 6th Floor, MI Grand Rapids 49503
Mark J. Wassink – Managing Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP
150 Ottawa Ave NW, Unit 150, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Thomas G. Welch, Jr. – Regional President, Fifth Third Bank - West Michigan
111 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sean P. Welsh* – Regional President - Western Michigan, PNC Bank
171 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Letter Templates
Events
Other ways to take action
How can the resources YOU have be put to use?
There are so many other ways individuals like you can take action today. You can:
- send Gotion story tips to your favorite journalists, local and national
- FOIA for missing public documentation–such as the development agreement, environmental impact reporting, email records, etc.
- talk with your neighbors about the issue at local hangout spots
- paint/make anti-Gotion yard signage for yourself and your neighbors
- throw an informational Gotion barbecue and invite your neighbors and friends who are still on the fence
- hire your own lawyer to pursue suing state officials for violating the constitution or federal environmental regulations
What we're doing
Recall them all!
Our primary focus with the larger grassroots movement right now is completing the recalls for Green Charter Township's board, and for Big Rapids Township's Supervisor Bill Stanek, which have been started. We need lots of boots on the ground getting and signing signatures!
We're also working to get more exposure on this issue nationally, on the security risk as WELL as the risk to our watershed and environment. It's been difficult to convey the seriousness of this issue to progressive and environmental groups thus far, but the message is getting out–we need to make it louder.
There's much more we're working on behind the scenes–we encourage you to get involved and lend a hand.
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