Quote:
Originally Posted by tvbound
"The longest journey, begins with but a single step." I personally think that it is silly and disingenuous to infer that since the manufacturing of 'green' products currently requires the use of fossil fuels somewhere along the chain, means that it's not even really worth pursuing the reduction of our dependence on fossil fuels. Electrically powered heavy equipment, trucks and even locomotives, are currently being developed. And yes, I am aware of the issues & problems with manufacturing and disposal of batteries, but I also believe we will make great strides in those areas in the future. To the OP, I am also wondering why that company chose TN., if the raw materials were not conveniently located nearby? Were they given, like is done in a lot of similar circumstances to companies, large incentives and/or tax breaks by the state? Regardless if there were incentives, the company should have done a better job of due diligence before locating there.
The bottom line though, is that for so many reasons, we have to wean ourselves away from our dependence on fossil fuels and although there will be problems along the way - it is still the most sane path to take. Baby steps.
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My point, maybe not clear enough, is that solar power and electric cars are not totally green, they require expenditure of fossil fuels and the pollution created by these means to produce them. How much of the good properties of the alternative power generating sources are offset by the negative of using fossil fuels to make them. I haven't been able to find anything on this. Maybe there is a reason.
Believe me these large corporations conduct extensive research on where to locate a facility, and contrary to the popular belief, the leaders of these companies are quite intelligent when making decisions about the bottom line.
A large manufacturing plant requires interstate highway access, rail service for many is a prime concern and a ready, reasonably educated and large enough population base from which to hire employees. Even river barge service is a concern to certain businesses. As with most of the locations where these raw materials are located are in low populated areas with no interstate highway or railroad within a reasonable distance. Many of the rural areas in Tennessee do not have interstate, rail or a large population so businesses ignore the areas and no amount of incentives will change that.
All states offer tax breaks and other incentives to lure new businesses. No incentives, no new businesses to create more jobs. I don't agree with it but it is what it is.
We don't have the battery technology at this time that could power heavy earth moving equipment. That kind of technology is way down the road and wishful thinking won't make it any faster.